tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52957225451338238092024-03-13T16:12:27.279-04:00Seriously Amber LynaeAmber Lynaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16890268873178010212noreply@blogger.comBlogger150125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5295722545133823809.post-49619245313723512202012-10-23T12:02:00.000-04:002012-10-23T12:02:03.836-04:00Making ChangesI post on Tuesdays over at Mormon Mommy Writers. I had to make some confessions and I have some changes I need to make in my life. Feel free to stop over there and read <a href="http://www.blogger.com/Just%20had%20to%20get%20it%20off%20of%20my%20chest.%20%20http://mormonmommywriters.blogspot.com/2012/10/confessions-of-procrastinating.html">The Confessions of a Procrastinating Scatterbrain.</a><br />
<br />Amber Lynaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16890268873178010212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5295722545133823809.post-11359794454494703722011-08-04T23:33:00.000-04:002012-07-23T22:15:37.291-04:00A Letter of Excuse(s)Dear Blogosphere,<br />
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In regards to the issue of my<span style="font-size: x-large;"> unannounced extended leave of absence</span>, I am providing the following list of very <strike>truthful</strike> responses:<br />
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1: "I wrote you every day for a year" but my mother kept all my witty posts hidden from you.<br />
2: I forgot to<span style="font-size: x-large;"> lick the stamp</span> before I sent my post.<br />
3: <span style="font-size: large;">Zynga</span> locked my out of blogger and made me play Cityville, Farmville, and Mafia Wars, until I collected enough reward points to buy my way out.<br />
4: I am actually dead and <span style="font-size: large;">typing this from the grave</span>.<br />
5: The <span style="font-size: x-large;">voices in my head</span> took a vacation and left the lights off upstairs to save electricity.<br />
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Or if none of those excuses is acceptable maybe you will believe that after finding out I was pregnant a year ago things got harder and harder to keep up with. Then my little man was born and I got all sucked in by his super cuteness. I mean take a look this guy is so sweet.<br />
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However, I think the first 5 excuses are most plausible.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Sincerely Amber Lynae</b></span>Amber Lynaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16890268873178010212noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5295722545133823809.post-68949930978409747732011-01-14T20:49:00.002-05:002012-07-23T22:15:53.244-04:00What is it about triangles anyway?I read my fair share of young adult fiction. My current project is a young adult fantasy. I know I'm not the only one out there who has noticed the trend for love triangles in Young Adult fiction. How did this plot line become so trendy? Is this the only way for authors to create tension in a love story? Is the whole idea just way overdone to make it in today's market?<br />
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I actually quite enjoyed a post over at <a href="http://midnightmeditations.blogspot.com/2011/01/twin-talk-tuesday.html">Midnight Meditations</a> discussing this topic. <br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">So what are your thoughts on the love triangle? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Take it or leave it?</span></div>Amber Lynaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16890268873178010212noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5295722545133823809.post-71364971717703857772011-01-07T18:01:00.002-05:002012-07-23T22:16:00.672-04:00The Danger of SomedayI recently watched the movie Knight and Day. I especially liked the thought that expressed by the character named Roy Miller: "Someday is a dangerous word."<br />
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When many people hear that I am working on my first novel, I often hear the same response. " I would love to write a novel someday. But if you are anything like me, you sometimes push your writing to the side because your to do list is piling up. It only takes a short time to realize that the to do list never gets shorter. When one thing gets checked off another has taken its place. Someday can quickly become never.<br />
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This holiday season I approached my to do list with amazing vigor. I wanted to get everything done so that the new year could focus on my WIP that has been gathering a little too much dust. I hemmed my drapes, I hung pictures, I cleared the boxes out of the guest room, installed the area rug and new chandelier in the dining room, and I painted the bathroom, man cave, and dining room. I even decorated for Christmas. The outlook for the new year was looking great.<br />
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Two days after Christmas I realize when hanging my plate rack I drilled into a drain pipe. My beautiful antique leather walls went from looking like this:<br />
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To looking like this.</div>
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So it was back to the home improvement store. Patching pipes and walls, and repainting.... Then the same day the washing machine died, then a week later it was my printer. My to do list was regrowing at a quick rate. But it was a great reminder, that we can't find extra time for our writing. It will never happen. There will always be other things that we could use to justify into putting off our WIP (especially when you have written your characters into a situation you haven't figured out how they are getting out of). However, you and I both know- although, some of us may need reminded- that you make time for writing because it is important to you; it keeps you sane.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Don't fall into the someday trap. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> You deserve to live your someday today.</span></b></div>Amber Lynaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16890268873178010212noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5295722545133823809.post-81746354784707229222010-10-20T08:00:00.095-04:002012-07-23T22:16:13.427-04:00Wednesday French Inspiration: Choosing Between the Good<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcQ0mXVZwSaa9bclk_AymyJvonV1Q1ETT0TU9fGue-D9IUA9nnX_IJNGcws-SAsEvuq9zjgz1KzHisu2DjQysAifu4R1S_UTi9F3IQth1Sw0eIJq1MIj-eYop6tD3IsMVFeO4L9zaJHI/s1600-h/102_3928.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335776580986258130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcQ0mXVZwSaa9bclk_AymyJvonV1Q1ETT0TU9fGue-D9IUA9nnX_IJNGcws-SAsEvuq9zjgz1KzHisu2DjQysAifu4R1S_UTi9F3IQth1Sw0eIJq1MIj-eYop6tD3IsMVFeO4L9zaJHI/s400/102_3928.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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There is beauty all around when there's pastries to eat.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> (What? Don't tell me you don't agree?)</span></div>
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From doors of the Parisian boulangeries, mouthwatering smells fill the air. One is <span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">helpless to</span> resist</span> the heavenly scents. Upon enter the shop, the charm and beauty of each pastry must be properly adored. Getting lost in <span style="font-size: large;">the beauty of each</span> handmade creation, it is easy to forget that <i><span style="font-size: large;">you must make a choice</span></i>. Oh but how can one choose?<br />
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There are so many front running candidates to be devoured and only so many euros. This new found heaven <span style="font-size: x-large;">mocks</span> you. You want <span style="font-size: large;">some of everything. </span> With every breath you fall deeper under the spell the spun by the artisans. There are just <span style="font-size: x-large;">too many good things,</span> and you know you just cannot have it all.<br />
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When surrounded by so much good it is <span style="font-size: large;">hard to choose</span>. Life would be easy if every choice were black or white, but shades of gray cloud up our decisions. Sometimes it is left to us to decided from the <span style="font-size: x-large;">good, better and the best</span>. Whether it is choosing a pastry or which chore to check off of our to-do list, life is full of tough choices. <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">How do you choose between the good in your life?</span></b></div>Amber Lynaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16890268873178010212noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5295722545133823809.post-28225076486662549432010-09-23T08:00:00.019-04:002012-07-23T22:16:32.446-04:00The Value of Work<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Growing up I can remember doing dishes, weeding gardens, cleaning bathrooms, and cleaning my room all before I was old enough to start school. I want my daughter to know the <span style="font-size: large;">value of work</span>. I want her to know that the good things in life are <span style="font-size: x-large;">earned</span>, not handed over.</div>
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I want these things but have <span style="font-size: large;">NO clue</span> how to do it. I have trouble letting her complete a chore that I know I will have to go and <span style="font-size: x-large;"> repeat</span> when she isn't watching so that it is done properly. Little Princess is only three she will be four before the end of the year. </div>
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<b>What do you do to teach a 3-4 year old the value of work? </b></div>
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<b>Which chores are appropriate? </b></div>Amber Lynaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16890268873178010212noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5295722545133823809.post-23947850751637601162010-09-21T10:54:00.000-04:002012-07-23T22:16:40.361-04:00I Can Breath AgainI haven't exactly been super active in the blogosphere recently. You may have or may have not noticed. But the first Trimester of pregnancy left me with little energy. Doing anything more than watching my daughter seemed impossible. <br />
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Things have finally started to mellow. Little Princess now goes to <a href="http://www.valuesparenting.com/joyschool/whatisjoyschool.php">Joy School</a> two days a week. Of course these means that one week a month I have a teaching obligation. But it is nice to have a few hours to myself. I can browse my google reader and visit blogger. And the goal is eventually to open up the document with my WIP and tackle some more writing.<br />
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While Little Princess is learning, I sit in Panera with my laptop and enjoy the peacefulness of freedom. More than anything I just wanted to say Hello. I am still alive here, and I have missed you all so much. I can't wait to catch up on what is happening in your lives.Amber Lynaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16890268873178010212noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5295722545133823809.post-32099594262801536232010-09-15T08:49:00.000-04:002012-07-23T22:18:02.867-04:00Wednesday French Inspiration --Finding Time<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Behind one of the Large clocks in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gare_d%27Orsay">Gare d'Orsay</a> or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mus%C3%A9e_d%27Orsay">Musée d'Orsay</a></span></div>
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There is a time for <span style="font-size: large;">everything</span>, a time for <span style="font-size: large;">nothing</span>, and a time for the things in between. A time for painting, a time for cleaning, a time for mothering, a time for writing, a time for exercise, I even hear there is a time for <span style="font-size: x-large;">sleeping</span> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(I am not sure if i believe it though.)</span> It can get awfully hard to figure out how much time to allow for all the things I need to accomplish. </div>
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However, <span style="font-size: x-large;">without planning</span> <span style="font-size: small;">nothing</span> gets done. <span style="font-size: large;">Timing seems to play a key role</span> in all aspects of life and <i>writing for that matter</i>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>How do you divide your time?</b></span> </div>
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One of my favorite experiences in France was visiting Cassis. We drove up to the summit of Cap Canaille. The cliffs over look Cassis and the Mediterranean sea. As you <span style="font-size: large;">stand at the edge</span>, there is no safety measures to keep you from swan diving or tripping to a sudden death. <span style="font-size: x-small;">Well, it would not be sudden; the fall would take a while. </span> But the beauty is <span style="font-size: x-large;">overwhelming.</span> The distant landscape dwarfs you. You become small, insignificant, <span style="font-size: x-small;">and if you are my husband, slightly woozy</span>. At the same time, the view shares with you inspiration and hope. Standing at the top of the world, you have never felt so small; you have never felt so grand. <br />
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It made me think about the trials I have faced and will yet face in my life. The distance and height that is still yet to travel to achieve the dream. At times I definitely feel<span style="font-size: large;"> small and insignificant</span>. But as I look back over how much I have already accomplished I am inspired to go further, and I <span style="font-size: x-large;">feel the power</span> I have within me to live my dreams.<br />
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<b>Rise to the top.</b></div>
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<b>Conquer your goals.</b></div>
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<b> When you look back, enjoy the view.</b></div>
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<b>Embrace the power within yourself. </b></div>Amber Lynaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16890268873178010212noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5295722545133823809.post-80358992634887851442010-07-28T01:00:00.000-04:002012-07-23T22:18:17.714-04:00Wednesday French Inspiration<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCv_mz3CKGCxc5PK0Ts5PC9I9BaDsQh6J41okCqQWZ9OBOpMw2uYtlOj-NrAzuCe4GVo4p1rAKoBVjTuXFWaUK3klKLu7sQa8aSF_s6lvn7OP18-uf74cZKdQQe8CEyr9A2ov4ueqVfJw/s1600-h/102_4029.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330004527042645410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCv_mz3CKGCxc5PK0Ts5PC9I9BaDsQh6J41okCqQWZ9OBOpMw2uYtlOj-NrAzuCe4GVo4p1rAKoBVjTuXFWaUK3klKLu7sQa8aSF_s6lvn7OP18-uf74cZKdQQe8CEyr9A2ov4ueqVfJw/s400/102_4029.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a> Veiled Lady in the Louvre</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Taken from the Archives of Seriously Amber Lynae)</span></div>
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This statue reminds me of the statues in the newer <i>Pride and Prejudice</i> film. There is something quite <span style="font-size: large;">hypnotic</span> about her face with the veil. How is it that the sculpture was able to show the details of the face and the veil over at the same time? So much detail and emotion can be created from marble. It is awesome that marble -so <span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;">hard</span> <span style="font-size: small;">and</span> <span style="font-size: large;">formless</span></span>- can be carved into beauty-<span style="font-size: large;"> flowing <span style="font-size: small;">and</span> whimsical</span>.<br />
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I hope that you enjoy this piece of Paris and take this message with you :</div>
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No matter how <span style="font-size: x-large;">hard</span> any situation may appear at first, you can make out of it what <span style="font-size: large;">you choose</span>. You can choose to<i> let life crush you</i>, or you can carve life into something that will have people <b>staring with awe.</b><br />
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<b>I hope that you will choose the latter.</b></div>Amber Lynaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16890268873178010212noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5295722545133823809.post-90155623327469533652010-07-14T03:12:00.000-04:002010-07-14T03:12:53.909-04:00Wednesday French Inspiration --Reaching Goals<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqj65myUzAMYh84He3QqecHE9U_b4Y_ZVn7lOV8tjrEShI4B03PM0M89o0f0rDhSrAsHO1ZBg6asD1geNrjmFgfUWW9EStos5li5DC-KjfTDkvYbEiMaPOXlE8c1njvoB_2PnUJgkmzcg/s1600/DSC_7532.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqj65myUzAMYh84He3QqecHE9U_b4Y_ZVn7lOV8tjrEShI4B03PM0M89o0f0rDhSrAsHO1ZBg6asD1geNrjmFgfUWW9EStos5li5DC-KjfTDkvYbEiMaPOXlE8c1njvoB_2PnUJgkmzcg/s400/DSC_7532.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Stranger biking the country roads of France</span></div><br />
Today is stage 9 in<span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="http://www.letour.fr/us/index.html">le Tour de France 2010</a>.</span> It just gets me thinking of all the work the competitors have put into being about to make <span style="font-size: x-large;">3,642 kilometer</span>s trek. Not many people would be physically able to <span style="font-size: large;">survive the race</span>. However, each participant has trained and put in the necessary work. The race is not something entered unprepared <span style="font-size: x-large;">on a whim</span>.<br />
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It is this knowledge that inspired these thought/reminders:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i>Life is meant to be lived with purpose and we cannot reap what we have not sown. </i></div><br />
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For me this reminder was a much needed push to get me to <span style="font-size: x-large;">stop whining</span> and start doing. <span style="font-size: large;">There is no someday but today. </span>So I will use today to start changing the things that are not as I would have them be, because no matter how hard I <span style="font-size: x-large;">wish on the evening star</span> it will not change the fact that life takes effort. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> What goals are you working to accomplish?</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>How do you keep yourself motivated and consistent?</b></div><br />
Amber Lynaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16890268873178010212noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5295722545133823809.post-72126542944884008082010-07-11T15:24:00.000-04:002012-07-23T22:18:23.925-04:00Setting Goals and Open to QuestionsSo Sarah of Confessions of the Un-Published is hosting a <a href="http://www.sarahdarlington.com/2010/06/50000-words-50-days.html">50,000 words in 50 days challenge</a>. I am needing the encouragement and goal setting. So I am participating. It started July 12th and runs until August 31st. If you need so group encouragement sign up yourself. I will let you know how I'm doing through the 50days.<br />
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Also, as a way of letting my readers get to know me better, I hope that if there is any questions you would like me to answer that you might leave it in the comments below.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Dying to Know more about Amber Lynae! </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b> Ask me questions in the comment section.</b></span></div>Amber Lynaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16890268873178010212noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5295722545133823809.post-90493440249549121062010-07-07T08:00:00.000-04:002012-07-23T22:19:11.234-04:00Wednesday French Inspiration --Accepting Talents<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyuOUD8aE6Pzu2AlMBxB5eM7d9BhA8GOE2Ux-i1koWKCY1JgspmGIwg85RT63zdIUBFtVeuXaqCYnG4vsJ1SxIt1tw237O5sISCV1n7ko29628dNH_gI8VxQDmki8RPeZbfxlzfNIZGYo/s1600/102_3891.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyuOUD8aE6Pzu2AlMBxB5eM7d9BhA8GOE2Ux-i1koWKCY1JgspmGIwg85RT63zdIUBFtVeuXaqCYnG4vsJ1SxIt1tw237O5sISCV1n7ko29628dNH_gI8VxQDmki8RPeZbfxlzfNIZGYo/s400/102_3891.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<a href="http://www.tour-eiffel.fr/teiffel/uk/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Iron Woman</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> Gustave Eiffel's<span style="font-size: large;"><i> Iron Lady</i></span> was inaugurated on 31 March 1889, and opened on 6 May. Today the Eiffel Tower is </span> one of the most <span style="font-size: x-large;">recognizable</span> structures in the world and is the single most visited paid monument in the world. However, the tower was <i>not well received</i> when first built; many called it an <span style="font-size: large;">eyesore</span>. Novelist <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guy_de_Maupassant" title="Guy de Maupassant">Guy de Maupassant</a>—who claimed to hate the tower<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-12"></sup>—supposedly ate lunch in the Tower's restaurant every day. When asked why, he answered that it was the one place in Paris where one could not see the structure. </div>
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When I ponder on the <span style="font-size: x-large;">lack of acceptance</span> given to this architectural art piece, which I hold so dear, I begin to relate it to my own lack of acceptance of the <span style="font-size: large;">talents</span> that my Heavenly Father obviously wants me to develop. </div>
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Let me explain--as a child I wanted nothing more than to learn to play<span style="font-size: large;"> piano</span> like my big sister. I begged my mom to take lessons. Both of my older sisters had the privilege of lessons. And I will state as evidence that the<span style="font-size: x-large;"> youngest sibling</span> does not get everything they want, that I was denied my request. My mother told me that my sisters could teach me. </div>
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Well that really did not get anywhere. <span style="font-size: large;">Teenage sisters</span> are not very interested in teaching younger siblings anything. So I took it upon myself to learn the art of piano playing. And I did <span style="font-size: x-large;">learn</span>. However, I have never gotten to the point where I would consider myself a pianist<span style="font-size: x-small;"> (even though I can normally sight read at least one clef at a time.) </span> I have never accepted piano playing as a talent. Even though I enjoy sitting at a piano to play some tunes, I have never really thought to seriously try <i>to better my abilities.</i> </div>
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It would seem that my <span style="font-size: large;">Heavenly Father</span> has other thoughts of my talent. In my last <a href="http://www.mormon.org/mormonorg/eng/">ward</a>, I was called to be the <i>pianist for the primary</i> children. When I moved last fall, it took a month to receive the <span style="font-size: x-large;">same </span>calling in my new ward. I hear my Heavenly Father<i> </i>silently shouting to me that I am a pianist and <span style="font-size: large;"><i>my talents are meant to be used.</i></span></div>
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<b>Are you overly modest about your talents? </b></div>
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<b>Do you have talents that you have a hard time accepting? </b></div>
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<b>What are they?</b></div>Amber Lynaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16890268873178010212noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5295722545133823809.post-24500800763973506852010-06-30T08:00:00.001-04:002012-07-23T22:19:19.932-04:00Wednesday French Inspiration<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3D7cmRkkKvwf5wQu_r_jX4cTpwUOx8_ny5rAMFORrO8tA9gFcvuMEzK5ADcpgRzeCASDzSmM1r7eljmXXZaMETLzpZGZTKyGp964U3GrjTjQCP2Sxv5h2-n9hoS7CsjG2_ClH4n9pY-E/s1600-h/DSC_7184.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340322591597799474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3D7cmRkkKvwf5wQu_r_jX4cTpwUOx8_ny5rAMFORrO8tA9gFcvuMEzK5ADcpgRzeCASDzSmM1r7eljmXXZaMETLzpZGZTKyGp964U3GrjTjQCP2Sxv5h2-n9hoS7CsjG2_ClH4n9pY-E/s400/DSC_7184.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 268px;" /></a> In Our Economic Turmoil Seriously Amber Lynae (re)Presents:</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">HOW NOT TO STRETCH A BUCK!!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">From the archives of Seriously Amber Lynae </span></div>
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My husband loves to <span style="font-size: x-large;">shop around</span>. He is always looking for a<span style="font-size: large;"> bargain</span>. Whether we are vacationing in France or living in Virginia, he wants the <span style="font-size: x-large;">best deal in town</span>. Personally, I think it is great that I've married a man who doesn't want to throw away his money. But as his aunt and I learned from letting him and his uncle book a hotel....<span style="font-size: large;"><i> Frugality can go TOO far.</i></span><br />
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For the equivalent $40 we stayed at<span style="font-size: large;"> Premiere Classe</span>.<span style="font-size: x-small;"> (Just in case the name is deceiving you, it wasn't first class.) </span>The room was <span style="font-size: large;">barely big enough</span> to fit the double bed with the luggage shelf above it. And the bathroom<span style="font-size: x-small;"> (pictured above)</span> was more of a pod than a room. It was <span style="font-size: x-large;">so small </span>that you can shower, poop, and shave all at the same time without moving an inch. <br />
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Overall, it was a <span style="font-size: large;">laughing experience</span>. The small size of the room really wasn't enough to rate Premiere Classe at the<span style="font-size: x-large;"> bottom of our list</span>. The rooms which were non-smoking (in France??) definitely had been smoked in <span style="font-size: x-small;">(there is a headache for me)</span>, some sort of mold looked to be growing over the door, and the<span style="font-size: large;"> two bath towels</span> the provide were <span style="font-size: large;">scaled down</span> to fit the room and were<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i> more like hand towels</i></span>. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Have you had any money saving experiences go awry?</b></span></div>Amber Lynaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16890268873178010212noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5295722545133823809.post-1428459065423600172010-06-23T08:00:00.100-04:002012-07-23T22:19:31.932-04:00Wednesday French Inspiration<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw2MiDdiyaIWcYBtvzuzyP2l1YMMWn2V4z3jdPBZv1ZLU3ONSYLr4aOSkn_9-3n5DylycV6njNtpEPFVd8k_Rc4FqftbvtcCMrzxyKc2bU_Egcoa3I9HMFmJeipm9RyJhnm7gaGXR11p4/s1600/Musee+D%27Orsay+and+L%27orangerie.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw2MiDdiyaIWcYBtvzuzyP2l1YMMWn2V4z3jdPBZv1ZLU3ONSYLr4aOSkn_9-3n5DylycV6njNtpEPFVd8k_Rc4FqftbvtcCMrzxyKc2bU_Egcoa3I9HMFmJeipm9RyJhnm7gaGXR11p4/s400/Musee+D%27Orsay+and+L%27orangerie.jpg" /></a> </div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_827397331"><i><b>Nympheas (</b></i><b>or </b></a><i><b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_Lilies">Water Lilies)</a></b> </i>at<b> </b><span style="font-size: small;">the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mus%C3%A9e_de_l%27Orangerie">Musée de l'Orangerie</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Before visiting the Musee de l'Orangerie in Paris, I was completely unaware that<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claude_Monet" title="Claude Monet">Claude Monet</a>'s Water Lilies </span>was a series of approximately <span style="font-size: x-large;">250 oil paintings</span> or various sizes. I thought it was one painting. This May, it was announced that today, June 23rd, the 1906 Nympheas work would be <span style="font-size: large;">auctioned</span> in London.<span style="font-size: x-small;"> (I wish I could afford the estimated price of between £30 and £40 million).</span><br />
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In two oval rooms house within l'Orangerie,<span style="font-size: large;"> eight</span> large paintings are now available under direct diffused light as was originally intended by Monet. The paintings depict <i>Monet's flower garden at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giverny" title="Giverny">Giverny</a></i>. Many of the works were painted while Monet <span style="font-size: x-large;">suffered from cataracts</span>. </div>
It is<span style="font-size: large;"> romantic</span> and almost<span style="font-size: large;"> magical</span> when you stand surrounded by these magnificent works of art. I felt all twitterpatted with a desire to be spun around the room or to be wooed by poetry. The imagery really does evoke strong emotion. Just like a good book artfully crafted, these works have the ability to transport you into a different world.<br />
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<b>What has the power to to evoke strong emotions within you? </b></div>
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<b> Have you ever felt like you walked into a fairytale?</b></div>Amber Lynaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16890268873178010212noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5295722545133823809.post-29947505905000393832010-06-16T08:00:00.054-04:002012-07-23T22:19:41.837-04:00Wednesday French Inspiration<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi528IiH77qkxmO39NQubyE_6oGgsIAOD1vHOxgRm0B3yFmDyMZRQP7YF7cz4l7Sm_YfoPIQx6fJm_uxFuK9aP4KxPE2m6RYV_vkqhWHt80WNfQ-EsU7C7nypUZzC4geZvqkak5bLlHA7s/s1600/102_3768.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi528IiH77qkxmO39NQubyE_6oGgsIAOD1vHOxgRm0B3yFmDyMZRQP7YF7cz4l7Sm_YfoPIQx6fJm_uxFuK9aP4KxPE2m6RYV_vkqhWHt80WNfQ-EsU7C7nypUZzC4geZvqkak5bLlHA7s/s400/102_3768.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<a href="http://en.parisinfo.com/museum-monuments/299/crypte-archeologique-du-parvis-notre-dame">Crypte archéologique du parvis Notre-Dame </a><br />
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Beneath Notre-Dame cathedral square is an<span style="font-size: large;"> archaeological crypt</span> which preserves the foundations and vestiges of buildings which were constructed between the Gallo-Roman period and the<span style="font-size: x-large;"> 18th century</span>. There are remnants of <i>bath houses, shops, hospitals, and house</i>. It is interesting to see this crypt of Paris's past.</div>
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It reminds me that <i>our past is a part of today</i>. Our ancestors have <span style="font-size: large;">paved the way</span> for us to be what we are today. We must learn from their <b>successes</b>, learn from their<b> failures</b>, and take those lessons to build our <span style="font-size: x-large;">present</span>. I am grateful for the struggles and accomplishments that my <span style="font-size: x-large;">ancestors</span>. I am grateful for all they have made possible for me today.I hope that we all can<b><span style="font-size: large;"> build upon our past</span></b> in a way that would please our ancestors and allows them to know that we <span style="font-size: x-large;">cherish</span> all that they have made possible.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>How do you build about the past to make a better future?</b></span></div>
</div>Amber Lynaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16890268873178010212noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5295722545133823809.post-18035299670701883942010-06-09T08:00:00.109-04:002012-07-23T22:19:36.168-04:00Wednesday French Inspiration<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiViWOTcDnMTe6SzzmZLtTo2xsPC01g0cHTLyijOVzYVEYl2hDM9xrdKpsXDalvcIEqn-pVSfPWrrNC6Yz6m799SSNvoeoz2fAOCY9Pn3HCc8wPwPrOuLDvn-qQICBIYui3S7L9LXgiVUI/s1600/102_3789.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiViWOTcDnMTe6SzzmZLtTo2xsPC01g0cHTLyijOVzYVEYl2hDM9xrdKpsXDalvcIEqn-pVSfPWrrNC6Yz6m799SSNvoeoz2fAOCY9Pn3HCc8wPwPrOuLDvn-qQICBIYui3S7L9LXgiVUI/s400/102_3789.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Lady Lamp post outside of the Paris Opera House</span></div>
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<i>"Landscapes exercise a strange power over you.</i></div>
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<i>As if each of us has an internal landscape, embedded in us during childhood</i></div>
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<i> and which lies in wait until the point of recognition. </i></div>
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<i>Ah, there it is, you think. </i></div>
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<i>Or rather, there I am."</i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> - Lucy Wadham <a href="http://secretlifeoffrance.com/">The Secret Life of France</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> I <span style="font-size: large;">agree completely</span> with Lucy's thoughts. I felt this way as I walked through various parts of France. I think we all have a place, <span style="font-size: x-small;">whether we have been there or not</span>, that we know is <span style="font-size: large;"><i>our own little heaven.</i></span> There is not one<span style="font-size: x-large;"> place on earth</span> that I would be completely happy, because I would always long for the closeness of all my friends and family. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> I grew up in the foothills of <span style="font-size: large;">West Virginia</span>. The turning of the trees in the fall boasts colors that artists would struggle to capture. It is breathtaking. Those landscapes will <i>always be a part of me</i>. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yet there is a <span style="font-size: x-large;">connection</span> for me to Paris. With her</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Paris is nothing if not feminine)</span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span>intricate ironwork, casual cafes, grandiose statues, <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">cobblestone streets</span>, <span style="font-size: small;">and the glorious gardens, she beckons me. This is my<span style="font-size: large;"> internal landscape</span>. The aromas, the sounds, and sights leave you<span style="font-size: large;"> longing for more</span> around every corner. You are<span style="font-size: x-large;"> seduced</span> into a relationship. While you eat your pastries or culinary art, roam through the leafy boulevards, or hunt bargains at the weekly markets; you are <span style="font-size: large;">charmed</span> by her arrogance and coquette manner. She all but <span style="font-size: x-large;">demands you love her</span>; and you helplessly obey.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Describe to me your internal landscape and why you love it so much. </b></span></span></div>Amber Lynaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16890268873178010212noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5295722545133823809.post-68554100455886928232010-06-04T22:00:00.001-04:002012-07-23T22:19:54.331-04:00Dream Sequence Blogfest<link href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CAmber%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml" rel="File-List"></link><link href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CAmber%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_themedata.thmx" rel="themeData"></link><link href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CAmber%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_colorschememapping.xml" rel="colorSchemeMapping"></link><style>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">So very last minute over at <a href="http://elizabethmueller.blogspot.com/2010/06/dream-sequence-blogfest.html?showComment=1275701474678_AIe9_BHf88UQqgnwPCrg0HCuInmacYPIXviksZiOGYNwke5mDKgvG0xxPoc6qf847kbpkQMf7bnwBEjti_qOjJpZfs4GK5pOe-203i6qH4p6RnISfDlH63pWE5nC97OUuYstOxkKiDnaXTR5S35vpBAJLeq-Q07OlTYjZo0wkkfNVGziJi3-QFgvMwU0vXi0j5eUVzA8MeKIZoOKv6yg3Otxijywkm1q8nMTDpuphU5MjhyyEMGafK4#c7366967566265559665">Elizabeth Mueller</a>'s blog, I find out about a <a href="http://hellia.blogspot.com/2010/04/dream-sequence-blogfest-in-honor-of-100.html">Dream Sequence Blogfest</a> being hosted by Amalia T. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">I don't think I have ever participated in a blogfest. But dream sequences are part of what my current work in progress is about. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">The following scene is very raw example of the 'condition' that my MC--Damien deals with daily.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Enjoy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">***** </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">The queasiness in my stomach told me that I was lost in someone else’s dream again. It had been happening for months and I still hadn’t gotten used to it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">The night of my sixteenth birthday, it happened for the first time. When I woke up my head felt like someone had used it for batting practice. After I figured out that these dreams weren’t my own it became easy to distinguish when I wasn’t dreaming.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Gives a whole new meaning to “pinch me I must be dreaming.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">In someone else’s dream, everything outside the dreamers mental focus appears in black and white. Landscapes further from the dream center appeared vague and blurred as if I were walking around without my glasses. Even the sounds of the dream becomes muddled the further I am from the dream center. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">I always felt a little bit safer being out of the dreamer’s focus, because sometimes people would remember seeing me in their dreams if I didn’t. If I could, I would stay in the blurry outskirts of the dreams but it is only when I get closer to the vivid colors and crisp objects that the sickness in my stomach eases. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">My lack of focus, the gurgling of my stomach and grayish hue of my skin let me know I was far from of the dreamer’s focus. Bile burned my throat, so—I headed toward the vivid colors. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Unmarked gravestones surrounded me. I figured names were just something that this dreamer’s mind just hadn’t generated. Across the cemetery, there was a ceremony taking place near a short casket in color. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">I began to walk with purpose forgetting that I cover ground much quicker in the dream state. It only took seconds to reach the congregated group. You could taste the sadness in the air. I know that sounds weird, but emotions were very different in dreams. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">A young mother in the front row hugged an infant to her chest as she sobbed on the shoulder of her husband. No one could even look up at the pastor as he spoke about loss and tragedy. There were subtle glances at the tiny casket, but other than that everyone cast their eyes to the ground.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">In fact, I think I was the only one that noticed the lady walking toward the group. She proceeded slowly with her white dress draping the ground. Her face was veiled. Cradled in her arms was a swaddled infant. With slow precision, she made her way closer to the group. She started to gain the crowd’s attention, when she approached the mourning couple. Everyone was silenced and waiting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">The white lady bowed her head toward her swaddled child and hugged the bundle to her chest. Her shoulders shook in a sob. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">“I can’t... I can’t live like this any longer,” said the voice beneath the veil. She handed the baby to the man who had been comforting his mourning wife. He glanced down at the baby he had just been gifted and then to his wife. While I stood confused they seemed to comprehend exactly what had happened.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">The white lady then proceeded to the closed casket. She clasped her hands over her chest. From beneath her hands black flamed over the white flowing fabric of her dress as if her despair singed the white dress completely blackening it with grief. But when her veil vanished I felt as if the breath had been sucked from my lungs. She was my mother.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">I stood there stunned and staring. I knew dreams could be disjointed and complete nonsense, but this dream and the emotions were so thick. I guess the fact that I hadn’t been close to my mother in weeks made seeing her in this dream now hit me that much harder. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">The funeral party vanished. Only she, I, and the casket remained at the graveside. This was her dream. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">There was my mother, the same woman who could no longer look at me—her son. I felt like that baby she had just abandoned so easily when it would need her the most. The fire was burning within me and my heart pounding. She was giving up just the way she had on me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">In a low voice, somewhere between a plead and a demand, I said “Mom?” She seemed unaware of my presence as she crumpled to the ground next to the small casket and opened it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">“Mom,” I said louder more forceful. The lump in my throat was growing. I couldn’t swallow the pain back. My eyes were burning; my breathing deepened and I clenched my teeth. Then, I exploded. “Mother, look at me now!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">She looked up at me. “Damien,” she said. It was nice to hear her say my name to have her look at me. Yet there was nothing but sadness in her eyes. She returned her attention to the casket and removed the corpse of an infant. She hugged it to her and sobbed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">As I watched her pain, my anger melted. I knelt beside her. I wanted to comfort her the way she had always comforted me in the past. I wanted to look in her eyes again. Somehow, I knew that if only she would look at me she would stay here with me and fix my problems. “Mom, I need you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New";"> For a moment, she looked at me. I could feel her love the emotional barrier separating us was fading. I reached for her. The movement reawakened her previous resolve. She closed her eyes, her head hung and she sobbed harder. “I can’t. I can’t live like this.” Tears washed down her cheeks, and our surroundings changed to a mausoleum. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">A large stone casket lay open in the center of the tomb. She rose with the infant in her arms. My eyes bore into her back as she stood there frozen for a long moment. She glanced over her shoulder to look at me once more. She levitated above the casket.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New";"> I was losing her for good. “Please stay?” My words brought her instantly before me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New";"> She raised her hand to my cheek and tucked my hair back. “Sweet boy, it is too late. My baby is dead.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">I wanted to object to tell her no, I was her boy and I was living right here. But she had faded like smoke before me. She was in the stone coffin holding the small corpse. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">The sound of the stone grinding closed filled the crypt. A chill ran up my spine. With all my strength I struggled to stop the stone. It was useless. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">A deafening echo boomed. My mother was sealed in a house of death. All was black and I was back in my room—awake with another migraine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">There you have it my first Blogfest. </span></div>Amber Lynaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16890268873178010212noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5295722545133823809.post-70988713720842832872010-06-02T21:22:00.000-04:002012-07-23T22:20:04.988-04:00Wednesday French Inspiration<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Some of my new readers wonder why French Inspiration?</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">So I am taking you back to the beginning</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>From the archives of Seriously Amber Lynae</b></span></div>
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<i> I love my husband a little more</i> now than I did before. I have more<span style="font-size: x-large;"> reasons to love</span> him the longer I know him. He is a <span style="font-size: large;">wonderful</span> man. But why have I decided that I love him more now? why am I telling you in my post? <b>"Because he gave me the world. Not really, but he gave me a stamp in my passport."</b> He took me to<span style="font-size: x-large;"> Paris</span> (and various other beautiful parts of France.)<br />
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It is strange to go somewhere you have never been and<span style="font-size: large;"> feel so at home</span>. I could only understand about 80% of what was being said; could respond at the level of a 15 month old (maybe); a <span style="font-size: large;">wallet was stolen</span>; and my <span style="font-size: large;">feet ached</span> from walking ALL day. <span style="font-size: x-large;">I LOVED IT</span>. Paris is always a good idea. I can't wait to go back. The beauty and grace of the country is<i> undeniable</i>.<br />
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And the pastries..... oh I miss them very much. We had a wonderful <span style="font-size: x-large;">boulangerie</span> at the corner from our apartment with wonderful selection. I think I ate more chocolate during my stay in France than I have in the past 4 months combined.<i> How can you not love a place when you are doped up on chocolate? </i><span style="font-size: large;">Seriously</span> I would go back tomorrow if I had the opportunity.<b> Any takers?</b> Who wants to take me to France? I must admit that this is the<span style="font-size: x-large;"> first time</span> I've travel off of the American continent. I am certain there is a lot of the world that I would love. <i> Paris has held my heart since childhood and part of my heart shall always remain in Paris.</i><br />
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<b>So there you have it in order to relive Paris and France</b></div>
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<b> every week I relate some of the thousands of photos </b></div>
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<b>to my life and writing.</b><i> </i></div>Amber Lynaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16890268873178010212noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5295722545133823809.post-78033260985181696222010-06-01T20:08:00.000-04:002010-06-06T01:02:28.168-04:00Seriously in Real Utah Life and Storymakers Photo Evidence<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpTnKpTt0Ta7sn7FR0bGU6KZiwW0wamgOuMJDC10mr5IDQytD_o2hhCR22ztp69LO1QRu169jOwl9Fpp8AyWxEe37P-4MPRkCZux6OsjOOmwHerdZS0__jrbVk23bAAg7iUfX_EVvNM2s/s1600/DSC_0008-1.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpTnKpTt0Ta7sn7FR0bGU6KZiwW0wamgOuMJDC10mr5IDQytD_o2hhCR22ztp69LO1QRu169jOwl9Fpp8AyWxEe37P-4MPRkCZux6OsjOOmwHerdZS0__jrbVk23bAAg7iUfX_EVvNM2s/s400/DSC_0008-1.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cranberryfries.blogspot.com/">Debbie</a>, <a href="http://jennjohansson.blogspot.com/">Jenn</a>, <a href="http://authorjennijames.com/">Jenni</a>, Yours Truly, and <a href="http://breakinpencils.blogspot.com/2010/03/our-characters.html">Meagan</a></div><br />
I think it may be time that I finally put up some photos from my Olive Garden Luncheon. It was a small gathering that took place April 17th at Olive Garden. A lot of last minute plans, and sickness kept the group from being bigger. There is always next time for those of you who missed it. IT was a lot of fun. And I even brought a treat for everyone. This group was so much fun. You should have seen Jenn's face when she thought I very casually talked about <a href="http://seriouslyamberlynae.blogspot.com/2009/12/enough-with-peace-and-quiet-its-time-to.html">my baby's fatal fall</a>.<span style="font-size: x-small;"> (Mentioned halfway through the linked post.) </span> She may or may not have heard the whole conversation. I will have to make sure to have some more bloggers' luncheons when I'm in Utah again.<br />
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I also was lucky enough to attend LDS Storymakers the following Friday were I met a lot of people in real life. Like <a href="http://elizabethmueller.blogspot.com/">Elizabeth</a>, <a href="http://lexiconluvr.blogspot.com/">LT Elliot</a>, <a href="http://thechocolatechipwaffle.blogspot.com/">Terresa</a>, <a href="http://readandwritestuff.blogspot.com/">Melanie J</a>, <a href="http://temporaryinsanitybykym.com/">Kym</a>, <a href="http://writersanonymous76.blogspot.com/">Alexes</a>, <a href="http://christinebryant.blogspot.com/">CK Bryant</a>, and <a href="http://checkerboardsquares.blogspot.com/">Carolyn V</a>. <br />
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<b>I may or may not have done some of the following: </b><br />
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Attended a class by <a href="http://breebiesingerdespain.blogspot.com/">Bree</a> and said a quick hello to her.<br />
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Heard <a href="http://www.schlockmercenary.com/blog/">Howard</a> from writing excuses talking and knew it was<br />
him before I saw him. Then proceed to tell him so.<br />
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Stopped <a href="http://jamesdashner.blogspot.com/">James</a> in the corridor to tell him I LOVED The Maze Runner.<br />
And demand he keep writing. <br />
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Forced <a href="http://apparentlyaprilynne.blogspot.com/">Aprilynn</a> to stop and take a picture with me. And told her I love Spells and Wings.<br />
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It was great visiting Utah. There were a lot of people I would have loved to meet that I didn't So it only proves that I must come back again.Amber Lynaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16890268873178010212noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5295722545133823809.post-83023483129994647902010-05-26T12:45:00.000-04:002012-07-23T22:20:12.151-04:00Wednesday French Inspiration.<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mona_Lisa">La Joconde <span style="font-size: x-small;">aka</span> Mona Lisa</a></div>
Through the years Mona has been <span style="font-size: large;">speculated </span>over, stolen, recovered, <span style="font-size: large;">splashed with acid</span>, warped, cracked, <span style="font-size: x-large;">stoned</span>, mugged, passed around, <span style="font-size: x-large;">spoofed</span>, and always adored. Needless to say, she has quite a <span style="font-size: large;">backstory</span>. This is what makes her <i>so special and an irresistable</i> stop in the Louvre. She is <span style="font-size: x-large;">not a larger than life</span> painting like some in the same museum. She could easily be displayed in the average home. <br />
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She can teach every writer a <span style="font-size: large;">good lesson</span>. Your characters don't need to be larger than life. They don't need to be <span style="font-size: x-large;">perfect</span>. They take time to develop. They need a good backstory and some <span style="font-size: large;">mystery</span>. When properly developed your characters will not only be <span style="font-size: x-large;">irresistable and adored</span>, but they will also be <span style="font-size: large;">spoofed and hated</span> by some. <i>They will be real to the readers</i>.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Do you have a Mona Lisa character?</span></b></div>Amber Lynaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16890268873178010212noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5295722545133823809.post-65386163298476219092010-05-19T22:48:00.000-04:002012-07-23T22:20:17.766-04:00Wednesday French Inspiration<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
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I couldn't find the history of this piece. When I passed it in the Louvre I instantly loved it. Recently I have felt a particular <span style="font-size: x-large;">connection</span> with it. My husband has been away since March. When we are apart I miss him like crazy. My daughter misses him. Our house, our lives are <span style="font-size: large;">incomplete</span> without him in our home. Yesterday, we were <span style="font-size: x-large;">reunited</span> once again. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What completes your life?</b></span></div>Amber Lynaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16890268873178010212noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5295722545133823809.post-27577586941196712672010-05-12T17:25:00.001-04:002012-07-23T22:20:22.315-04:00Wednesday French Inspiration<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.elrancho.fr/resto_vers.php"><span style="font-size: x-small;">El Rancho Tex-Mex Bar and Grill, Versailles, France</span></a></div>
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On our way back to the train station in Versailles, our group passed<span style="font-size: x-large;"> El Rancho</span>. We all laughed at the thought of the French having a<i><span style="font-size: large;"> Tex-Mex bar and grill</span></i>. I realized later that it isn't such a <span style="font-size: x-large;">bad idea</span>. In a market that is saturated with French cuisine (it is France after all), Tex-Mex would really stand out. Of course not everyone if going to be dying to eat at a Tex-Mex grill in France. However, the is a market for it: those who have moved and want a <span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Europe/France/Ile_de_France/Versailles-83853/Restaurants-Versailles-BR-1.html">taste of home</a></span>, those who want to try something new, those who really love tex-mex,...etc.</div>
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Yet I think that our initial reaction says something about many aspects of life. <span style="font-size: large;">No matter</span> how you decorate your house; write your book; drive your car; or wear your clothes you will always have <span style="font-size: large;">some people who just don't get it.</span> I think it is when you stop trying to please everyone and start trying to be true to yourself that you learn to be<span style="font-size: x-large;"> truly happy</span>. </div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Is your book like a Tex-Mex restaurant in the middle of France?</b></span></div>
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<br /></div>Amber Lynaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16890268873178010212noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5295722545133823809.post-43719218854507487762010-05-05T20:48:00.004-04:002012-07-23T22:20:28.262-04:00Wednesday French Inspiration<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.abelard.org/france/grand_palais.php">Globe</a> found in the Dauphin’s large study</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> at Versailles</span></div>
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In 1781 Louis XVI commissioned Mancelle to make the <span style="font-size: large;">celestial and terrestrial globe</span>, enclosing a second globe featuring land and underwater reliefs, for his son’s education. This is a very <span style="font-size: x-large;">fascinating</span> piece to me for a few reasons. Firstly, it is interesting to see how much they knew about geography of the world. Secondly, this <span style="font-size: large;">globe is huge</span>... I keep expecting it to be one of those furniture pieces with a minibar inside. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Like most things it gets me thinking. Whenever I see a globe I always enjoy searching out for my current location, </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">the places I have been, and </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">the<span style="font-size: large;"> places I long to be</span>. As I spin a globe, I can hear the song <i>It's a Small World After All. </i>Walt really had something with that ride he designed. While at times our world seems so huge other times we each have had those moments when we realize just how small it is. No matter your geography we all have<span style="font-size: x-large;"> <span style="font-size: small;">basic human</span> needs</span> and <span style="font-size: x-large;">wants. <span style="font-size: small;">One of the wants I constantly see in myself and others is the need for <span style="font-size: large;">acceptance</span>. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I can admit that being a person who has always enjoyed participating in and partaking of the arts has made it sometimes hard to find <span style="font-size: large;">my niche</span>. And since I have started my <span style="font-size: large;">writing journey</span> finding those I connect with has been done in the blogosphere. Well during my unannounced/unplanned absence from my blog I got to live in my niche. I attended LDStorymakers. I felt <span style="font-size: x-large;">at home</span> with people who have a passion for the same things as myself. It may have been my first <span style="font-size: large;">writer's conference</span> but it will certainly will not be my last. My only regret is that I didn't get to attend both days and meet more people. </span></span></span></span></div>
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I hope you know where to find your niche.</b><br />
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</div>Amber Lynaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16890268873178010212noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5295722545133823809.post-1922557882226043042010-04-16T15:44:00.001-04:002012-07-23T22:20:33.966-04:00Winner of their very own...<div style="text-align: center;">
...<span style="font-size: x-small;">signed copy of</span> <span style="font-size: large;"><i>Summer in Paris </i></span><span style="font-size: small;">by Michele Ashman Bell has been chosen by random.org. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> And just who was it that they saw fit to choose? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">Melanie J</span></div>
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To get your signed copy email Michele Ashman Bell at <a href="mailto:micheleabell@gmail.com">micheleabell@gmail.com</a> </div>
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with you information and how you would like your winnings personalized.</div>
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Congrats.</div>Amber Lynaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16890268873178010212noreply@blogger.com6