tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60725830275041089142024-03-13T04:19:24.085-07:00Sue's News, Views 'n MuseWhere the four-eyed blogger is Queen and every comment is a coronation.Susan Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16049586085703324088noreply@blogger.comBlogger1429125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6072583027504108914.post-86706612991193699192022-03-12T20:27:00.019-08:002022-08-21T11:08:02.866-07:00The Star Maker - In Memory of Grace Darlene Robbins<p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 40px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgalv-qEXHMGGYY-lz4mulyAdLM3D74xnd-2o_0SJ8uRQxiIDi1lMZWMMtssfNyi_gb2gOfv70y0ey-UbHxcFY4iu-OkgcTL5NIwmB6aUw4TGbjmbpsS1z2m2I8BPeYV3ym9-8mB2Quuzc8fOMTikOeyCimiyCRIqRG4DJhFMa4Jxcw9Hl0G1tRGopBSA=s560" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgalv-qEXHMGGYY-lz4mulyAdLM3D74xnd-2o_0SJ8uRQxiIDi1lMZWMMtssfNyi_gb2gOfv70y0ey-UbHxcFY4iu-OkgcTL5NIwmB6aUw4TGbjmbpsS1z2m2I8BPeYV3ym9-8mB2Quuzc8fOMTikOeyCimiyCRIqRG4DJhFMa4Jxcw9Hl0G1tRGopBSA=s320" width="256" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b> </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b> </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b> </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b> </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b> </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b> </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b> </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b> </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>The Star Maker – In Memory of Grace Darlene Robbins</b><br />©2022 Susan Noyes Anderson<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I was a shooting star, my mother said,<br />a force as bright and bold as sun and sea.<br />Mom's heart claimed me with joy that never fled––<br />her <i>lightning bolt</i> of untamed energy.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>A pistol, locked but loaded</i>: that spelled ME.<br />Her friends were glad l was not theirs instead.<br />But she, delighted, raised me up with glee.<br />I was a shooting star, my mother said.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">My training challenged her in years ahead.<br />A love for words began upon her knee.<br />I braved first grade at four to clear her head,<br />a force as bright and bold as sun and sea.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Mom managed to preserve her sanity,<br />savoring me like butter on French bread.<br />My deeds brought her less shame than vanity.<br />Her heart claimed me with joy and bits of dread.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Mostly, I learned to follow where she led,<br />though Mother might dispute that history.<br />Yet, in the end she praised the girl she bred:<br /> her <i>lightning bolt</i> of untamed energy.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">And I was but one child of five, you see,<br />which earns for Mom what some might call <i>street cred</i>.<br />In her eyes, we burned brilliant as could be.<br />Across her sky, each one of us was spread.<br /><br />I was a shooting star, my mother said.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span>❤ <span style="color: #990000;"><b>MY MOM WAS MY FIRST AND BEST HERO.</b></span> ❤</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span><i>As your loved one describes you, so you are.</i> –J. Winterson </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span><i>My mother always said I was beautiful, and I finally believed her at some point. </i><br />–Lupita N'yongo </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span><i>When you become a mother, you are no longer the center of your own universe. <br />You relinquish that position to your children. </i>–Jessica Lange</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span><i>My mother had a great deal of trouble with me, but I think she enjoyed it. </i>–Mark Twain </span></span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://poetsandstorytellersunited.blogspot.com/2022/03/friday-writings-17-heroes.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiB7zakP7FMpW95YTB68DJ0K_vHCWbSTS7DpJChLv-ajehyMvPEBAv9--nNqHdOnCcslBWKYynQB5t2JwN7K1E648Q5g7_S-oW6OH_yHvu6agrrTAig1u04zcAZVvHT5xxAyo5NMq8cGREhNj6sHA3T_sQE-YvcqrVX1Tq6wcmACCtUBEY9V8j7nQAluw=w252-h252" width="252" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Click <a href="https://poetsandstorytellersunited.blogspot.com/2022/03/friday-writings-17-heroes.html">here</a> to view other poems and stories. <br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span>Susan Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16049586085703324088noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6072583027504108914.post-15715162280844754202019-12-18T11:57:00.002-08:002022-03-13T03:30:56.529-07:00The Best Christmas Carol, a Christmas Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9gfdGh-QXZA/Xfp3ymDHwvI/AAAAAAAAbTY/V6ghx_onIPASVpqdkyx2WcEhbhOcCn9WACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/skaters.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="370" data-original-width="490" height="241" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9gfdGh-QXZA/Xfp3ymDHwvI/AAAAAAAAbTY/V6ghx_onIPASVpqdkyx2WcEhbhOcCn9WACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/skaters.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Those of you who still visit this old blog may remember that it has been my habit over the years to share one of my Christmas stories, written for our family's annual Christmas Eve "<a href="https://grannysuesnews.blogspot.com/2008/12/christmas-circletime-tradition.html" target="_blank">circletime</a>" celebration. This year's story is especially poignant to me just now, having lost our youngest son (Todd) a little over a year ago. I wrote it way back in 1999, from the safe island of imagination. How could I have known that one day I would read it from the middle of the deep blue sea...and that it would ring so true? The good news is that rediscovering the story has been a source of comfort and joy. I wish you the same this Christmas season<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">!</span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">THE BEST CHRISTMAS CAROL</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">©1999 Susan Noyes Anderson</span></div>
<div align="center" class="Default" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Scott’s fingers trembled as he unlaced a pair of well-worn skates. They’d seen better days, and so had the Hansens. Winter came early that year, and it seemed as if the ice on the family’s pond had entered their hearts. It was hard enough before with two brothers away, but Pop scarcely spoke since the telegram came, and Mom’s smile had gone missing too. Scott’s face twisted wryly. <i>Missing in action.</i> Just like Jonathan. Instinctively, he tightened his jaw to regain control, but his brother’s name was too powerful. Jonathan. John Junior. Where was he? There was still no word. Could he be in enemy hands? Or worse? Scott’s mind snapped shut against the thought. John was so alive it was unimaginable to think of him as anything else. Impossible. Scott closed his eyes and squeezed tightly. He fought to hold back the tears. Grief had made him superstitious––If he gave in, John might do the same. And John never gave in. Never. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Unwilling to open his eyes yet, Scott retreated deep inside himself. He focused mind and will with all his might––and suddenly his brother was there again, out on the pond with all the guys, joking and laughing and wearing that ridiculous hat––choosing up teams for relays and crack the whip. Johnny’d always been the smallest one in his bunch, but nobody’d ever spun him out. And not for lack of trying, either. Geez, could he hold on! </span></div>
</div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Scott’s face lit up at the memory, then went blank as the moment ended––too soon. Was it dinnertime already? Had that old bell always sounded so hollow? The answer twisted inside him. No...it had been full and deep, its ring as rich and welcome as the good food it heralded. Especially on Christmas Eve. In happier years, that bell had been a promise––of roast beef and rice pudding and pumpkin pie....of bayberry candles and mistletoe and popcorn on the tree...of a crackling fire and a big round table set for seven, with every place filled. Now Jonathan was gone...and Seth too, though at least they knew where he was. Reaching for the back door, Scott didn’t even want to go in. How could it be Christmas? The steady advance of days and weeks and months stopped for no one, and it angered him ... frightened him ... defeated him.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> A deep breath pushed the door open on a kitchen that smelled exactly as it should have. The air was alive with what Dad liked to call “eau de Christmas.” “We oughta bottle it,” he’d say, and every year they’d laugh at that same, sorry joke. Scott always thought of it as a mercy laugh, but now he understood that it had been pure joy, bubbling out at the least possible excuse. It was also tradition, which is what the Hansen celebration was all about. They knew how to do Christmas right, and they wouldn’t allow anything to change it.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> And nothing ever had, until now. In a matter of months <i>everything</i> was changed, but no one wanted to admit it. Maybe they were afraid a full expression of grief would seal Johnny’s fate...that sharing the pain would not only make the loss real, but final. The family tiptoed around each other in a house so heavy with fear and sadness that even the breathing was hard, let alone the speaking. A touch or a brief hug was all anyone could manage. Even the little girls’ giggles and squeals were somehow muted. It was as if the whole household were holding its breath, waiting desperately for good news...<i>only</i> good news.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> “Merry Christmas, Scott.” Mom’s voice was soft, but determined. “We’re ready to sit down.”</span></div>
</div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> He smiled and touched her shoulder. “Sure, Mom. Merry Christmas.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> As everyone took their seats, he looked around the table. “Merry Christmas, Dad...girls.” His eye brushed quickly past the two empty seats, but he saw them clearly. “Merry Christmas.”</span></div>
</div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Dad took Mother’s hand in his right one and stretched his left arm across John Junior’s empty seat. With a sinking heart, Scott reached his right hand across Seth’s place, barely managing to touch his father’s thick, calloused fingers. The rest of the family joined hands as usual. A long moment passed before Dad carefully cleared his throat to say grace. He prayed, as always, for the safety of his two sons, but tonight his voice was trembling, and it broke when he said Amen. No one moved. Scott heard the clock ticking in the background and shivered.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> “Let’s eat!” Mom’s voice was too loud, and she quickly adjusted it. “What would you like to start out with?” She’s really trying, noticed Scott, and all at once it felt important to help her. More than important. </span></div>
</div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> “Hey, pass me summa dat beef,” he growled, baring his teeth menacingly. The girls tittered. </span></div>
</div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> “Mashed potatoes for me,” chirped one, “and I want lots of gravy with only a little meat.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> “I’m going to eat <i>dessert</i> first,” insisted the other. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> “Not at my table, you won’t,” answered her mother, “but it does smell yummy, doesn’t it? Especially the cinnamon.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> “Eau de Christmas,” Father added gamely. “We oughta...”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> “Bottle it,” finished the girls in unison. “It smells so good we oughta bottle it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> “Oh, I wish we could,” Mother sighed. “I wish we could bottle it... and then send it to all the boys on the front line...and to our boys...to Seth and...” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> “To Seth and Johnny,” Father continued, picking up where she left off.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> “Yes,” Scott said. </span></div>
</div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Once again silence prevailed, but this time it was a little warmer, the clock’s ticking a bit friendlier. The family ate slowly, then took their places in the living room. Every face was lit by the fire’s glow, but no one could forget there were two faces missing. They couldn’t stop wondering when and if they’d see them again.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> But tradition was tradition. It was Christmas Eve, they were in their usual places, and they would do their usual program. A nod from their mother and the girls began singing Jolly Old Saint Nicholas, followed immediately by Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Jingle Bells. They finished with a recital of <i>‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.</i> The usual level of hilarity was missing, but they did the best they could. Scott wondered absentmindedly if Dad would still take his sisters outside after the closing prayer to look up at the stars for Santa and listen for his sleigh bells. He probably should; they were just little kids.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Now it was time for the religious part. Mother led off with “The First Noel,” and afterward Dad said it was her turn to pray. She went on for a long time, but nobody minded. Then she began reading the nativity poem Grandma had written so long ago. It told the story of Christ’s birth, and Scott had heard it every single year since he was a baby. They all knew it pretty much by heart, but this time it surprised him. Or maybe he surprised himself. Somehow, he heard it differently than he had in other years. He could sense Joseph’s despair at being so far from home and finding no safe place for Mary to rest. He felt her struggle to comfort Joseph, to be brave and strong about a cold, lonely journey in a far and distant land, to trust in God and have faith that her child would be well and whole. He was relieved by the kindness of a stranger who offered what little he could provide...a lowly manger. His heart and mind clung to the words, but then it was over; and his mother fell silent, looking at Scott in a wordless plea. The family gift for writing had been handed down through Seth, and this was the time he usually read something of his own ... something he wanted to share. Remembering suddenly, Scott jumped to his feet. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> “Just a minute,” he said, and returned with a letter Seth had sent him in November. “This last part was for all of us. He asked me to read it to everybody on Christmas Eve. I’d forgotten.” (For a moment, no one could speak. It was as if Seth were in the room.) Almost as one, the family let out a sigh of relief as tradition prevailed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The time had come for Scott to sing. He and Johnny had the best voices in the family. Well, Mom’s was okay too, and the girls did fairly well, but Seth and Dad were hopeless and only did speaking parts. Scott’s song was “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” and he was hoping he could get through it. They were doing okay so far, and he didn’t want to be the one that messed things up. He<i> wouldn’t</i> be the one. And so he began, “God rest ye merry gentlemen, let nothing you dismay ... for Jesus Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day...” It wasn’t easy, but he did sing it. He sang for himself, and he sang for his brothers. For his whole family, actually. “Oh, tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy...oh, tidings of comfort and joy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Hope filled Scott’s heart. We’re gonna make it, he thought. And, God willing, Seth and Johnny are gonna make it too. Father opened the scriptures to Luke and gave hope substance by reading the history of God’s greatest gift to us: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <i>“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”</i> Peace. Good will.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Father closed the book and shut his eyes in a silent prayer. Scott knew the rest was up to him. This was where Johnny always stood up and sang “O Holy Night” in his warm, rich tenor. No one could touch <i>his </i>voice, but Mom’s eyes, bright with unshed tears, urged Scott to his feet. He was a baritone, but who said the song couldn’t be sung a couple of octaves lower? This was tradition, and they couldn’t break it. Not now. It was as if his brothers’ safety depended on him...on all of them...on their love and their traditions...on getting through this program any way they could. Scott opened his mouth to sing, but no sound came out. His mother’s hand flew to her heart; and the girls, for once, were completely still. Father had risen to his feet. He who never sang, who adamantly refused to sing, was standing ready to sing John Junior’s song. Confused, Scott sat down. How on earth was Father going to sing “O Holy Night”? Did he even know the words? Would he be able to get the job done?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Dad’s husky voice broke through Scott’s concerns. “You’re expecting to hear ‘O Holy Night,’ and if Johnny were here, he’d be singing it for us. That’s our tradition, and tradition means a lot to the Hansens. Maybe it’ll come to mean even more, because loss and longing are powerful teachers. Having Seth and Johnny so far away can teach us something valuable, but we must be willing to learn. I bear testimony as your father that families are eternal, and I pray this night and others like it will help us remember that tradition is more than the games we play or the foods we eat. It’s more than the jokes we tell, or the stories we read, or even the songs we sing. Traditions like these do bring us together, but it’s a much more important tradition that <i>holds</i> us together...What <i>holds</i> us together is a tradition of<i> belief</i>...Belief in ourselves as sons and daughters of God, belief in each other as members of an eternal family, and belief that we have a Father in Heaven who loves us, and that our Elder Brother and Savior is His Son, Jesus Christ. Our family <i>is</i> forever, and what will <i>keep </i>us together is actively using His atoning sacrifice to draw closer to Him and become His.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> “It truly <i>was</i> a Holy night when He was born, but singing that beautiful song or any other will not keep our loved ones safe, not in this world and not in the next. Tonight we need to do more than rejoice in His birth; we need to remember what it means. We need to covenant that we will <i>always</i> remember. That’s where our safety lies.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Scott had never felt the Spirit more strongly, but when his father started singing, the truth seemed to burn in his heart: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <i>“I know that my Redeemer lives; what comfort this sweet sentence gives. He lives, He lives who once was dead. He lives, my ever-living head.” </i>Scott had heard his Father sing before, but never like this. His voice hadn’t changed, but something else had. Something in Scott.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <i>“He lives and grants me daily breath. He lives, and I shall conquer death. He lives my mansion to prepare. He lives to bring me safely there.”</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> At last, Scott was able to put Johnny and Seth where they had always belonged, in the Lord’s hands. And the Lord did bring Seth and John Junior safely home, Seth to his earthly abode and John Junior to his heavenly one. Despite their grief, or perhaps because of it, the Hansens never lost sight of the truth they learned that sad and splendid Christmas Eve, for it was a simple and eternal one. No matter where they were, no matter how far apart they might be, no power could ever truly separate them, for they were of one heart and one mind. They were, as Paul promised the Galatians, “all one in Christ Jesus,” and would always be together, in this life and for eternity. They were a family, and nothing could ever change that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> As for tradition, “O Holy Night” took back its place of honor in the Christmas Eve celebration. Everyone wanted it that way, and so that’s how it was. Seth often spoke about the power of that simple Christmas program, and how a lonely winter night in war-weary France turned warm and peaceful at the memory of home and family, Grandma’s poem, and––yes––even Scott’s “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.” But it was remembering Johnny singing “O Holy Night” that brought and would always bring the Spirit of Christmas to his heart. And so, in this way and countless others, John Junior’s presence continued to be felt; and in sacred moments family members whispered that they often heard his tenor mingling with Scott’s baritone on the chorus. Scott joyfully affirmed that this was true. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Afterwards, of course, Dad would conclude the festivities by singing what eventually became the Hansen’s favorite Christmas carol, “I Know That My Redeemer Lives.” And <i>Johnny</i> lives...and all the Johnnys.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>And a very merry Christmas to every one of you.</b></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-size: large;"><b>💖</b></span></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Sue</b></span></div>
Susan Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16049586085703324088noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6072583027504108914.post-69998619032168959772019-05-19T15:07:00.000-07:002019-06-04T21:04:08.611-07:00Homecomings and Goings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tCh6cl7YCJw/XOHRb-uZ0CI/AAAAAAAAbMA/8Pg3Zkqg_xMBWckQR2VODSzq61F-9jmtACLcBGAs/s1600/maxresdefault-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tCh6cl7YCJw/XOHRb-uZ0CI/AAAAAAAAbMA/8Pg3Zkqg_xMBWckQR2VODSzq61F-9jmtACLcBGAs/s400/maxresdefault-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.susannoyesandersonpoems.com/2019/05/13/homecomings-and-goings/" target="_blank">Homecomings and Goings</a></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">©2019 Susan Noyes Anderson</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Come home to me, my child; come home.<br />Dance on the words of a mother's poem...<br />stepping-stars across the sky,<br />shining bright to draw you nigh,<br />spun from gossamer and love,<br />heart-notes sent to heaven above.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Tiptoe through the rooms that knew you<br />while I whisper secrets to you.<br />Brush my soul with velvet fingers...<br />breathe a sweet goodbye that lingers...<br />then return, like fallen rain,<br />to the place from whence you came.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Angel voices call your name.</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">∞§∞</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This is the poem I wrote to my son on Mother's Day, having lost him last year to a prolonged and painful illness. It feels good to share it here, on my trusty old (though neglected) blog, where I know I am among friends. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Yesterday was Todd's birthday. He would have been 37. We miss him terribly, but (as ee cummings so beautifully suggests) we carry him in our hearts. We always will.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">for more poems, click below</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://poetryblogroll.blogspot.com/2019/05/poetry-pantry-480.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="178" data-original-width="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HfxaMEw2FIk/XOHTBIvC-fI/AAAAAAAAbMM/ti5HCkUsPLQYxlKs49WoeK-9pOlkbAoxQCLcBGAs/s1600/PU-2-1.jpg" /></a></div>
Susan Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16049586085703324088noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6072583027504108914.post-43262174490211849112019-01-15T12:47:00.003-08:002022-10-27T21:19:25.403-07:00Sweet Memories of Todd<span id="goog_1446554257"></span>Hello, friends. I am sorry to have "gone missing" slightly over six months ago. A lot has happened in my life since the last time I posted, and I am finally ready to make a record of it here. I like the idea that, when I create my next blog book, the events from July 29th and onward will be captured in print.<br />
<br />
Many of my faithful readers already know my news from Facebook, but for those to whom it is new, I apologize for the abruptness of it all. The sad truth is that my son, Todd Anderson, passed away in his bed on July 29th at the age of 36. He had been ill for a long time, so it wasn't exactly a surprise to us. Having said that, it still managed to be profoundly shocking. Strange how two opposite feelings can exist simultaneously, but that was our experience.<br />
<br />
We have had wonderful support from family and friends, and the funeral was perhaps the most lovely (and loving) that I have ever attended. I am going to begin by chronicling the days following Todd's death in the exact form as it was sharedon Facebook, not only for my blog friends but for posterity:<br />
<br />
<b><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">July 30th</span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-44diZySIJX0/XD4rAoUHTzI/AAAAAAAAbEU/y8f88KHFVJonvD1TTnWfylzgFMyf4WCZgCLcBGAs/s1600/38119245_10156718067443083_5652264523034263552_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-44diZySIJX0/XD4rAoUHTzI/AAAAAAAAbEU/y8f88KHFVJonvD1TTnWfylzgFMyf4WCZgCLcBGAs/s400/38119245_10156718067443083_5652264523034263552_n.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
It is with heavy hearts that we tell all our friends and family that our son, Todd Anderson, passed away early Sunday morning. His funeral will take place this Thursday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The viewing will be at 10:00 AM and the services at 11:00 AM. Though Facebook has a pretty far reach, if you are aware of any friend of Todd's who might not see this post, please share the information with them. Thanks. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">July 31st</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BUAk358Rtwc/XD4sUEskM4I/AAAAAAAAbEg/zBHugVV4sm00YCtiemy591iFq-cMHc3YACLcBGAs/s1600/church.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="908" height="245" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BUAk358Rtwc/XD4sUEskM4I/AAAAAAAAbEg/zBHugVV4sm00YCtiemy591iFq-cMHc3YACLcBGAs/s400/church.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" face=", , "blinkmacsystemfont" , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" style="color: #1c1e21; display: inline; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; outline: currentcolor none medium; text-align: left; width: auto;" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption" style="font-family: inherit;">We are getting questions from friends who are not members of our church about whether the funeral services for Todd Anderson are open to them. The answer is, "Of course they are!" Our family is grateful for anyone and everyone who wants to join us in remembering Todd this Thursday. You are all more than welcome. <span class="_5mfr" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" color="transparent" style="background-image: url("https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t7/2/16/1f495.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">💕</span></span></span></span><span class="fbPhotoTagList" face=", , "blinkmacsystemfont" , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif" id="fbPhotoSnowliftTagList" style="color: #1c1e21; display: inline; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><span class="fcg" style="color: #90949c; font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span class="fbPhotoTagList" face=", , "blinkmacsystemfont" , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif" style="color: #1c1e21; display: inline; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><span class="fcg" style="color: #90949c; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span class="fbPhotoTagList" style="display: inline; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><span class="fcg" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>August 1st</b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span class="fbPhotoTagList" face=", , "blinkmacsystemfont" , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif" style="display: inline; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><span class="fcg" style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Never imagined writing an obituary for one of my children, but here it is, Todd. We love you.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>TODD ALLAN ANDERSON</b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Todd Allan Anderson was born on May 18, 1982 in Verdugo Hills, California. He grew up in Northridge, California until the age of eight, when his family relocated to the Bay area and their current home.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">An accomplished student, Todd was well-loved for his intelligence, humor, and insight. He was an eagle scout, an all-star little leaguer, and a varsity football and basketball player who graduated from Saratoga High School. Todd, with his affinity for helping others, did social work before receiving his bachelor's degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the University of Arizona. He then attended the UC Irvine School of Medicine until his failing health made that impossible.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Todd died on July 29, 2018 and is survived by his father (Dave Anderson), mother (Sue Anderson), brother and sister-in-law (Matt and Heather Anderson), sister and brother-in-law (Karin and Bob Valdez), and his brother (Ryan Anderson). He also leaves behind two grandparents, five nieces and nephews, and an extended family that loves him dearly and will miss him every single day. Todd was laid to rest at Madronia Cemetery on August 2.</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 20, 30); font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="color: #00141e; text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Later that day</b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9-LEC8yxQos/XD5Qjd7sqII/AAAAAAAAbKE/ufHYhUWK4fctGH1cxtWZBJ2cnnnAeR3oQCLcBGAs/s1600/38245370_10156721955183083_950830799270182912_o-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9-LEC8yxQos/XD5Qjd7sqII/AAAAAAAAbKE/ufHYhUWK4fctGH1cxtWZBJ2cnnnAeR3oQCLcBGAs/s400/38245370_10156721955183083_950830799270182912_o-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16px;">And on the heels of that obituary, a snapshot of Todd Anderson, Ryan Anderson, and Dave Anderson in happier days. Todd loved our Newport Beach vacations. What a good-looking guy, and how I will miss looking into those beautiful blue eyes, lit by that dynamite smile. Love you, buddy.</span></div>
</div>
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dsfmJ9LEXOE/XD4ysKgs7mI/AAAAAAAAbE0/euB3V2nUiF47muz1UmxTK2vMmjza9eMqQCLcBGAs/s1600/38200067_10156721970328083_8221912927603523584_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dsfmJ9LEXOE/XD4ysKgs7mI/AAAAAAAAbE0/euB3V2nUiF47muz1UmxTK2vMmjza9eMqQCLcBGAs/s400/38200067_10156721970328083_8221912927603523584_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Senior picture. What a great kid!</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">
</span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3INO5X6Yw4E/XD4zLb6DDVI/AAAAAAAAbFA/EBlTJMmh7zkEnjHKJs6fctlkv-26GMNNQCLcBGAs/s1600/38156665_10156721978548083_2417200640636747776_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3INO5X6Yw4E/XD4zLb6DDVI/AAAAAAAAbFA/EBlTJMmh7zkEnjHKJs6fctlkv-26GMNNQCLcBGAs/s400/38156665_10156721978548083_2417200640636747776_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Just found this picture of Todd Anderson, taken at the conclusion of his white coat ceremony at the UC Irvine School of Medicine. </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">What a joyous conclusion that was!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;"><b>August 4, 2018 - funeral day</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
<span face=", , "blinkmacsystemfont" , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif" style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Al2e3jXjNos/XD41w-eblnI/AAAAAAAAbFk/bl8gi-x_nbQgHinffpN8E6r0maz3oXeRACLcBGAs/s1600/38503172_10156731376063083_2172991231137677312_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Al2e3jXjNos/XD41w-eblnI/AAAAAAAAbFk/bl8gi-x_nbQgHinffpN8E6r0maz3oXeRACLcBGAs/s400/38503172_10156731376063083_2172991231137677312_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8VKzIXyANEY/XD41q68Pc8I/AAAAAAAAbFc/3xwS2ZW9pLUZEUKrQMsCqu9RdndQ-WyZACLcBGAs/s1600/38481187_10156731376083083_932189404254961664_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8VKzIXyANEY/XD41q68Pc8I/AAAAAAAAbFc/3xwS2ZW9pLUZEUKrQMsCqu9RdndQ-WyZACLcBGAs/s400/38481187_10156731376083083_932189404254961664_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dYbgQikfasg/XD41qD1VyvI/AAAAAAAAbFU/2oyfpBWaJ0A2RTHWpIio92KprtnixxaiwCLcBGAs/s1600/38391215_10156731376078083_3786143662904180736_n-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dYbgQikfasg/XD41qD1VyvI/AAAAAAAAbFU/2oyfpBWaJ0A2RTHWpIio92KprtnixxaiwCLcBGAs/s400/38391215_10156731376078083_3786143662904180736_n-1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l811lnDzdc4/XD41qHfXNbI/AAAAAAAAbFQ/zEaFtq2KVpYzP-JJCIa5sjgrSfnSlUiRACLcBGAs/s1600/38444510_10156731376198083_6177450078857330688_n-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l811lnDzdc4/XD41qHfXNbI/AAAAAAAAbFQ/zEaFtq2KVpYzP-JJCIa5sjgrSfnSlUiRACLcBGAs/s400/38444510_10156731376198083_6177450078857330688_n-1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8FSB3O9o2xk/XD41wz6jP4I/AAAAAAAAbFg/AlqGV9zGJUgd4jxpp90WvoxCw1Ga2ewKACLcBGAs/s1600/38542139_10156731376073083_1907991620125458432_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8FSB3O9o2xk/XD41wz6jP4I/AAAAAAAAbFg/AlqGV9zGJUgd4jxpp90WvoxCw1Ga2ewKACLcBGAs/s400/38542139_10156731376073083_1907991620125458432_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">This is the memorabilia table from Todd’s funeral service. His cousin, Kristin Blake Mills, put together a wonderful video slide show that we just loved, and Tyler Blake set up a great sound track to accompany it. </span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">A lot of friends Todd and Ryan went to high school with were there (thanks for coming, guys), and it was a nice way for all of us to take a walk down memory lane. We miss Todd so much, and remembering him and all the good times means everything to us.</span></div>
</span><br />
<div style="color: #1d2129; text-align: center;">
.<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T0nlPlVg7-o/XD445BPmaII/AAAAAAAAbGg/PDqcgYVROHQX30Ze2HXBiowSZ5qyIgVlwCLcBGAs/s1600/38670919_10156731441983083_7835861256786411520_n-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T0nlPlVg7-o/XD445BPmaII/AAAAAAAAbGg/PDqcgYVROHQX30Ze2HXBiowSZ5qyIgVlwCLcBGAs/s400/38670919_10156731441983083_7835861256786411520_n-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #1d2129; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DcRPUyaxDuY/XD444cvQbPI/AAAAAAAAbGU/THWQ29Hstx0DGRyvu2NnU0Vx64412QDkwCLcBGAs/s1600/38461410_10156731441993083_6967192589183221760_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DcRPUyaxDuY/XD444cvQbPI/AAAAAAAAbGU/THWQ29Hstx0DGRyvu2NnU0Vx64412QDkwCLcBGAs/s400/38461410_10156731441993083_6967192589183221760_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #1d2129; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jvh_rUsg8m0/XD444U9aTRI/AAAAAAAAbGY/ZJotCpVblCkLNdhkwGSMIbRS9aRssA5YwCLcBGAs/s1600/38421275_10156731442143083_1354997654299344896_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jvh_rUsg8m0/XD444U9aTRI/AAAAAAAAbGY/ZJotCpVblCkLNdhkwGSMIbRS9aRssA5YwCLcBGAs/s400/38421275_10156731442143083_1354997654299344896_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #1d2129; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OCk1j8JNamU/XD4443-nulI/AAAAAAAAbGc/eDJVQ_lYrsEs4wZMDKNTUsz2qhVKFGsyACLcBGAs/s1600/38471810_10156731442163083_3384320666017726464_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OCk1j8JNamU/XD4443-nulI/AAAAAAAAbGc/eDJVQ_lYrsEs4wZMDKNTUsz2qhVKFGsyACLcBGAs/s400/38471810_10156731442163083_3384320666017726464_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #1d2129; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-haeYqK8PaTE/XD444fP-EwI/AAAAAAAAbGQ/ObqtXC5QhvI1FIWcNkUXzyaddeX5Az56ACLcBGAs/s1600/38461292_10156731442308083_1243823297720745984_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-haeYqK8PaTE/XD444fP-EwI/AAAAAAAAbGQ/ObqtXC5QhvI1FIWcNkUXzyaddeX5Az56ACLcBGAs/s400/38461292_10156731442308083_1243823297720745984_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #1d2129; text-align: justify;">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">The men Todd knows and loves best carried him into the chapel. It was a sad but stirring moment to see them all supporting Him so lovingly. We were touched by how many friends and family members attended the services. </span></div>
<div style="color: #1d2129;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #1d2129; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EpwPTp2qpj8/XD47o4ZSr1I/AAAAAAAAbHs/UUVYUoG5gRQdIkV6jYZBQDSVnUiSziSPACLcBGAs/s1600/38438022_10156731606228083_6635465958238453760_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EpwPTp2qpj8/XD47o4ZSr1I/AAAAAAAAbHs/UUVYUoG5gRQdIkV6jYZBQDSVnUiSziSPACLcBGAs/s400/38438022_10156731606228083_6635465958238453760_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #1d2129; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hrz6taBuwPc/XD47GvuozJI/AAAAAAAAbHE/4eLwCRsIXiod3TVYoABCpE8Q2UK_RuJ1wCLcBGAs/s1600/38614654_10156731606238083_7142796145306107904_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hrz6taBuwPc/XD47GvuozJI/AAAAAAAAbHE/4eLwCRsIXiod3TVYoABCpE8Q2UK_RuJ1wCLcBGAs/s400/38614654_10156731606238083_7142796145306107904_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #1d2129; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #1d2129; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MKLrOPLHJz8/XD47GqQPr2I/AAAAAAAAbHA/BLfwjv6JhlsNkc3nQ1YiBWmSnQFkb7SsgCLcBGAs/s1600/38634469_10156731606258083_5305344020078133248_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MKLrOPLHJz8/XD47GqQPr2I/AAAAAAAAbHA/BLfwjv6JhlsNkc3nQ1YiBWmSnQFkb7SsgCLcBGAs/s400/38634469_10156731606258083_5305344020078133248_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #1d2129; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pNR8tX4I1_E/XD48YDSXU0I/AAAAAAAAbH4/qBJj7ViBxPEAYGWzuBYSbLYSRWwwgD-5wCLcBGAs/s1600/38474479_10156731606278083_4695108156060073984_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pNR8tX4I1_E/XD48YDSXU0I/AAAAAAAAbH4/qBJj7ViBxPEAYGWzuBYSbLYSRWwwgD-5wCLcBGAs/s400/38474479_10156731606278083_4695108156060073984_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #1d2129; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #1d2129; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EpwPTp2qpj8/XD47o4ZSr1I/AAAAAAAAbHs/UUVYUoG5gRQdIkV6jYZBQDSVnUiSziSPACLcBGAs/s1600/38438022_10156731606228083_6635465958238453760_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EpwPTp2qpj8/XD47o4ZSr1I/AAAAAAAAbHs/UUVYUoG5gRQdIkV6jYZBQDSVnUiSziSPACLcBGAs/s400/38438022_10156731606228083_6635465958238453760_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #1d2129; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Eq5Y6rIJRZA/XD47orqG0YI/AAAAAAAAbHo/iUtqmjggswIF2AwN6mAq5_ImNo-udxR2ACLcBGAs/s1600/38458630_10156731606338083_4942354828991922176_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Eq5Y6rIJRZA/XD47orqG0YI/AAAAAAAAbHo/iUtqmjggswIF2AwN6mAq5_ImNo-udxR2ACLcBGAs/s400/38458630_10156731606338083_4942354828991922176_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="color: #1d2129;">Bishop Robinson opened the meeting by welcoming everyone to the services, then Ryan Anderson gave perhaps the <span style="caret-color: rgb(29, 33, 41);">most</span> touching eulogy I have ever heard. It had all the elements of humor, sentiment, and thoughtfulness that make up a memorable tribute, and we know Todd had to love it. (We feel sure he was there to listen.) When Ryan concluded his talk, Tyler Blake (cousin) sang and played a David Gray song for which he had reworked the lyrics, personalizing them for Todd. It touched our hearts so deeply; and man, is he talented (if we do say so </span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="color: #1d2129;">ourselves, and we do). Todd and Tyler have always had a close cousin bond, and this offering more than did it justice. After Tyler, our BFF Mike Taylor gave an incredible talk about eternal families and perspective, both earthly and eternal. We love Mike, and he loves Todd; so we knew he was the right one to speak. Following Mike, Caroline Call Owens sang a stirring arrangement of <i>The Lord's Prayer</i>, accompanied by her mom, Sheila Call. We have always loved Caroline's voice and were so thrilled to have her participate with us. (Wish we had a photo for you, but we somehow missed getting one.) We then gave family members a chance to speak briefly at the podium to and about Todd. When the service came to a close, the pallbearers reverently removed the casket. As you can see, Ryan and Matt were making sure their little brother was closely attended. (I don't think we are supposed to take pictures in the chapel, but our relative who took them didn't know. To be honest, I am grateful to have them.)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #1d2129; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #1d2129; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6uWpw8FK_hQ/XD49epbVkhI/AAAAAAAAbIA/KHkHFC0jIqAzcg6FitcJAYW9mpRlhXYeQCLcBGAs/s1600/38424574_10156731670123083_6988183610482229248_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="360" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6uWpw8FK_hQ/XD49epbVkhI/AAAAAAAAbIA/KHkHFC0jIqAzcg6FitcJAYW9mpRlhXYeQCLcBGAs/s400/38424574_10156731670123083_6988183610482229248_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #1d2129; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ga080KyVTxQ/XD49fbL5cFI/AAAAAAAAbIM/GYMdN1J9-7gXJmDivzoAXnPWGzovuhIiwCLcBGAs/s1600/38448953_10156731670183083_6492492381059809280_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ga080KyVTxQ/XD49fbL5cFI/AAAAAAAAbIM/GYMdN1J9-7gXJmDivzoAXnPWGzovuhIiwCLcBGAs/s400/38448953_10156731670183083_6492492381059809280_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #1d2129; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VObG3lCjmPw/XD49fvF8UoI/AAAAAAAAbIQ/B1pqXbabFs84qPr33E5YCWZm7RKR7yZtACLcBGAs/s1600/38534408_10156731670233083_8595369203098189824_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VObG3lCjmPw/XD49fvF8UoI/AAAAAAAAbIQ/B1pqXbabFs84qPr33E5YCWZm7RKR7yZtACLcBGAs/s400/38534408_10156731670233083_8595369203098189824_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #1d2129; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ln8YGAzsoEw/XD4_IW6apxI/AAAAAAAAbIs/D_M34WcIaJ4x5JeTxnqRiyoh7RgPToxdACLcBGAs/s1600/38489406_10156731733673083_6198436156648980480_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ln8YGAzsoEw/XD4_IW6apxI/AAAAAAAAbIs/D_M34WcIaJ4x5JeTxnqRiyoh7RgPToxdACLcBGAs/s400/38489406_10156731733673083_6198436156648980480_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #1d2129; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p02_sI8YrN4/XD49er8NQkI/AAAAAAAAbIE/d5SyAAxgf20-Ukwx3DL9_yzBJgePdeoYgCLcBGAs/s1600/38444822_10156731670263083_3762334881065992192_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p02_sI8YrN4/XD49er8NQkI/AAAAAAAAbIE/d5SyAAxgf20-Ukwx3DL9_yzBJgePdeoYgCLcBGAs/s400/38444822_10156731670263083_3762334881065992192_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="color: #1d2129;">We left the chapel and arrived at the cemetery, where Todd was carefully carried to his final resting place on this earth. It is a beautiful spot, and his <span style="caret-color: rgb(29, 33, 41);">family</span> and closest friends awaited him there. </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="color: #1d2129;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #1d2129; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ra5DxTZH6FI/XD49epjMOVI/AAAAAAAAbII/-DWDxou8ST4bqatpbA-Lq_BAS5y8byEVgCLcBGAs/s1600/38444499_10156731670298083_2330191531002036224_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ra5DxTZH6FI/XD49epjMOVI/AAAAAAAAbII/-DWDxou8ST4bqatpbA-Lq_BAS5y8byEVgCLcBGAs/s400/38444499_10156731670298083_2330191531002036224_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #1d2129; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mX5hi3MCrFY/XD4_KK_J0GI/AAAAAAAAbJE/3BwqGkgcdrcYk87YrrhKvMh4qeAdxT52QCLcBGAs/s1600/38641218_10156731733683083_5149195935661686784_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mX5hi3MCrFY/XD4_KK_J0GI/AAAAAAAAbJE/3BwqGkgcdrcYk87YrrhKvMh4qeAdxT52QCLcBGAs/s400/38641218_10156731733683083_5149195935661686784_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #1d2129; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_0ddoxXjX-g/XD4_ITolxFI/AAAAAAAAbIw/r01BLnvbCbcBNn7dV_L-3R3wjahIY3OsACLcBGAs/s1600/38518068_10156731733748083_8379489896099741696_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_0ddoxXjX-g/XD4_ITolxFI/AAAAAAAAbIw/r01BLnvbCbcBNn7dV_L-3R3wjahIY3OsACLcBGAs/s400/38518068_10156731733748083_8379489896099741696_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #1d2129; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nkymyESTI2c/XD4_I0u9flI/AAAAAAAAbI4/nMGKpaEcKzYaaxvxOK5W43fppI_91O_GQCLcBGAs/s1600/38526546_10156731733763083_5752663657070723072_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nkymyESTI2c/XD4_I0u9flI/AAAAAAAAbI4/nMGKpaEcKzYaaxvxOK5W43fppI_91O_GQCLcBGAs/s400/38526546_10156731733763083_5752663657070723072_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #1d2129; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UK_X_bzyNIs/XD4_IYNCfiI/AAAAAAAAbI0/ilEV-UQ4E3sYiYPMlwbYva-UEC9jTMpEACLcBGAs/s1600/38500789_10156731733848083_3639758623267094528_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UK_X_bzyNIs/XD4_IYNCfiI/AAAAAAAAbI0/ilEV-UQ4E3sYiYPMlwbYva-UEC9jTMpEACLcBGAs/s400/38500789_10156731733848083_3639758623267094528_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="color: #1d2129;">Todd's father, Dave Anderson, dedicated the grave, and the services concluded. It was a day of extreme sorrow, but our knowledge of resurrection and eternal life brought hope and joy as well. How grateful we are for a <span style="caret-color: rgb(29, 33, 41);">Savior</span> who loves us, and we will rely upon His spirit to heal and comfort this unspeakable loss of our beloved son and brother, Todd. May we ever continue to stand all amazed at the love and hope our Savior offers every child of God, and may Todd be encircled in His arms until we are together once more. </span></span></div>
<div style="color: #1d2129;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #1d2129; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #1d2129; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #1d2129; text-align: center;">
<b>FUNERAL PROGRAM</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #1d2129; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #1d2129; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sYJnv_BemGc/XD5DMoklxuI/AAAAAAAAbJw/S52d16c2DT8LVbT5cPBTAyzjBJRPgaXdQCLcBGAs/s1600/38433233_10156731885313083_2673568707413803008_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="551" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sYJnv_BemGc/XD5DMoklxuI/AAAAAAAAbJw/S52d16c2DT8LVbT5cPBTAyzjBJRPgaXdQCLcBGAs/s400/38433233_10156731885313083_2673568707413803008_n.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #1d2129; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RFKqImg5Kcg/XD5C1UAVffI/AAAAAAAAbJk/XT0TEoSMy48U1qLhaCWlW0MsgJyIEsyVgCLcBGAs/s1600/38614524_10156731885353083_2412864755187318784_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="1024" height="308" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RFKqImg5Kcg/XD5C1UAVffI/AAAAAAAAbJk/XT0TEoSMy48U1qLhaCWlW0MsgJyIEsyVgCLcBGAs/s400/38614524_10156731885353083_2412864755187318784_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #1d2129; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dQEvcByLPLo/XD5CzIRt1JI/AAAAAAAAbJg/tr6kTjrgPBYujZfONTANl3_iUUss9G-XwCLcBGAs/s1600/38509700_10156731885333083_1481287473966350336_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="564" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dQEvcByLPLo/XD5CzIRt1JI/AAAAAAAAbJg/tr6kTjrgPBYujZfONTANl3_iUUss9G-XwCLcBGAs/s400/38509700_10156731885333083_1481287473966350336_n.jpg" width="253" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #1d2129; text-align: center;">
<b style="text-align: left;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #1d2129; text-align: justify;">
<b style="text-align: left;">August 5th</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #1d2129; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #1d2129; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W-SDPm4h4DQ/XD5D5IrswBI/AAAAAAAAbJ4/JrD-aFczC1MAa3bIs8hMbGCdqJKrBf8WQCLcBGAs/s1600/38614802_10156734487393083_32873284546592768_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W-SDPm4h4DQ/XD5D5IrswBI/AAAAAAAAbJ4/JrD-aFczC1MAa3bIs8hMbGCdqJKrBf8WQCLcBGAs/s400/38614802_10156734487393083_32873284546592768_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #1d2129; text-align: justify;">
<span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" style="color: #1c1e21; display: inline; line-height: 18px; outline: currentcolor none medium; text-align: left; width: auto;" tabindex="0">We visited Todd’s grave yesterday and feel grateful that he rests in such a beautiful, peaceful place. Several dear friends are buried near him, as we will one day be. I like that.</span><span class="fbPhotoTagList" id="fbPhotoSnowliftTagList" style="color: #1c1e21; display: inline; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><span class="fcg" style="color: #90949c; font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #1d2129; text-align: center;">
<span class="fbPhotoTagList" style="color: #1c1e21; display: inline; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><span class="fcg" style="color: #90949c; font-family: inherit;">∞§∞</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #1d2129; text-align: center;">
<span class="fbPhotoTagList" style="color: #1c1e21; display: inline; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><span class="fcg" style="color: #90949c; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span class="fbPhotoTagList" style="caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33); display: inline; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><span class="fcg" style="font-family: inherit;">That's about all I can take of this walk down memory lane for today...The memories, as you can imagine, are still very tender. From here on out, I will just start posting the poems I have written, the thoughts I have had, and the beautiful things I have found in my journey of healing thus far. I hope some of it might be as helpful to someone grieving the loss of a dearly beloved person as it has been to me.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="fbPhotoTagList" style="caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33); display: inline; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><span class="fcg" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;">{Love you, Toddy.}</span></span></span></div>
Susan Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16049586085703324088noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6072583027504108914.post-55702048009995631112018-07-18T08:20:00.001-07:002018-07-24T13:57:51.536-07:00From the Heart<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n-79v32dlGA/W09ZyyHBgZI/AAAAAAAAa98/mpKochawtc8TYcLQHrYgGW1QHvWaDqM3ACLcBGAs/s1600/golden-gate-bridge-abstract-7d14516-square-wingsdomain-art-and-photography.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n-79v32dlGA/W09ZyyHBgZI/AAAAAAAAa98/mpKochawtc8TYcLQHrYgGW1QHvWaDqM3ACLcBGAs/s400/golden-gate-bridge-abstract-7d14516-square-wingsdomain-art-and-photography.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://susannoyesandersonpoems.com/2018/07/18/from-the-heart/" target="_blank">from the heart</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(for ryan)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">©2018 susan noyes anderson</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
city beat</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
city heat</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
miles of pavement</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
pulsing feet</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
dirty asphalt</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
ocean breeze</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
misty mornings</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
nights to seize</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
sidewalk sleepers</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
suited men</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
money makers</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
born again</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
mission district</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
nob hill flair</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
sunset, castro</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
union square</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
trolley crossings</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
up-and-downs</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
beeping, dinging</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
magic sounds</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
snaky streets</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
bridge of gold</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
arching, soaring</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
bonny, bold</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
gritty, graceful</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
work of art</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
san francisco</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
from the start</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(bring your dreams</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
leave your heart)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for more poems, click below</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OR2rinx2y2U/W09aHU0HVVI/AAAAAAAAa-E/Jq5HI7RishwRIICTQ5bYNuW0GQ4XrgDzwCLcBGAs/s1600/dverselogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="256" data-original-width="256" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OR2rinx2y2U/W09aHU0HVVI/AAAAAAAAa-E/Jq5HI7RishwRIICTQ5bYNuW0GQ4XrgDzwCLcBGAs/s200/dverselogo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for more poems, click below</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cyKpXoDy2hQ/W09aLK4y3nI/AAAAAAAAa-I/5Y9KYu2GlRYtHy6zFDsJ2ZMoOKlpKjULgCLcBGAs/s1600/PU-2-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="178" data-original-width="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cyKpXoDy2hQ/W09aLK4y3nI/AAAAAAAAa-I/5Y9KYu2GlRYtHy6zFDsJ2ZMoOKlpKjULgCLcBGAs/s1600/PU-2-1.jpg" /></a></div>
Susan Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16049586085703324088noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6072583027504108914.post-57247819386260576032018-05-20T11:31:00.000-07:002019-01-09T21:45:58.382-08:00Still Waters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qSwz8p5ax1k/WwGtH8EDHVI/AAAAAAAAa6k/oafSHickFa8WFs9T0BJ2BnEa3yP9SceEQCLcBGAs/s1600/still_sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1492" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qSwz8p5ax1k/WwGtH8EDHVI/AAAAAAAAa6k/oafSHickFa8WFs9T0BJ2BnEa3yP9SceEQCLcBGAs/s400/still_sunset.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://www.susannoyesandersonpoems.com/2018/05/20/still-waters/" target="_blank">Still Waters</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">©2018 Susan Noyes Anderson </span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
O be not lulled by placid sea</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
nor lapping waves</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of harmony</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
stand warily beneath a sky</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of azure born</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to soothe the eye</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
lean soft against the stolid tree</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
serene in all</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
its symmetry</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
embrace but do not claim the breeze</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that rustles gently</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
through the trees</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for deep within each peaceful thing</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a wildness waits</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and will be seen</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the oceans roar, the heavens burst</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the branches whip</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the winds reverse</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and e'en my steady soul breaks free</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
unfettering</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the wild in me</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
∞§∞<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sometimes I fear the wildness in this world, but I make every effort to seek and appreciate the good in it. Quotes like the ones below help me find my way to acceptance, even appreciation. (I do confess that nothing thrills me more than a violent thunderstorm or waves pounding the beach with unyielding ferocity, so maybe there is a bit more of the wild in me than I realize.)</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>"God loves all the flowers, even the wild ones that grow alongside the highway."</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
– Cyndi Lauper<br />
<br />
<i>"Wild waves rise and fall when they arrive; and that's what makes the peaceful sea alive."</i><br />
– Munia Khan<br />
<br />
<i>"She found herself over a long and treacherous road, and the more treacherous the road became, the more of herself she found."</i><br />
– Atticus Poetry<br />
<br />
<i>The winds will blow their own freshness into you and the storms their energy."</i><br />
– John Muir<br />
<br />
<i>"By forces seemingly antagonistic and destructive, Nature accomplishes her beneficent designs - now a flood of fire, now a flood of ice, now a flood of water; and again the fullness of time, and outburst of organic life." </i><br />
– John Muir<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>"All the wild world is beautiful; everywhere and always we are in God's eternal beauty and love."</i><br />
– John Muir<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our Creator didn't get this wrong. It's what we do with the wildness that matters. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
=)<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #783f04;">for more poems, click below</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://poetryblogroll.blogspot.com/2018/05/poetry-pantry-404.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="178" data-original-width="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OtiGhDu_gi4/WwG_XC3uEPI/AAAAAAAAa6w/lkD88GzKBcEyaodXL6dn6KhTWwxjado9ACLcBGAs/s1600/PU-2-1.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
</div>
Susan Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16049586085703324088noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6072583027504108914.post-41299998984675153842018-04-23T08:52:00.000-07:002018-05-02T09:07:22.905-07:00Blessed Am I<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LHqkqa80oD8/Wt31Th2BQUI/AAAAAAAAa6I/eGozSvf5CBQeOwW9HyZaOU3oaIlanXLzgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LHqkqa80oD8/Wt31Th2BQUI/AAAAAAAAa6I/eGozSvf5CBQeOwW9HyZaOU3oaIlanXLzgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2483.JPG" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My sweet mom is 91 years old today, and while she isn't feeling nearly as chipper as she did in this picture from last year, she is hanging in as best she can. Mom has her good days and bad days, but <i>every</i> day we are grateful for all the love and support she has given us through the years. Our mother has a generous heart, and we are the beneficiaries.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Below are the lyrics to <i><a href="http://www.kerbymusic.org/music/blessed-am-i" target="_blank">Blessed Am I</a></i>, written with my mother as inspiration. I thought it seemed just right to print them here today. The sheet music can be found on the <a href="http://www.kerbymusic.org/music/blessed-am-i" target="_blank">website</a> of Lindy Kerby, who took my heartfelt words and composed the loveliest melody imaginable. We were introduced to one another years ago by Janice Kapp Perry and have collaborated on several songs since that time. This one is generally sung for Mother's Day.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On <i>this</i> day, however, <i>Blessed Am I</i> is a happy birthday song for Grace Darlene Robbins, whose daughter I am grateful and proud to be. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://www.kerbymusic.org/music/blessed-am-i" target="_blank">Blessed Am I</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">©1996 Lindy Kerby (music) Susan Noyes Anderson (lyrics)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I came to a world that was cold and unknown.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You reached out to hold me and made me your own;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and you made me strong, and you filled me with love</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and whispered that I was a gift from above.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Blessed am I; my mother is you,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
sharing His love in all that you do.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Each gentle smile is an answer to prayer.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Deep in my heart, you'll always be there;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
deep in my heart, you'll be there.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Your love is the truth that I came here to learn.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You listened and counseled with love and concern;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and you understood me when other hearts failed,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
when you were the reason my spirit prevailed.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Blessed am I; my mother is you,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
sharing His love in all that you do.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Each gentle smile is an answer to prayer.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Deep in my heart, you'll always be there;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
deep in my heart, you'll be there.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I thank you, dear Mother, for all that you are –</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
no softer a moonbeam, no brighter a star,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
no stronger a mountain, more constant the sea –</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No other could be such a mother to me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Blessed am I; my mother is you,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
sharing His love in all that you do.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Each gentle smile is an answer to prayer.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Deep in my heart, you'll always be there;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
deep in my heart, you'll be there.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;">💗 Happy Birthday, Mom. 💗</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;">You are loved,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;">dearly loved,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;">by all of us.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;">xox</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;">=</span><span style="color: magenta;">)</span></div>
Susan Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16049586085703324088noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6072583027504108914.post-69873767959840402972018-02-14T14:02:00.001-08:002018-02-14T14:05:37.099-08:00Our V-Day Pick - Mom and Dick<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">FOR MOM AND DICK ~ THE BEST OF THE BEST!</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>YOU HAVE OUR HEARTS.</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0_iDNYHNsiE/WoSoGXYSo_I/AAAAAAAAa4s/vxSBfmTcDPkbnftAMTEBDU23TH8UPCgIQCLcBGAs/s1600/SubstandardFullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="852" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0_iDNYHNsiE/WoSoGXYSo_I/AAAAAAAAa4s/vxSBfmTcDPkbnftAMTEBDU23TH8UPCgIQCLcBGAs/s400/SubstandardFullSizeRender.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Happy Valentines to you,</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>the sweetest ones we know, times two!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>We wish you a bright, happy day</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>and love you more than words can say.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>xox</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>and </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
❤️❤️❤️</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Sue, Dave and family</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>∞§∞</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><i>"Life doesn't come with a manual, it comes with a mother."</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><i>"The greatest thing a father can do for his children </i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><i>is to love their mother."</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><i>So grateful you two belong to us.</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: "apple color emoji";">💓</span></span><span style="font-family: "apple color emoji"; font-size: 12pt;">💞</span><span style="font-family: "apple color emoji"; font-size: large;">💓</span></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
<o:PixelsPerInch>96</o:PixelsPerInch>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false"
DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="382">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Mention"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Smart Hyperlink"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
<o:PixelsPerInch>96</o:PixelsPerInch>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false"
DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="382">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Mention"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Smart Hyperlink"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment--><br />
<span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 152px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 78px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 152px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 78px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span>Susan Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16049586085703324088noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6072583027504108914.post-44104583193726838392018-01-25T19:47:00.000-08:002019-01-09T22:03:36.232-08:00Winding Down: A Window Pane on Parting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zFs0uEZ6I0Q/Wmk1Wm4tAGI/AAAAAAAAa38/khOn7-uQyZEtHyYYbURG-JohAG9WPAa5wCLcBGAs/s1600/Untitled%2Bcopy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="297" data-original-width="340" height="345" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zFs0uEZ6I0Q/Wmk1Wm4tAGI/AAAAAAAAa38/khOn7-uQyZEtHyYYbURG-JohAG9WPAa5wCLcBGAs/s400/Untitled%2Bcopy.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://www.susannoyesandersonpoems.com/2018/01/24/winding-window-pane-parting/" target="_blank">Winding Down: A Window Pane on Parting</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">©2018 Susan Noyes Anderson</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We sit.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She, burgundy chair.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Me, blue leather sofa.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Like so many times</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
before, days of yore.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She used to watch me,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
claim me, eyes love-lit.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'd blush. <i>You're staring, Mom.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But I put up with it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She watches still.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Soft hazel eyes,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
once bright</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
stare past me now</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
devoid of mother-light.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Unclaimed, I try</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
to hold her eyes</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
with mine. Be seen,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
be heard, be known,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
wait for a sign.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Sure love you, Mom.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My voice, too soft,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
falls lonely.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><i>I love you.</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Louder now and yet</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
unheard.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Oh, for a word!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Heart plummeting,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I yield</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
or nearly so.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mom's moving on</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
beyond me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This I know.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We sit.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She, burgundy chair.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Me, blue leather sofa.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Like so many times</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
before, days of yore.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Between us, coffee table,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
stool, my longing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I lift a hand,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
small wave from</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
distant shore.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Sunrise</i>. As if on strings, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
her elbow bends.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One weathered hand responds.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The distance ends.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I blow a kiss; she smiles.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ghost smile, but true.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Small fingers pressed to lips,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
she blows back two.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I twist my hands in</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
semblance of a heart.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She follows suit and</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
claims me, every part.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Time pauses;</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
eye to eye</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
our spirits touch.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So many years remembered,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
sweetly shared.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>I love you, Mom.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Once more, her</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
light shines through.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sun to my soul,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
she speaks.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>I love you, too.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>∞§∞</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The onset of dementia is an inexplicable sorrow for loved ones,
and my family is no different. I can imagine few things more
heartbreaking than watching my lovely, intelligent mother decline in
capacity day by day. How I miss her insights, her humor, her comfort,
even her criticism (though she rarely aimed any in my direction). I miss
her sudoku, her crossword puzzles, her Kindle, her love for <i>Reality TV </i>
talent shows. I miss her delight in See’s candy, small dogs, and Swedish
pancakes. I miss her cooking, her curiosity, her crazed kitchen
cleaning.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Yes, I miss her, but I am also grateful for the pieces of her 90-year-old self that
are left to me. This poem shares a moment that I will treasure always.
Maybe it will resonate with you.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>For long-time readers:</b> I know how many of you have enjoyed my mom over the years (remember her <a href="http://grandmarobbinsnest.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blog</a>?), and I wanted you to know that she is being well-loved and receiving 24-hour care in her home. Her wonderful husband (Dick) is by her side, as devoted and attentive as ever. Mom still has much to smile about, and she does...especially on her good days. She remains our greatest treasure.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">for more poems, click below</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://poetryblogroll.blogspot.com/2018/02/poetry-pantry-390.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="178" data-original-width="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DeZo8pCmhR0/WoHzWJ6Nx0I/AAAAAAAAa4c/Uiuq9Oq9f2gE8OQjSGVFdfIFTUZHJ50FACLcBGAs/s1600/PU-2-1.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">for more poems, click below</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://dversepoets.com/2018/01/25/openlinknight-212/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="256" data-original-width="256" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HSQXLAPLjgQ/Wmk4BwH1QBI/AAAAAAAAa4I/ohvW1LBy4Kgoi-nLbgUWwLCSefJw_ESagCLcBGAs/s200/dverselogo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Susan Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16049586085703324088noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6072583027504108914.post-82663476004089448572018-01-18T14:05:00.000-08:002019-01-09T22:05:04.540-08:00Soul Substance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kS7kLlhbqpY/WmEXlF3KYnI/AAAAAAAAa2s/wYTLyCqcnvg62M8ZsQL2AFp7Suxxp295wCLcBGAs/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="193" data-original-width="262" height="293" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kS7kLlhbqpY/WmEXlF3KYnI/AAAAAAAAa2s/wYTLyCqcnvg62M8ZsQL2AFp7Suxxp295wCLcBGAs/s400/images.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://www.susannoyesandersonpoems.com/2018/01/18/soul-substance/" target="_blank">Soul Substance</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">©2018 Susan Noyes Anderson</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The spirit finds home</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
inside warm flesh and bone,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
taking ownership,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
giving direction.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Should the formula fail, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
appetite will prevail,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
driving action</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
without due reflection.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
More blessings abound</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
when the nexus is found.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Spirit breathes, and</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
the body is whole.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sacredness is defined</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
as the two are combined</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
in God's greatest creation:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
the soul.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04;">for more poems, click below</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://poetryblogroll.blogspot.com/2018/01/poets-united-midweek-motif-psyche-soul.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="178" data-original-width="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lrmLT32oM2s/WmEYzB-gNTI/AAAAAAAAa20/lYWWR5nE65INs9llLda19tmXv-t6Gjc5gCLcBGAs/s1600/PU-2-1.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 152px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 18px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 152px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 18px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span>Susan Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16049586085703324088noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6072583027504108914.post-23296748967125009682017-12-24T08:01:00.000-08:002018-01-20T08:19:49.063-08:00The Simple Gifts of Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N_G0Xlr0M5U/Wj_OpqcGAzI/AAAAAAAAa2c/Q2ClHLjPfB06_GGy2jAql0UWbMNKeliwQCLcBGAs/s1600/560721_9fadc2d370252b982a0a83b21a81d2bf_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N_G0Xlr0M5U/Wj_OpqcGAzI/AAAAAAAAa2c/Q2ClHLjPfB06_GGy2jAql0UWbMNKeliwQCLcBGAs/s400/560721_9fadc2d370252b982a0a83b21a81d2bf_large.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<i>When this blog was more active, the Christmas gift I offered to my many wonderful readers was always the story used at our family's "circletime" in the previous year. I thought I would revive that custom, and for those who don't know about my family's circletime tradition, you can read all about it right <a href="http://grannysuesnews.blogspot.com/2008/12/christmas-circletime-tradition.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</i><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Simple Gifts of Christmas<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">©2015 Susan Noyes Anderson<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Can you believe it, New York?
Only one more week until Christmas. Santa will be dusting off his sleigh and
hooking up the reindeer before we know it!” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The host of her favorite morning
show sounded jovial, but Emily’s heart sank. Most days, his buoyant energy
cheered her. This day, she grumpily wished him all the way to the North Pole!
Maybe a hefty dose of snow and ice would dampen that holiday spirit he
dispensed so eagerly. At the very least, he’d have a better idea how it felt to
shiver at the very thought of Old St. Nick and his sleigh full of Christmas
presents. Non-existent presents, for her children. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Her head bowed. Cade and Chloe
deserved better, but Emily couldn’t give it to them, not this year anyway.
Maybe if there weren’t so many medical bills they could get ahead…or if Steve
had stayed around. At this point, she didn’t even know where he was. No one
else knew, either, or so they said. Six months without child support had
drained them dry. And the twins’ asthma was always bad in the winter, even now
that they were well past the age of outgrowing it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Hearing the warning bell, Emily
left the warmth of the teacher’s lounge. Better get a move on, she told
herself. Her job didn’t pay much, but helping young people read was a gift she
gave and received every day. It filled her soul, even if it didn’t quite fill
her pockets. And it didn’t require that degree she couldn’t afford. Best of
all, she was home with the kids when they needed her. Emily smiled. These were
tough times, but the small and supportive K through 12 school had stood behind
her, waiving the costs of its after-school enrichment programs indefinitely.
People could be so kind, she reminded herself, and a bit of Christmas swirled
into her heart.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The classroom bustled with
holiday-inspired energy all morning, and little Izzy grinned when Emily took
her aside for some one-on-one. “What shall we read today?” she asked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Simple Gifts</i>!” lisped her student, spraying her enthusiasm in
Emily’s direction. “Mommy got it. At the liberry.” “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Simple Gifts</i> it is,” Emily agreed, chuckling at Izzy’s exuberance.
The book was plain and worn at the edges, the illustrations dull and faded. It
didn’t look like much, but the story was clearly well-loved. Emily couldn’t
help but wonder what the attraction was.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Read it,” Izzy demanded. Emily
hesitated. “Please?” she begged.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“But I thought you wanted to read
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Simple Gifts</i> to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">me</i>,” Emily replied. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You</i></b> read,” the girl
insisted. “It’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">your </i>turn this time.”<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“All right, Iz. This story will
be my Christmas gift to you. And you can return the gift by reading it back to
me!” Satisfied with that arrangement, Izzy nodded.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Turning the weathered pages
slowly, Emily began:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The creatures of the forest</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
were gathered all around.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The day was Christmas morning.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Soft snow lay on the ground.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
A blue spruce stood as tall and
proud</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
as any Christmas tree,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
but pine cones were the only
gifts</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
the animals could see.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Who-o-o took my present?</i> cried the owl.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Where’s mine?</i> the chipmunk wondered.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The rabbit wrinkled up his nose.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">They’re gone</i>, the brown bear thundered.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">No gifts. No gifts,</i> the squirrel chattered.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Wolf howled at the dawn.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">How can it be?</i> the cougar wailed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Oh, where has Christmas gone?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The noble elk stepped forward</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
and raised his antlered head.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Some gifts cannot be taken from us;<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">God gives them,</i> he said.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Wisdom is yours,</i> he told the Owl,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and vision in the night.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Chipmunk has much resourcefulness;<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and Rabbit, speed in flight.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bear’s blessed with strength, and Wolf is clever.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Cougar’s claws protect.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">These gifts to us are priceless treasures,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">worthy of respect.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Squirrel excels at gathering.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">As we now gather here,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">may Christmas bring remembrance of<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">God's presents we hold dear.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Our Father gives good gifts to us.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">In glad hearts, they are found.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">When we receive His Son with love,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">it’s Christmas all around.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Emily breathed deeply as a rush
of truth and possibility swept into her heart. Her eyes filled as Izzy said,
“It’s my favorite Christmas story. My very best.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“You know what, Izzy? I think it
might be mine, too. Thanks for sharing it with me.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The week before Christmas shaped
up a little better than Emily had envisioned. She made the few, small purchases
that fell within her budget, being sure to enjoy wrapping each one in
creative ways to please the eye. Santa’s sleigh would not be entirely devoid of
packages for Cade and Chloe that year. But the most important present would be
her own offering, covered with bright paper and nestled under the tree for
Christmas Eve. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
That day of heightened expectancy
dawned early as the twins flew into her bedroom, nearly beside themselves with
glee. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Look, Mom! It’s snowing!!”
shrieked Chloe.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“The kids all wanna go sledding.
Can we?” yelled Cade, too close to Emily’s ear. “Jake’s parents are going,
too.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
A week earlier, she would not
even have considered joining them, but after her specialty breakfast of
pancakes and chocolate chips, a big gust of Christmas spirit whirled her out
the door. The twins were delighted to see their mom caught up in the joy they’d
been feeling for weeks. The air felt sweeter; the sun shone brighter, and the
smell of pine reminded them of every Douglas fir they had ever decorated.
Sugarplums may even have danced in their heads (or maybe it was See’s candy),
as they looked forward to a wonderful evening together.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The moon rose, and the bright
lights of Christmas led them home. Beneath the tree was one very <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Simple Gift</i>, and after Cade and Chloe
unwrapped that book, their mom lovingly read them Izzy’s “very best” story.
When she finished, the room felt calm and peaceful as the most silent night.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“What do you think?” Emily asked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“I thought of us.” Chloe smiled.
“I liked the idea of animals celebrating Jesus. Not every gift is the wrapped-up
kind.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Kids’ poetry books aren’t
exactly my thing, but that elk was no slouch. He made me look at Christmas a
whole new way,” Cade admitted.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“I was hoping you would,” their
mom said, “because that’s what happened to me. I got the idea that we could
give the same kind of presents the animals received, reminding each other of
the gifts God has given us. Does that make sense?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Both heads nodded slowly. Emily
sensed she had captured their interest. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Chloe,” she began, “your gifts
are energy and creativity, sensitivity and compassion. You always seem to know
how people feel, and you use your heart and your talent to lift them up. I
can’t begin to tell you how many times you have raised my spirits on a
difficult day, and I’m grateful for your wise and willing presence in my life.
I simply can’t imagine what I’d do without you.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Chloe blushed with
uncharacteristic shyness. “Thanks, Mom.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Cade,” Emily continued, “you are
blessed with curiosity and intelligence, understanding and humor. You always want
to make sense of your world and the people in it, and you make my world a far
better place to be. Sometimes you teach me; sometimes you make me laugh, but
all the time you remind me that life is as precious as the things we believe
and the people we love.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Cool,” Cade said, clearly
pleased by her words.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
His grateful mother had one more
thing to say. “I hope you both know that the people I love most in the world
are you, and I thank God every day that you are mine.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Christmas spirit flowed around
the room, a river of love that filled their eyes and hearts.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“I’ll go next,” Chloe offered.
“Okay, Cade? Because I want to tell you I think your gift is loyalty. Whenever
your friends tease me, you refuse to join in. You stick up for me every time,
even when they make fun of you for it. Being your sister always makes me feel
good. Well, most of the time, anyway.” She grinned. “You’re a pretty big deal,
Cade.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Awww,” he teased. “I ain’t all that.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“True,” answered Chloe. “I’m just
using my amazing gift of compassion to boost your self esteem a bit.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Their laughter, shared, added to
the good feeling.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Chloe continued. “Mom, your gift
is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">yourself</i><span style="font-family: "arial narrow";">––</span>or maybe that’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">our
</i>gift, because you give it to us every day<span style="font-family: "arial narrow";">––</span>in
more ways than I can even think of. You go without things other moms have so we
can eat good food, stay warm, be happy…and even <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">breathe</i> right. You give your love, your time, and your energy. You
give everything. Every time we need it. I’d say that makes you the best mom
ever!”<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“The best,” Cade agreed. “I think
your gift is unselfishness, Mom. And charity. Pastor Bob says charity is the
pure love of Christ, and I think you have it. I know you do, because I feel
it.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Emily’s heart swelled with joy.
What more could she want for Christmas than to be a good mother? And how
wonderful it was to hear her children expressing their feelings this way. She
could hardly wait to hear what gift Cade recognized in Chloe.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
She didn’t have to wait long.
“Chloe,” Cade said. “Your gift is that you ‘get it.’ You really get it, and you
get me, too. Sometimes better than I get myself. Remember that time I was so
mad at Jake, and you helped me see why? Talking to you helps me figure myself
out, which is a good thing since my gift is supposed to be ‘understanding.’” He
grinned. “Seems like our gifts kinda work together. Know what I mean?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“I know exactly what you mean,”
his mom replied, “and I think you’re onto something. No wonder we’re a family.
The gifts we’ve been given complement each other to perfection. And that’s what
we’re seeking, eventually…to be perfect, even as our Father in Heaven is
perfect. Which brings me to the last and most important gift He has given us,
the gift of His Son. Let’s take a minute to tell the Christmas story like Luke
did, so many years ago:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">“And
it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar
Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. And all went to be taxed, every
one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of
Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; To be
taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that,
while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">And
she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and
laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there
were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over
their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the
glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the
angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great
joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of
David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">shall be</span> a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in
swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a
multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the
highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men”</span></i><span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">
(Luke 2:1-14).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“As you might have noticed,”
Emily said, “earlier this month I wasn’t in the right mood for Christmas. In
fact, I was one step away from Grinch status, with my heart two sizes too small
and shrinking. All I could focus on were the presents I couldn’t afford to give
you, forgetting that the most important one, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Christ’s presence in our
lives</i>, cannot be purchased<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">.</i> The
only gift that really matters is the gift of His birth: including His example,
His life, His death, and all they mean for us. Do you understand?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The twins nodded. “I’m glad you
gave up on the Grinch thing,” Chloe whispered. “Me too,” Cade muttered. “That
was a gift in itself!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
His mom smiled good-naturedly,
ready to laugh at herself now that her worries had passed. “One more thing,”
she said. “Thanks to Izzy’s Christmas book, I remembered something I had
forgotten. Something important. The best gift we can give is seeing ourselves
and others as Christ sees us, naming and acknowledging strengths openly. These
are the gifts worth sharing: the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">simple</i>
gifts, powerful gifts. My grandma used to call them <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">gifts of love</i>. And they don’t fit under the Christmas tree. They
only fit deep in our hearts.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
∞§∞</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
This was our circletime story from two years ago, and I hope you enjoyed reading it. Christmas has grown far too commercial of late, and I guess this one was my way of trying to regain some balance. I hope you have found a bit of balance in your celebration this year, and if not...there's always next time around!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">In the past, I have always shared my circle time questions with you, so here they are: </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
1. Please share
with every member of your circle the gift or gifts you see and appreciate most
in them. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>2. Please share which of Christ’s gifts
(comfort, mercy, etc.) has meant the most to you this past year.</div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Template>Normal.dotm</o:Template>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>1823</o:Words>
<o:Characters>10396</o:Characters>
<o:Company>none</o:Company>
<o:Lines>86</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>20</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>12767</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>12.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I always pass out some kind of pocket token, and last year it was a pewter nativity scene. As I was handing it out, I said, "The image depicted by this token
is to remind us that the Star of Bethlehem shines far more brightly than
presents under a tree ever could."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;">MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;">ALL A GOOD (CHRISTMAS EVE) NIGHT!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>=)</b></span></div>
Susan Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16049586085703324088noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6072583027504108914.post-46055870551149077692017-12-18T00:35:00.000-08:002019-01-09T22:09:52.137-08:00Christmas Joys<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o_c_exzzdmQ/WMETHdkuGjI/AAAAAAAAaqU/20Tayvj6ck8p8Z2JeOire0n34Kp6bS28QCLcB/s1600/15325343_10153912278332167_6445843952283307217_o%2Bcopy%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o_c_exzzdmQ/WMETHdkuGjI/AAAAAAAAaqU/20Tayvj6ck8p8Z2JeOire0n34Kp6bS28QCLcB/s400/15325343_10153912278332167_6445843952283307217_o%2Bcopy%2B2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image by Anita Schiller Terry ©2016</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://www.susannoyesandersonpoems.com/2017/03/09/christmas-joys/" target="_blank">Christmas Joys</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">©2017 Susan Noyes Anderson</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
At Christmas, simple things are best:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A family meal, a day of rest,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A sprig of holly on the tree,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A sweet noel, sung joyfully.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A cozy fire, a child at play,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A tale of Santa on his sleigh,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A glowing candle burning bright,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Reminder of the Savior's light.<br />
<br />
A hug exchanged, a burden shared,<br />
A broken heart sweetly repaired,<br />
A listening ear, a gentle hand,<br />
A tender heart to understand.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hold fast to lovely things and true;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let peace on earth begin with you.<br />
∞§∞<br />
<br />
<em style="font-family: MavenProRegular; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;">On Christmas Joys:</span></em><br />
<div style="font-family: MavenProRegular; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><em>“He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find Christmas under a tree.” </em><br /><em>–Roy L. Smith</em></span></div>
<div style="font-family: MavenProRegular; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><em>“Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas.”</em><br /><em>–Peg Bracken</em></span></div>
<div style="font-family: MavenProRegular; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px; text-align: left;">
<em><span style="color: #990000;">“The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.” –Burton Hillis</span></em></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><b>Wishing everyone a warm and wonderful holiday season!</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><b>=)</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #7f6000;">for more poems, click below</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://poetryblogroll.blogspot.com/2017/12/poetry-pantry-383.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="178" data-original-width="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IP4v_Q01DzU/WjfW75JJXgI/AAAAAAAAa2E/CP9wi7eO8WkjD5Xksr3lsxHNIHLkpP6LACLcBGAs/s1600/PU-2-1.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 192px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 18px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 192px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 18px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 192px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 18px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 192px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 18px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 192px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 18px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 192px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 18px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 192px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 18px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 192px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 18px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 192px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 18px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 192px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 18px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 192px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 18px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 192px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 18px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 192px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 18px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 192px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 18px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span>Susan Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16049586085703324088noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6072583027504108914.post-14288478916971630542017-11-17T01:44:00.004-08:002019-01-09T22:12:26.333-08:00The Lift<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The prompt was to write a poem inspired by the following image:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6XXVZtzA0YA/WgzSYVWsh2I/AAAAAAAAa1w/nZVZfgpbjNM7lcf9P8990HQDTqzNYcQFQCLcBGAs/s1600/tag-2810648_19201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="986" data-original-width="1314" height="296" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6XXVZtzA0YA/WgzSYVWsh2I/AAAAAAAAa1w/nZVZfgpbjNM7lcf9P8990HQDTqzNYcQFQCLcBGAs/s400/tag-2810648_19201.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://www.susannoyesandersonpoems.com/2017/11/17/the-lift/" target="_blank">The Lift</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">©2017 Susan Noyes Anderson</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
His spirit crawls a lowly road</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
with little will to rise.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Leaves falling from the trees reprise</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
tears falling from his eyes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Shoe leather, laced with mud and muck,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
greets shadow on the wall.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The trap once set, now cruelly sprung,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
yields no escape at all.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
An ill wind blows no body good,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and sometimes life just blows.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Could be that he comes out all right,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
could be all wrong. Who knows?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Balloon man, can you spare the fare?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One magic taxi ride.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A free lift for a sorry soul,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
jumpstart to the bright side.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04;">for more poems, click below</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://dversepoets.com/2017/11/16/open-link-night-happy-birthday/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="256" data-original-width="256" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dY1AJRb9ahI/UmbWzs_q0AI/AAAAAAAAX7U/de_h3DVvw_4XKEgwdZmf6dLw9_QeJQsgQCPcBGAYYCw/s200/dverselogo.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div>
Susan Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16049586085703324088noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6072583027504108914.post-69107031319095354942017-11-03T11:46:00.001-07:002019-01-09T22:13:19.215-08:00Hold Fast to Hope and Fireflies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4o6mgy6FGaQ/WfS3q1j3vPI/AAAAAAAAa1g/hilol_DIKcU_lADv0s0TVLgaYL5_7OARgCLcBGAs/s1600/Lieder-Look-I%2527m-here.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="931" data-original-width="1000" height="370" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4o6mgy6FGaQ/WfS3q1j3vPI/AAAAAAAAa1g/hilol_DIKcU_lADv0s0TVLgaYL5_7OARgCLcBGAs/s400/Lieder-Look-I%2527m-here.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://www.susannoyesandersonpoems.com/2017/10/28/hold-fast-hope-fireflies/" target="_blank">Hold Fast to Hope and Fireflies</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">©2017 Susan Noyes Anderson</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I used to have a firefly inside me,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a certain spark against the dark of night...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
her wings translucent threads of hope and dreaming,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
her glow as magical as soft starlight.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I knew she was a gift; I always knew.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There was no capture, no attempt to snare.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She simply was, and so we simply were.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Partners in joy, staunch allies in despair.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We carried sunshine as we walked through shadows,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
found springtime in our hearts on wintry days.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She danced and floated, every gloom dispelling.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We were as one; and oh, I loved her ways.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But graceful wings of hopes and dreams proved fragile.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sharp words cut them away, blew out the spark.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She vanished in a flash of light extinguished,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
left me to wander, broken, in the dark.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I used to have a firefly inside me,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a healing glow to warm my weary soul.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I bide my time, seek her in clouds and rainbows,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
wish on bright stars, <i>Come home and make me whole.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04;">for more poems, click below</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://dversepoets.com/2017/11/02/openlinknight-207/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="256" data-original-width="256" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dY1AJRb9ahI/UmbWzs_q0AI/AAAAAAAAX7U/de_h3DVvw_4XKEgwdZmf6dLw9_QeJQsgQCPcBGAYYCw/s200/dverselogo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Susan Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16049586085703324088noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6072583027504108914.post-20967671900953012712017-10-11T12:12:00.000-07:002019-01-09T22:14:31.859-08:00The Uncool Kitchen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1484" data-original-width="1600" height="370" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V1n5F8zya90/Wd5pxWVdfrI/AAAAAAAAa1E/R9hNUHfMPesWv185qaCLwJqpS_Mjx313ACLcBGAs/s400/image1.JPG" width="400" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://www.susannoyesandersonpoems.com/2017/10/13/the-uncool-kitchen/" target="_blank">The Uncool Kitchen</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">©2017 Susan Noyes Anderson</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My kitchen is a clone of me,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and at its very heart</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
hums one cold, stainless giant,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
covered in graffiti art.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Refrigerator magnets. {wince}</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
They do not make me proud.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Unhip, uncool, oft-parodied,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
mocked freely and aloud.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My critics can be merciless,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
yet I am undeterred.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Some twisted slave inside me</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
clings to every magnet word.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>HOME RULES</i>: The list is lengthy,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
unoriginal, and lame.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But everyone who sees my fridge</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
must read them all the same.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If <i>Grandma Makes Life Beautiful</i>,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and <i>Love Is Spoken Here,</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
then <i>Life Is but a Song to Sing</i>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Blech! {gagging on good cheer}</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
No worries. <i>Home Is Where the Hugs Are.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Family Warms Our Hearts</i>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>There's No Friend Like a Sister</i>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Home Is Where Your Story Starts</i>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Time Flies</i>. (It does; I'm almost done.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Snap Out of It</i>, you say?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'll try, but <i>When It Rains, It Pours</i>,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and magnets <i>Seize the Day</i>!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><i>for more poems, click below</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://dversepoets.com/2017/10/10/chilling-out/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="256" data-original-width="256" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dY1AJRb9ahI/UmbWzs_q0AI/AAAAAAAAX7U/de_h3DVvw_4XKEgwdZmf6dLw9_QeJQsgQCPcBGAYYCw/s200/dverselogo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Susan Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16049586085703324088noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6072583027504108914.post-56566587668729062792017-09-22T16:15:00.001-07:002019-01-09T22:15:37.335-08:00Secrets of the Sea<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nhrmnnx-tYU/WcWVtpjhtdI/AAAAAAAAa0w/DDJDfVM-StIhfNPJe553__GHkAJI7HXVwCLcBGAs/s1600/1%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="203" data-original-width="360" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nhrmnnx-tYU/WcWVtpjhtdI/AAAAAAAAa0w/DDJDfVM-StIhfNPJe553__GHkAJI7HXVwCLcBGAs/s400/1%2Bcopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://www.susannoyesandersonpoems.com/2017/09/21/secrets-of-the-sea/" target="_blank">Secrets of the Sea</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">©2017 Susan Noyes Anderson</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When my own tides are at low ebb,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I stand beside the sea.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Bright waves of truth I used to know</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
come washing over me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The sand dampens beneath my feet,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
connecting me to ground.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A sacred message to my soul</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
rises in every sound.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Its rhythm whispers ancient tales,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
soft secrets of the deep, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
reflections of the promises</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
my spirit longs to keep.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And I embrace the mystery:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
the pulses of the earth,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
the highs, the lows, the ebbs and flows,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
the watery rebirth.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Peace lands so gently on my shoulder,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
lifts me on its wings.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My freed heart opens to the sea</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and every gift it brings.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #660000;">for more poems, click below</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://dversepoets.com/2017/09/21/open-link-night-204/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="256" data-original-width="256" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dY1AJRb9ahI/UmbWzs_q0AI/AAAAAAAAX7U/de_h3DVvw_4XKEgwdZmf6dLw9_QeJQsgQCPcBGAYYCw/s200/dverselogo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 252px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 843px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 252px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 843px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span>Susan Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16049586085703324088noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6072583027504108914.post-2228707422863792152017-09-10T01:48:00.001-07:002019-01-09T22:16:34.948-08:00God Watches Out for Me<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-duvSy5VEoeA/Wa3dr2lK6CI/AAAAAAAAazM/NIBFGNSEW3USpWPWtKdzeklPlYdrQGySgCLcBGAs/s1600/Jesuscomforts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="218" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-duvSy5VEoeA/Wa3dr2lK6CI/AAAAAAAAazM/NIBFGNSEW3USpWPWtKdzeklPlYdrQGySgCLcBGAs/s320/Jesuscomforts.jpg" width="248" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Art by David Bowman</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://www.susannoyesandersonpoems.com/2017/09/04/god-watches-out-for-me/" target="_blank">God Watches Out for Me</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">©2017 Susan Noyes Anderson</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In ways I cannot always see,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I know God watches out for me––</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
His loving instinct to protect</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
expressed as I might not expect.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Storms threaten, and I beg release;</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
instead, He leads me to His peace. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I call on Him to still the sea;</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
most times, He simply buoys me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Illness descends; I pray for cure.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
He lifts me higher to endure.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This mountain is too steep, I plead,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
yet He removes it not from me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ease keeps us small, too weak to stand;</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
struggle and strength go hand-in-hand.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Still, when woes rush at me in pairs,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
sometimes I wonder if He cares.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then in my heart of hearts I kneel,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
as He assures His love is real.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In ways I cannot always see,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I know God watches out for me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04;">for more poems, click below</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://poetryblogroll.blogspot.com/2017/09/poetry-pantry-370.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="178" data-original-width="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EJUZZoYM4Ng/V7afwSly3WI/AAAAAAAAadU/yr0PAmEe0-0tYDd4no6BaBn3G32e0XW4ACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/PU-2-1-1.jpg" /></a></div>
Susan Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16049586085703324088noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6072583027504108914.post-44584570761641923132017-08-11T11:06:00.002-07:002017-08-11T11:18:01.986-07:00Depression: Cornering the [Black] Market<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sYX5XIjR2zw/WY3wXcrauPI/AAAAAAAAay0/D4z8OiyhbZoHMGsRWAde2xOzexV_YLqMQCLcBGAs/s1600/grief-and-depression.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="260" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sYX5XIjR2zw/WY3wXcrauPI/AAAAAAAAay0/D4z8OiyhbZoHMGsRWAde2xOzexV_YLqMQCLcBGAs/s1600/grief-and-depression.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://susannoyesandersonpoems.com/2017/08/11/depression-cornering-black-market/" target="_blank">Depression: Cornering the [Black] Market</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">©2017 Susan Noyes Anderson</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You don't understand me,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
he said.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
No one knows</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
of the suffering</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
stored in my soul.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I told him of dark days</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I stumbled </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and bled,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
days when life nearly</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
swallowed me whole.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But it wasn't the same,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
he insisted;</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
his pain</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
was unique and mine</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
could not compare.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My empathy suspect,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
my counsel</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
in vain,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I held back things</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I wanted to share.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It bruised me to look</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
at him, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
caught up in</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
misery, claiming</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
it all as his own.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
He holds the black shadow</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
so close to </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
his chest</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
that he's left</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
to do battle alone.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #660000;">for more poems, click below</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://dversepoets.com/2017/08/10/openlinknight-201/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="256" data-original-width="256" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dY1AJRb9ahI/UmbWzs_q0AI/AAAAAAAAX7U/de_h3DVvw_4XKEgwdZmf6dLw9_QeJQsgQCPcBGAYYCw/s200/dverselogo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Susan Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16049586085703324088noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6072583027504108914.post-40358694167614612722017-06-23T22:59:00.000-07:002017-06-25T18:13:28.907-07:00Taking Back the Knack<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6BbVzU93xUE/WU38VnoTyRI/AAAAAAAAaxk/GiNOZ7f0xFoKuUEcqU_neBm-Lj04saaZQCLcBGAs/s1600/the-one.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="203" data-original-width="410" height="197" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6BbVzU93xUE/WU38VnoTyRI/AAAAAAAAaxk/GiNOZ7f0xFoKuUEcqU_neBm-Lj04saaZQCLcBGAs/s400/the-one.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://susannoyesandersonpoems.com/2017/06/22/taking-back-knack/" target="_blank">Taking Back the Knack</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">©2017 Susan Noyes Anderson</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I think I may have lost the knack</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
that surely was my stock in trade</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
in days gone by. The years have made</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
me less adept. I've gone off track.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Relationships: I had a gift</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
of sensing need, meeting it well.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But lately, I am empty shell,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and every comer gets short shrift.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Oh granted, things are crazy here.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A drooping sun. A spinning moon.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Wheels of (mis)fortune turn too soon.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
No respite. Toxic atmosphere.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Machine gun miseries from all.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A clip of trouble raining down.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Can't keep my people off the ground.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Can't always see them when they fall.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It rankles when I fail to see.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Not used to it. Don't like it much.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm fading, dropping balls and such.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Not quite the force that once was me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Used up. Burned out. Like melted wax.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Point taken. I'm no northern star.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But they're my heart. Straight up, they are.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And I'll not drop them through the cracks.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #660000;">for more poems, click below</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://poetryblogroll.blogspot.com/2017/06/poetry-pantry-359.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="178" data-original-width="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-axZqR038q44/V5uKneawg_I/AAAAAAAAabU/CdJ9s-oFWBgyjK01Ya5SCysKH7J-iue_QCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/PU-2-1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Susan Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16049586085703324088noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6072583027504108914.post-23945451002003243842017-04-21T00:06:00.001-07:002017-05-06T23:52:10.449-07:00A Postcard Wave <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iPTX5deMZos/WPlx1_34p5I/AAAAAAAAauY/hLJO65TTwGA4J6AKXcKwx5s7Hw3AFwkXwCLcB/s1600/shutterstock_92858029_n3eulr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iPTX5deMZos/WPlx1_34p5I/AAAAAAAAauY/hLJO65TTwGA4J6AKXcKwx5s7Hw3AFwkXwCLcB/s320/shutterstock_92858029_n3eulr.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://susannoyesandersonpoems.com/2017/05/02/a-postcard-wave-from-sue-to-dave/" target="_blank">A Postcard Wave</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://susannoyesandersonpoems.com/2017/05/02/a-postcard-wave-from-sue-to-dave/" target="_blank">from Sue to Dave</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">©2017 Susan Noyes Anderson</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Just jotting down a word or two</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
to let you know that I love you</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and miss you, too, if truth were told.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(The bathroom grout is sprouting mold.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Just blowing kisses o'er the sea,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
hoping you'll blow some back at me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've also blown a bit of cash.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Got super bored and drained our stash.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
No need to fret. I'm A-OK.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Don't hurry home and save the day.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm muddling along just fine.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Wait! When's that income tax deadline?)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04;">for more poems, click below</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://dversepoets.com/2017/04/20/openlinknight-194/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dY1AJRb9ahI/UmbWzs_q0AI/AAAAAAAAX7U/de_h3DVvw_4Qh-VTqpcXy54iv6OrtLZCACPcB/s200/dverselogo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Susan Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16049586085703324088noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6072583027504108914.post-36359278726288945712017-04-16T12:45:00.001-07:002019-01-09T22:18:11.258-08:00What Will We Give?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5JRixRVfK8/WPPIfxbju0I/AAAAAAAAauI/E-x9Lr-DdCky5C7LyBkh_y7wxFvhphCogCLcB/s1600/18592cbb2c07b97a0e9f8b6dacd2576a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5JRixRVfK8/WPPIfxbju0I/AAAAAAAAauI/E-x9Lr-DdCky5C7LyBkh_y7wxFvhphCogCLcB/s400/18592cbb2c07b97a0e9f8b6dacd2576a.jpg" width="307" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://www.susannoyesandersonpoems.com/2017/04/16/what-will-we-give/" target="_blank">What Will We Give?</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">©2017 Susan Noyes Anderson</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Savior in Gethsemane</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
consumed our sins on bended knee,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
took every sorrow, every loss</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and broke them on the rough-hewn cross.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Christ sealed His gift in grief and pain,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
renewed each heart in sacred rain</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of Living Water, lifeblood spilled.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The ransom, paid. The law, fulfilled.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
His temples pierced by thorny crown,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He laid His tortured body down.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The sacred flesh, abused and torn,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
roused heaven and earth to weep, to mourn.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The tomb received Him as her own;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
disciples wavered, left alone,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
forgetting promises profound:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The ties of death would be unbound.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For Christ the Lord atoned for all;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
no grave could hold Him, nor forestall</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the blessings of eternity.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He lived! He lives! to set men free.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A Brother gave Himself in love.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The risen Lord now waits above.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What will we give? May our lives be</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
reflections of His charity.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Happy Easter!</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>He is risen!! </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;">=)</span></div>
Susan Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16049586085703324088noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6072583027504108914.post-88402786377326099422017-04-07T18:47:00.000-07:002017-04-07T18:47:14.233-07:00The Path of Peace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9TdIPIrYcQM/WOQbHLsbsGI/AAAAAAAAatk/qtQUt6pJ1IE4XmC214hoW91g4xqfTatPQCLcB/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9TdIPIrYcQM/WOQbHLsbsGI/AAAAAAAAatk/qtQUt6pJ1IE4XmC214hoW91g4xqfTatPQCLcB/s400/Unknown.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://susannoyesandersonpoems.com/2017/04/04/the-path-of-peace/" target="_blank">The Path of Peace</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">©2017 Susan Noyes Anderson</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I love those peaceful moments of the heart</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
when mind and spirit finally run free,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
the fleeting moments, seldom set apart,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
when every soul is stilled to breathe, to be.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The quiet morning, jeweled in drops of dew,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
the dusk as sunset colors fade to gray,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
the mountaintop with wildflower view,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
the friendly clouds to float each fear away.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A white dove calls; an eagle takes the sky.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A raindrop freshens bits of budding spring.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The redwood tree sends branches reaching high.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Soft sweetgrass waves its welcome, beckoning.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Across the earth, the beauty is profound:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
serenity and nature, hand in hand.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The senses rise in sight and scent and sound,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
collecting peace from grove to sea to sand.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And yet, absent the grace and power of God,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
no wave would crest, no blossom bless the air.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It is His path of peace that all must trod,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and He waits patiently to lead us there.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04;">for more poems, click below</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://dversepoets.com/2017/04/06/openlinknight-193/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dY1AJRb9ahI/UmbWzs_q0AI/AAAAAAAAX7U/de_h3DVvw_4Qh-VTqpcXy54iv6OrtLZCACPcB/s200/dverselogo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Susan Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16049586085703324088noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6072583027504108914.post-62533287489452480422017-04-03T11:39:00.003-07:002017-04-04T12:56:44.983-07:00Touchstones<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a0WZ2iW4EFk/WELrJ9BcazI/AAAAAAAAal4/6RPNhwFZSUYsxn3V8-L9ZbCOq4DwBCXXACLcB/s1600/c1b1ca5cce338b6df157bb783b373321-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a0WZ2iW4EFk/WELrJ9BcazI/AAAAAAAAal4/6RPNhwFZSUYsxn3V8-L9ZbCOq4DwBCXXACLcB/s400/c1b1ca5cce338b6df157bb783b373321-1.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://susannoyesandersonpoems.com/2017/04/04/touchstones/" target="_blank">Touchstones</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">©2017 Susan Noyes Anderson</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A rock is sure, reliable,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
predictable and sane.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Its nature, set in solid stone,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
shows little wax or wane.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Whatever changes must evolve</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
spread out across the years.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
No shock and awe, no sudden swoon</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
when something new appears.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Its smooth and soothing sturdiness</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
feels pleasing to the hand,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
so cool against a fevered palm,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
so warm in summer sand.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The properties are plain to see;</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
the texture sleek or rough.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This friend-that-can-be-counted-on</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
is tested, tried, and tough.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A rock seems an unlikely ally.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Keep one at the ready.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When all the world is shifting shapes,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
a touchstone holds you steady.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04;">for more poems, click below</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://poetryblogroll.blogspot.com/2017/04/poetry-pantry-347.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-axZqR038q44/V5uKneawg_I/AAAAAAAAabU/CdJ9s-oFWBgR0ETtu4te2uUjbOr1ja2_QCPcB/s1600/PU-2-1.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span>Susan Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16049586085703324088noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6072583027504108914.post-45499143759815523262017-03-08T22:23:00.001-08:002017-03-09T08:44:55.751-08:00Woman, Be Bold<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pf5NqAe1_AU/WMDzM07kIpI/AAAAAAAAaps/4xF73ci_pfwt1gNJsFV-6eSeY4-q0D1eACLcB/s1600/1409964873358-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pf5NqAe1_AU/WMDzM07kIpI/AAAAAAAAaps/4xF73ci_pfwt1gNJsFV-6eSeY4-q0D1eACLcB/s400/1409964873358-1.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://susannoyesandersonpoems.com/2017/03/08/woman-be-bold/" target="_blank">Woman, Be Bold</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">©2017 Susan Noyes Anderson</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Reach up. Draw lightning from the sky.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Call down the rain on shifting sands.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Become the one who understands</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
where strength resides.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Control the tides; create your wake;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
trust in your flow for its own sake.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No looking back, except to marvel</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in the glory. You live the story.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And so be bold, be bold for you;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
be bold for women far from view.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Be brave and real; contrive to feel</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the rightness there.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Summon the wisdom of the womb.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Assume the mantle of your birth.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ignite a flame across the earth</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for woman's due. Begin with you.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>My thoughts on International Women's Day.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04;">for more poems, click below</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://poetryblogroll.blogspot.com/2017/03/poets-united-midweek-motif-womans-day.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g1uzCCrbr8U/WMD0Nxt-UKI/AAAAAAAAap0/9vCSAvKhw7sqKFlfLLDIOLtbKbzhBMtZgCLcB/s1600/PU-2-1.jpg" /></a></div>
Susan Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16049586085703324088noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6072583027504108914.post-85091055587605500792017-02-14T15:31:00.000-08:002017-02-19T07:27:51.165-08:00Love Sings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WUYiPYc5Zcs/WKOSE0LfZxI/AAAAAAAAaoA/Tot_FwLWuDcOJjqYTty6Wtp76lRGw301gCLcB/s1600/frogshell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WUYiPYc5Zcs/WKOSE0LfZxI/AAAAAAAAaoA/Tot_FwLWuDcOJjqYTty6Wtp76lRGw301gCLcB/s400/frogshell.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://susannoyesandersonpoems.com/2017/02/14/love-sings/" target="_blank">Love Sings</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">©2017 Susan Noyes Anderson</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Love is a shell in golden sand,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
a secret in a willing hand,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
a piece of beauty worth its keep,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
as mighty as the sea is deep.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Walk carefully on distant shores.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The ocean whispers, crashes, roars.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Be not distracted; find that one</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
reflected in the morning sun.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Embrace the gift, divinely made.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Let not the sacred music fade.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hear all the magic; guard it well.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Live every tale it has to tell.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
∞§∞</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I like the notion of love as a fragile yet mighty shell waiting to be found by the right person. Discernment is everything, and choosing the one who will sing his or her music to you over a lifetime should be a careful process. Once found, that lovely gift is worthy of every protection, for it is truly magic. And oh, what stories a true and lasting love has to tell!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04;">for more poems, click below</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://poetryblogroll.blogspot.com/2017/02/poetry-pantry-341.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p9Jr4SZ9jXU/WKllPrextYI/AAAAAAAAapI/M3Gl-dXYkTQzvndrwPr-nZxwLxJjIhX3gCLcB/s1600/PU-2-1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Susan Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16049586085703324088noreply@blogger.com18