tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55642455226722931042024-03-05T01:10:34.442-05:00Untagged Seeds"Having children is like planting seeds from and unmarked packet. You vaguely believe you'll get daisies but instead you get roses morning glories, iris... all wonderful and beautiful, like you." AnonymousAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03319419210889261670noreply@blogger.comBlogger170125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5564245522672293104.post-581660352747357092014-06-16T10:06:00.001-04:002014-08-25T16:40:20.251-04:00Summer<div class="mobile-photo"></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjKFGXcMVcNpBPEGhhACxDOBphTSRUHo-0uGD0xDQFWnU6rYeWsrbQXMHPfUCVw08ilu4VOoTOQA9TTHBdWa_CKpqWasgCKmAmuqy66mqs56qHyCK_o1c9jenDKd8HIkfmyXrmul9cPpVm/s1600/photo-703570.JPG" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjKFGXcMVcNpBPEGhhACxDOBphTSRUHo-0uGD0xDQFWnU6rYeWsrbQXMHPfUCVw08ilu4VOoTOQA9TTHBdWa_CKpqWasgCKmAmuqy66mqs56qHyCK_o1c9jenDKd8HIkfmyXrmul9cPpVm/s320/photo-703570.JPG" height="240" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6025528185591678082" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Summer With my Kids</b><br />
<a data-pin-color="red" data-pin-config="beside" data-pin-do="buttonPin" data-pin-height="28" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Funtaggedseeds.blogspot.com%2F2014%2F06%2Farts-festival.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-TlvxGz4rb-I%2FU5759c5LxII%2FAAAAAAAABys%2FLVY-ejj8DhM%2Fs1600%2Fphoto-703570.JPG&description=Summer%20With%20My%20Kids"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_red_28.png" /></a><br />
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</tbody></table><h4>This summer is nearly over! </h4><br />
Just a week before school. Here is my favorite picture of me and the kids this summer at the Allentown Arts festival.<br />
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Just about every blogging guide I've read says never to write about how i'm sorry I haven't posted in a while. I just realized that I haven't posted here in just over a year. I'm probably not supposed to go on and on about the uncomfortable realities that made it so hard to write anything in this space. Besides, there are a few things that are even too close and too personal for even a blogger to casually post. It seems those circumstances are beginning to resolve themselves. And it means some big giant positive changes, will be coming our way. Life is never what you'd expect! <br />
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I spent a lot of time with the kids this summer, it has, been my biggest joy! I am so incredibly thankful for them, they put the sparkle in my life in a lot of ways.<br />
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I will say that I've missed writing here. Even if I've managed to post on my other <a href="http://klypt.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">(artsy) blog</a>, this was where I where I talked about being a mother. Princess A is going to kindergarten next week, so I'm entering a whole new phase of mothering. Its good, I can't wait to see what she does with it. K-dog, well second grade awaits, he seems confident that he's got it covered.<br />
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<h4>Fall has always been my favorite season.</h4>It always seems like a new school year is really the time for new beginnings. So here we go!<br />
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03319419210889261670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5564245522672293104.post-2070370281440376932013-08-15T10:47:00.001-04:002013-08-15T10:47:37.469-04:00KLyPT ['klipt]: craft and art from the edges: City of Night Buffalo 2013<a href="http://klypt.blogspot.com/2013/08/city-of-night-buffalo-2013.html?spref=bl">KLyPT ['klipt]: craft and art from the edges: City of Night Buffalo 2013</a>: The Emerging Leaders in the Arts Buffalo (ELAB) 2nd annual CITY OF NIGHT BUFFALO A celebration of all the things that make Buffalo g...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03319419210889261670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5564245522672293104.post-65270758298529283352013-08-03T12:43:00.001-04:002013-08-03T12:44:17.516-04:00New Job <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjatw7rpBUQLG95Pe5HRlflRA9hrTGT-C_WVe8d5xO4GWjyKCjhkHbCj2yNR9v6lWcA8AYiHv4x6tdejEFiYfQSkcoLL6WmD2yvl_oD_XQn6fcdAdafSYAfhrMEuKa_5XUGuDzN_Cj4Cizx/s1600/exterior+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjatw7rpBUQLG95Pe5HRlflRA9hrTGT-C_WVe8d5xO4GWjyKCjhkHbCj2yNR9v6lWcA8AYiHv4x6tdejEFiYfQSkcoLL6WmD2yvl_oD_XQn6fcdAdafSYAfhrMEuKa_5XUGuDzN_Cj4Cizx/s320/exterior+4.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
I'm a real estate agent now! Its pretty exciting, and even better tomorrow is my very first open house! It s a great house and you should just come by to wish me luck, (or you know, buy this house)<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://www.huntera.com/listing/buffalo/new-york/137-mariner-st-buffalo-14201-B435138#.Uf0x3OU_1lo.blogger">137 Mariner St, Buffalo, New York 14201</a>OPEN HOUSE<br />
SUNDAY AUGUST 4TH<br />
1-3 PM</h3>
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Lots of art going on this summer too, but I posted about that <a href="http://klypt.blogspot.com/2013/07/art-is-still-my-center.html" target="_blank">here</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03319419210889261670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5564245522672293104.post-49282478708062072992013-05-12T12:05:00.003-04:002013-05-12T12:05:55.413-04:00Happy Mother's Day<br />
Being a mother is much like the title of this blog:
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicn7LA1VW1B3LEyCqGZ7Id7epwej6C5HlqzvNyhVp1cixA010Daihg7Ltmzx-jsyMcFaRaAhcSuzLkrrE-CYAE7-gz2Zx8c-hHX2-a-pS059QNehHwxf1qN5UklAmS-Efsraw7yFE_Vqjm/s1600/USBLOG+BANNER+2+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="102" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicn7LA1VW1B3LEyCqGZ7Id7epwej6C5HlqzvNyhVp1cixA010Daihg7Ltmzx-jsyMcFaRaAhcSuzLkrrE-CYAE7-gz2Zx8c-hHX2-a-pS059QNehHwxf1qN5UklAmS-Efsraw7yFE_Vqjm/s400/USBLOG+BANNER+2+copy.jpg" width="400" /> </a><br />
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Here's a link to the poem that I got published in the Buffalo News about the force of heritage entitled <a href="http://http//www.buffalonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130512/LIFE/130519927/1057">Her Force</a>.<br />
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I'd like to thank my husband, and my children for making me a mother, it's not been anything I expected but its been wonderful all the same!<br />
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Happy Mother's Day!</h4>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03319419210889261670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5564245522672293104.post-56374169952630944992013-03-21T14:47:00.002-04:002013-03-21T15:03:49.478-04:00Get more Art into your life: a KLyPT Giveaway!<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNHFgV1S_zxL9-x5mP9E8uWI_xsy_yPnOOkgyNpwEte3nXBHet_H6-VEjaGEewhlYrWSSagDIyaIazuhuE7VY4kidORBR29nqWfNz02JqnvCxKLCh02h4462SlM8YpF-JutnYKGQd_5uJ0/s1600/photo+3-730646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNHFgV1S_zxL9-x5mP9E8uWI_xsy_yPnOOkgyNpwEte3nXBHet_H6-VEjaGEewhlYrWSSagDIyaIazuhuE7VY4kidORBR29nqWfNz02JqnvCxKLCh02h4462SlM8YpF-JutnYKGQd_5uJ0/s400/photo+3-730646.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://klypt.blogspot.com/p/daily-paintings.html" target="_blank">Some of the Daily Paintings</a></td></tr>
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/5529e54/" id="rc-5529e54" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03319419210889261670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5564245522672293104.post-34295236270831813062013-03-04T13:38:00.001-05:002013-03-04T13:39:28.823-05:00KLyPT ['klipt]: Little Crafts and Other ThingsI've been spending my time posting more items into my Etsy shop:<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/KLyPT?ref=si_shop" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="52.5" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwVpydPf4sNdYUrxdFyL_A7KlHfyegMxDUtWRVxY_BfOJH-fylDp9Fsl3u2M6D62OD6odTcwRL8DHAu5dufUXy6CKRBSWGi7WqFFVFJPrgjgBpxVizSe1b7rwYHB4I21LKiJWxCQiCmE7C/s640/etsybanner.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
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more to come!
<script src="http://www.etsy.com/assets/js/etsy_mini_shop.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">new Etsy.Mini(6289560,'gallery',2,3,1,'http://www.etsy.com');</script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03319419210889261670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5564245522672293104.post-47943682758343121002013-01-29T19:44:00.000-05:002013-01-29T19:44:13.062-05:00Winter, Working & Big Orbit Member Show<div class="WordSection1">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter doesn't seem to have them down at all.</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Winter<o:p></o:p></span></b></h3>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">We survived the holidays! We are just a few days away from the mid-point of winter. For the first time I had the thought, "Gee, spring would be nice." I do tend to a little seasonal blues, I do live in Buffalo but I've been painting some, spending time with friends, keeping generally busy. All in all not doing too bad.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> look ma, it's architecture! </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Work<o:p></o:p></span></b></h3>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Speaking of busy. I've been working for the last 7 months (and clearly not updating my blog). It feels so good to be back out in the "real world"; even if I absolutely hate getting up in the mornings. I've often written about achieving balance in life and I'm definitely working on that right now. I do miss the rhythms of being a stay-at-home mom, but at the same time a lot of that was not working well for me either. I missed adults, working, leaving the house every day. I also really resented the assumption that since my childcare role meant I was at home most of the day, that I was supposed to take on all of the housework as well. I am not a domestic goddess, now that I'm working again I get to spend a little more time doing something I really good at.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Needless to say the entire family has been adjusting to our new dynamic. I have given up on the idea that I will ever work the 50+ hours per week that I did BC (before children). My son and daughter seem to be thriving in school. K started full day kindergarten and A still at the Waldorf pre-school. And my dear husband, has started reading my old blog post for dinner recipes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Now the really reason I wanted to post today is because I've once again submitted some artwork to the Big Orbit Member show and wanted to give you the particulars:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Art<br />
(for sale even)<br />
at BIG ORBIT</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><a href="http://www.bigorbitgallery.org/bigorbit/allofthemcurrent.html">Big Orbit Member Show</a> </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></h4>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">22nd Annual</span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><br /></span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Members' Exhibition </span></b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span class="style11"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">February 2 - March 9, 2013</span></span><b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><br /><br /><span class="style11"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">opening reception:</span></span><br /><br /><span class="style11"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Saturday, February 2 from 8 - 11 p.m.</span></span></span></b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Usually there's a wide range of visual and sculptural art from Buffalo creatives, I've never been disappointed. I will be out of town for the opening but that doesn't mean that you shouldn't go! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03319419210889261670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5564245522672293104.post-73787017034181591432012-11-28T13:06:00.001-05:002013-03-04T13:14:48.069-05:00I Still Exist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've been working (yeah), painting, (yeah, yeah, yeah) and blogging just a (Ilittle bit) more over on my other blog </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YaTtK75iVAM/UJu5GllLwOI/AAAAAAAABZk/wC-5TRd3VUU/s1600/klypt+blog+bannervf+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="41" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YaTtK75iVAM/UJu5GllLwOI/AAAAAAAABZk/wC-5TRd3VUU/s320/klypt+blog+bannervf+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://klypt.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">KLyPT</a></div>
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I fully intend to post more in this space very very very soon!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03319419210889261670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5564245522672293104.post-89360024246877469832012-10-09T00:37:00.001-04:002012-10-09T00:37:27.623-04:00KLyPT ['klipt]: craft and art from the edges: Painting Again<a href="http://klypt.blogspot.com/2012/10/painting-again.html?spref=bl">KLyPT ['klipt]: craft and art from the edges: Painting Again</a>: I know its been about forever since I've posted here. The big change in my life is that I have a (mostly) full time job . It was something t...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03319419210889261670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5564245522672293104.post-53049656036513895972012-07-24T23:18:00.001-04:002012-07-24T23:18:35.188-04:00Blame for Black Obesity: a Culture of Disowned Bodies<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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I read and responded to this article on FaceBook. When I
realized it was nearly 500 words I decided that is should also be a blog post:</div>
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The subject of African-Americans and their relationship to
their bodies is something that I have been wondering about for some time. I am
not so sociologist, however a friend said that if ever I needed a PhD topic
this might be it. It is my opinion that many of the lasting problems faced by
African-Americans stems from not really relating to our own bodies. We made a
culture of separation from the corporeal to protect ourselves from the legal
reality that others “owned” our bodies. I think it is crucial for us to
reconnect within this generation.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://thegrio.com/2012/07/23/is-the-black-church-partially-to-blame-for-obesity/" target="_blank">http://thegrio.com/2012/07/23/<wbr></wbr>is-the-black-church-partially-<wbr></wbr>to-blame-for-obesity/</a></div>
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This is the “comment” I left:</div>
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This article is a little thin on reasoning, but I think that
it is not entirely wrong in its assertion. The scientist among you will agree
that environment and heredity work together to make a person obese and one's
culture is a big part of their environment. Christian or not the black church
is part of black culture.</div>
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<br /></div>
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What I would be more interested to hear is if obesity is, in
fact, one if the lasting effects of slavery. I mean more than soul food. I
assert that within a reality where ones' very body was not their own African
American resorted to a culture that created a buffer from that harsh inhumane reality.
The black church is an institution of this culture. Obesity is just a single
symptom of this hold over.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The church seems to emphasize the disembodied afterlife of
the soul, King appealed to our hearts, Dubois advised us to develop our minds. I
know so many spiritual, living & educated blacks who would never think
twice about their corporeal existence. </div>
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In fact, the only persistent media image of a physically
focused black person is in jail or sports, and the only fit women pictured are
sexual objects. (That is another topic for another day.) I'm sure you want people to think of you as only a jock, criminal or prostitute. This is the often the image that African-Americans feel they have to fight against.</div>
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I am not a sociologist but I wonder if obesity is only one
symptom, violence in the home towards children is another. Anyone ever heard
the phase, "Give your heart to Jesus, because your behind is mine." it
is a completely ridiculous thing to say, ones body is intact their own! And the
justification the that what the sheriff (read: lynch mob) would do to a
disobedient black child would be far worse than a beating at the hands of
a parent is out of date logic. Base again on the idea that the 'law' has rights
to brown bodies. How does this effect violence in the community? For those of you who are blessed not to know this, you can't go jogging in a violent neighborhood.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Our disgust, disdain, closeted distance from all things
sexual is yet another symptom of a culture that has yet to take full ownership
our bodies. The result is HIV infection rates much higher than the general
population. (Granted, incarceration also figures prominently) Why teach your
son or daughter to negotiate for good-to-you good-for-you, safe(r) sex, with appropriate
birth control, when you have trouble with even talking about the desires
of your own beautiful blessed sacred body. Could this disembodiment be at least partially responsible for low breastfeeding rates? By the way, breastfeeding can be linked to healthier weight for mom and baby down the road.</div>
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<br /></div>
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We have trouble advocating for, protecting, and LOVING a
thing with which we do not completely connect. The black body is not celebrated
it is watched, raped, hunted, singled out, over sexualized, misunderstood,
maligned and made fun of by the popular culture every day. No wonder we, work
on our souls, and brains and communities rather than put on some shorts and go
effen jog, for jogging sake. Moreover, we have cannot demand a stop to this
until we ourselves value the blessing of vessels we have been given. To this
end mindful eating, exercise, non-violent home life for everyone, sex education
and a return of the black is beautiful mantra.</div>
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<Steps down from soap box></div>
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<br /></div>
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Of course, I pride myself on having a non-violent home. I
make it a daily point to celebrate my children everyday, especially their tangled
curly hair, golden skin and brown eyes. I make sure they get to run, climb,
jump and make the most of the bodies they have been given. I know they will not
always eat organic food, heck, they may decide not to be vegetarian. I think
that it is particularly important that they love, respect and nurture their
bodies because history has not. Do you think that there is more to African-American obesity than fried chicken and macaroni and cheese? Tell me about it.</div>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03319419210889261670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5564245522672293104.post-70497469670369090742012-06-21T10:49:00.000-04:002012-06-21T15:47:07.567-04:00Dinner (Now!): No Stove Summer Supper<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHL9AgpUOMA0YdHJ-JQw0u-_ThHhxb5vSE5Uo-mbEbPVMj8CoR12_M92qB1_nM77HwhjC6jtoswWs-bhgaMb2I6UcamyageQzCxcX_R5OpxY8CEXIQy0_wH-WKnofw0L5pvXK0WggDDBJu/s1600/photo+1-786807.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5756501664439264546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHL9AgpUOMA0YdHJ-JQw0u-_ThHhxb5vSE5Uo-mbEbPVMj8CoR12_M92qB1_nM77HwhjC6jtoswWs-bhgaMb2I6UcamyageQzCxcX_R5OpxY8CEXIQy0_wH-WKnofw0L5pvXK0WggDDBJu/s320/photo+1-786807.JPG" /></a></div>
I will not be giving a recipe because what you see is what you get. Humus and cheese for protein and what whatever veggies look good in the grocery. The real trick is to put it all in a tray or in a picnic basket. and <span style="font-size: large;">...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">GO OUTSIDE!</span><br />
<br />
My kids usually balk at a 'salad' but when the can pick out what bits they like & eat them with their fingers, al fresco all is well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp7HavNV3R-f37rtJhoZApUfEoIl-YLF_fW_Te_q-nT3lDTRnG8eMYE3M06fRUzrjmNr3tDtHtruKYkR47e3ypLepxvy8iDEeIIj4Oy19etNS1XBc_Xj1hWW_s21Uk4TaBLwjQr1IEt14t/s1600/photo+2-788529.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5756501665673298786" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp7HavNV3R-f37rtJhoZApUfEoIl-YLF_fW_Te_q-nT3lDTRnG8eMYE3M06fRUzrjmNr3tDtHtruKYkR47e3ypLepxvy8iDEeIIj4Oy19etNS1XBc_Xj1hWW_s21Uk4TaBLwjQr1IEt14t/s320/photo+2-788529.JPG" /></a></div>
With the first day of summer bringing scorching temps, I was happy not to have to even turn on a burner, oven or grill. When I'm feeling more ambitious, I'll may even include some homemade humus.<br />
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Enjoy the summer everyone! Nutritious, vegetarian, easy & less than 15 mins!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03319419210889261670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5564245522672293104.post-30734571536676369932012-06-17T12:23:00.003-04:002012-06-17T12:29:13.139-04:00All About Dads: Fathers Have Something To Do With It<br />
<center><a href="http://www.allthingsfadra.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank" title="all.things.fadra"><img alt="#SOCsunday" border="0" src="http://allthingsfadra.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/SOCSunday-badge.jpg" /></a></center>I don't have time for a real post today, I'm studying like mad, but I wanted to give a shout to the Dads out there. So I"m going to give it a few minuets to All.Things.Fadra's Stream of Consciousness Sunday's writing Prompt: All about Dads:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<h3>
All About Dads: Fathers Have Something To Do With It</h3>
When I was about 6, my mom's best friend son and I spent lots of time together. I distinctly remember the back seat of her Volvo, Anthony and I were having a heated debate about the origins of babies. I think our mom's were just listening in to see what our little minds would come up with. My theory, based on the fact that my aunt had just had a baby, and was not married, was that women decided to have babies and were simply nice enough to share them with their husbands. If they didn't have a husband, then they didn't have to share. Poor Tony, didn't really <i>know</i> how father were involved in the baby making process, he was only 6 but he insisted that dad's did have something to do with it, and there by had some inalienable rights to their children. Fortunately for the Tony, our mom's settled the dispute, stating that fathers did have <i>something </i>to do with the process, and had both a right and responsibility to their shared children.<br />
<br />
When we were in seventh or eighth grade Tony lost his father to cancer. I don't really remember all the details, excpt image of Tony, not yet a man, in a slightly over size suit holding his little sister's hand at the funeral. Maybe he was a little embarrassed to be crying in front of a classmate, by then we weren't as close as when we were at 6, but he barely made eye contact with me. I had no idea what to say, but in this moment I knew that a <i>father </i>is more than DNA, or your mother's husband. I still compare all grief to the look on that little boys face, I am crying as I write this now.<br />
<br />
Tony's father was the first architect/planner I had ever met up close, we'd play video games in their attic next to his drawing boards. They did the the coolest kitchen renovation I had ever seen. Its funny but both Tony and I ended up going to architecture school, although neither of us are strictly practicing at the moment. I miss Tony's dad, I wish he could have seen the man that he's become.<br />
<br />
I have a pretty good relationship with my father. He is the best kind of, loving, caring, there for me, no-nonsense, take of the training wheels, practice your clarinet, back-yard fort, Sunday Star Trek, guitar and golf addicted dad that anyone could ask for. Even though I don't call him as much as a should, I am truly thankful. So <b>Happy Father's Day </b>to all the dad's out there, and thanks Tony for convincing me, when I was 6, that dad's did have <i>something</i> to do with babies.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03319419210889261670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5564245522672293104.post-30721884561617825402012-06-15T23:15:00.003-04:002012-06-15T23:15:44.796-04:00Springing thru Spring<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0iTaS3p0xrF7YM5-5TYHvVFDghMUAECWOvD31lAZvVNDURar7sE-12eEr2uMEy_ksHwDxNxbrvxnzIFGa3TgKm2AAKuwUv1aES2g0CqMB6m3EhWMbZwaGbUkrFQzjXcUjWXVuR3I0JbJh/s1600/photo+2-758667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0iTaS3p0xrF7YM5-5TYHvVFDghMUAECWOvD31lAZvVNDURar7sE-12eEr2uMEy_ksHwDxNxbrvxnzIFGa3TgKm2AAKuwUv1aES2g0CqMB6m3EhWMbZwaGbUkrFQzjXcUjWXVuR3I0JbJh/s320/photo+2-758667.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">spring</td></tr>
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There just hasn't been any time to post in the last month. Not to mention that laptop with a few of my planned post is currently --DEAD--. It is so so so sad. We've also been so busy in the last couple of weeks of spring. Of course we had Princes A's 3rd Birthday Party, and it was about the most fun fishy party anyone could have. I also had the opportunity to <a href="http://klypt.blogspot.com/2012/06/gallery-show-space-224.html" target="_blank">show paintings</a> in the local Sp@ce 224 Gallery. I signed up to take a section of the Architecture Record Exam, so if you see me out at of coffee shop with my nose in a text book, you know why. There was also poetry workshops, an Architecture for Humanity Chapter here in Buffalo, the continued process of moving into our house, getting the yard ready for warm weather. Did I mention knitting, painting, and a genuine job hunt on my part? How is it that I am typing this right now? <br />
<br />
Did I mention that the our dear 3 year old as almost entirely given up naps? When people ask, "how have you been?" I nearly always answer, <span style="font-size: large;">"busy, very busy."<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span>I've only recently come to realize that I'm not complaining. I actually like being busy. I've learned that I do need breaks from time to time, but active and engaged with my family, friends and community is my bliss. You'd also have a hard time getting me to ever stop painting again. It's only possible because there are things that I know I may never get around to, and I've nearly <a href="http://untaggedseeds.blogspot.com/2009/09/acceptance.html" target="_blank">accepted </a>this in my life, nearly.<br />
<br />
I like to take on projects and challenges for myself, I'm happiest that way. Things won't really quiet down over the summer, and K-Dog is starting "real" school in the fall. I'm kind of looking forward to the excitement. More post on all of our goings on are to come. Are you anything like me, do you find that you like being busy?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03319419210889261670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5564245522672293104.post-53288904138508384112012-05-14T14:18:00.000-04:002012-05-14T14:18:56.325-04:00Sandbox Season Starts!<div class="mobile-photo">
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh8mk6giNYPvRlguan8sNJyDK5mO9jxcVs70MbiCxNoR627kZvJboE1XbyziUrg_JOqX1re-UADq5myo-71g89fieWU5lrlhid7wxeYQ3_nx8YmGu3-ZZypqULu_h0Cl6v8z0F2zBRX1DQ/s1600/photo-791635.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5742443398379903138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh8mk6giNYPvRlguan8sNJyDK5mO9jxcVs70MbiCxNoR627kZvJboE1XbyziUrg_JOqX1re-UADq5myo-71g89fieWU5lrlhid7wxeYQ3_nx8YmGu3-ZZypqULu_h0Cl6v8z0F2zBRX1DQ/s640/photo-791635.JPG" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Its' official, its Sandbox season! <br />
Now how do I get them inside for a nap?</td></tr>
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</div>
<br />
Find out how NOT to build a sandbox <a href="http://untaggedseeds.blogspot.com/2011/07/why-not-to-hire-architect-to-design.html" target="_blank">here.</a><br />
<br />
or what to put in one if you actually manage to buy or build a working one. <a href="http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-5679259-10971062?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.MelissaAndDoug.com%2Fproduct%2F529732%2F6434%2F_%2FMelissa%2Band%2BDoug%2BSeaside%2BSidekicks%2BSand%2BCookie%2BSet%3Futm_source%3Dcj%26utm_medium%3Daffiliate%26utm_campaign%3Dcj-feed%26m%3D677%26c%3D0%26o%3Dcj&cjsku=6434" target="_blank">Melissa and Doug Seaside Sidekicks Sand Cookie Set</a><img border="0" height="1" src="http://www.tqlkg.com/image-5679259-10971062" width="1" />*<br />
<br />
ENJOY! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
*<a href="http://untaggedseeds.blogspot.com/p/pr-advertising.html" target="_blank">affiliate link </a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03319419210889261670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5564245522672293104.post-29820504687418211202012-05-09T15:28:00.001-04:002012-05-09T15:28:31.740-04:0010 Reasons I Live in a City (& Love it!)<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpi3qJ7eBmba652t9SBNtQFQqbdkYau7llFtjwpa-XB5j8_J9MU2yIpA_iCyYox7H2xO4WJTWqRpxV583nKHw3CUab9zaIc7TjO7eVndChE0QIo3jILyrzeKqY9LUSyq2vrqKOAST-YU4P/s1600/100_0454-724765.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="150" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5740614312778773906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpi3qJ7eBmba652t9SBNtQFQqbdkYau7llFtjwpa-XB5j8_J9MU2yIpA_iCyYox7H2xO4WJTWqRpxV583nKHw3CUab9zaIc7TjO7eVndChE0QIo3jILyrzeKqY9LUSyq2vrqKOAST-YU4P/s200/100_0454-724765.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A typical Buffalo Neighborhood</td></tr>
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I love living in the city. Moreover, I love living in Buffalo. Urban life makes me happy. I'm even working on a series of paintings about side walks and streets. Check out my <a href="http://klypt.blogspot.com/2012/02/artfix-2012-week-1.html" target="_blank">other blog</a> for updates on that. Heck I even have a Pinterest board called,<a href="http://pinterest.com/klypt/the-streets-were/" target="_blank">"The Streets Were..."!</a><br />
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Let it be said, I love <a href="http://untaggedseeds.blogspot.com/search?q=city" target="_blank">city life</a>!<span id="goog_1721756148"></span><span id="goog_1721756149"></span> I while I have only been subjected to the suburban lifestyle in small short burst, but the idea of it make me ______. (Well this is supposed to be a family blog, right.) I feel that a little less downright angry about genuinely rural life. I could imagine myself at least vacationing on a farm or in small town inn, with out getting too stabby. <br />
<br />
I have family and even friends that for some reason prefer the suburbs, or country, I know the city is where I belong. It is part of who I am, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I am passionate about this, so my list might be a little long, actually I should probably write a whole book on this. Anyway, I am going to post my bullet points a few at a time. So stay tuned.<br />
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<br />
This list is in no particular order.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin7RL-_de4QNSjZRUk6OFRKvoIT6Vy7LsvYFOlyqmceMyc_LACKVyL9IqLVx1PQUUljpBHoO2QF6gYKTdplQ7Ew_r_sU8kca6CEv4zYx7AkAH4weLJ6hf0dlcdhjzNzS-8Tx0SckpLONB_/s1600/100_4774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin7RL-_de4QNSjZRUk6OFRKvoIT6Vy7LsvYFOlyqmceMyc_LACKVyL9IqLVx1PQUUljpBHoO2QF6gYKTdplQ7Ew_r_sU8kca6CEv4zYx7AkAH4weLJ6hf0dlcdhjzNzS-8Tx0SckpLONB_/s200/100_4774.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ignore the baby bump, <br> that's Pittsburgh back there!</td></tr>
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<h3>
1: I grew up in a city: </h3>
There is something, again to be said, for sticking with what you know. Pittsburgh in the 80's was suffering from industrial decline, crime, and pollution. It was still a wonderful place to grow up. I have fond memories of public school, PAT busses, friends and cousins that lived within walking distance. <br />
Pittsburgh, even in its muddy, dirty, under-doggiest, always had its good points and a lot have to do with being a vibrant central city. As a little kid and a teenager, I benefited tangibly from being part of a community with research hospitals, theater and classical music productions, the Carnegie museums and libraries. There are intangible things too, like winning sports teams, extended family and community. All of these were accessible, largely, without a car. <br />
<br />
Buffalo, is not Pittsburgh, but it still has a familiar network of places, people, and destinations that I can be meandered and discovered. I have lived her for nearly 16 years and I still and learning things about this place. I was born in a city and I feel like I understand urban pulse and it is comfortable to me.<br />
<br />
<h3>
2) I am rarely the strangest person around.</h3>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBBHJ6vL48qq4E6-fSkzqcenM6Undd3tA1OP7LFRPlAFYa0lzzgkwZXbfTj-MaC6xV-MQZZsqhdn3-bhpPdd2Gfi_biWFeoMK6waznhONLavgIprz7w9zdh3ikhf2WAneoHhhHWPRmXSbr/s1600/photo-789059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBBHJ6vL48qq4E6-fSkzqcenM6Undd3tA1OP7LFRPlAFYa0lzzgkwZXbfTj-MaC6xV-MQZZsqhdn3-bhpPdd2Gfi_biWFeoMK6waznhONLavgIprz7w9zdh3ikhf2WAneoHhhHWPRmXSbr/s200/photo-789059.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm sure it's everywhere, <br />
but there's more weird stuff in a city</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I don’t ever remember fitting in. For whatever reason, I tend to stick out. I have learned to accept that. The nice thing about living within an urban community I am usually never the biggest weirdo around. There is always someone with more tattoos, piercings at least. <br />
<br />
The selling point of many suburban developments has long been homogony. You live around people who all live in nearly the same style house, which everyone bought for the same price. For a long time minorities were not welcome. Cities thrive on the very crashing different communities together. <br />
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I married someone who was raised Polish Catholic, I am, by self-report, an African-American Buddhist. A city is, for me, the place where the bird and the fish can live together. Even their children do not even stick out that much.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0iTaS3p0xrF7YM5-5TYHvVFDghMUAECWOvD31lAZvVNDURar7sE-12eEr2uMEy_ksHwDxNxbrvxnzIFGa3TgKm2AAKuwUv1aES2g0CqMB6m3EhWMbZwaGbUkrFQzjXcUjWXVuR3I0JbJh/s1600/photo+2-758667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0iTaS3p0xrF7YM5-5TYHvVFDghMUAECWOvD31lAZvVNDURar7sE-12eEr2uMEy_ksHwDxNxbrvxnzIFGa3TgKm2AAKuwUv1aES2g0CqMB6m3EhWMbZwaGbUkrFQzjXcUjWXVuR3I0JbJh/s200/photo+2-758667.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nature in the city</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
3) Concrete grey is the new green</h3>
In my earlier post about making <a href="http://untaggedseeds.blogspot.com/2012/04/make-everyday-earth-day.html" target="_blank">Every Day Earth Day</a> I talked about house, I try to make green a lifestyle choice. While I do not think suburban life makes that impossible, there is a considerable carbon footprint associated with new-build, car only accessible development. If we take clues from our urban past and make the most of new technologies city life will be the green alternative for a sustainable future.<br />
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That’s all for now, more post about why to live in and love your central city coming soon! Tell me what you love about where you live, be it city, country or suburb.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03319419210889261670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5564245522672293104.post-74958699444019973882012-04-22T15:44:00.002-04:002012-04-28T14:50:39.357-04:00Make Everyday Earth Day<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1sGy84PXnlcxbAIE5yMqmIEVNCaswdqUb4xBWN18MsVHwTEqddkm3MDlqT8a5yHAKRfWTnkzCjg1UtmvX5n0FoD1d8HHOv5i_T8KjEbpfkPPA7k_RKumGpO-qjdD12mGfhmcwnVr1xHi3/s1600/100_3462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1sGy84PXnlcxbAIE5yMqmIEVNCaswdqUb4xBWN18MsVHwTEqddkm3MDlqT8a5yHAKRfWTnkzCjg1UtmvX5n0FoD1d8HHOv5i_T8KjEbpfkPPA7k_RKumGpO-qjdD12mGfhmcwnVr1xHi3/s200/100_3462.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Earth Day 2006</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My first job as a kid was going door to door collecting donations for <a href="http://www.pennpirg.org/" target="_blank">PennPIRG</a> and their reduce reuse recycle campaign. I was 17, and at the end of that summer I went off to college. Its funny how you are so often formed by the experiences of your late teens. I'm still a vegetarian because a reading of Anne Lappe's, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Diet-Small-Planet-Anniversary-Edition/dp/0345321200" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Diet for a Small Planet</a>. I just never learned to cook meat.<br />
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So, I'm a life long greenie, but Earth Day often goes by unnoticed. <br />
<a name='more'></a>Actually, this post is a bit late because I totally forgot about it this year.I try to respect the earth with lifestyle choices instead of one-day efforts. Not to say that I don't occasional buy a bottled of water, or forget to recycle a yogurt container.
As the my friends and neighbors celebrate Earth Day 2012 I'll leave you with a list of the things that my family does everyday to make the earth.<br />
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<b>1) I live in the city.</b> Dense urban lifestyle with walkable communities are good for the earth. Leaving green fields green. We also have always lived in old houses, instead of new-build. While it would it work for everyone, think of it at reusing & recycling on the building scale. If you are looking for a zillion reasons to ditch the cul de sac read my favorite <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cities-without-Suburbs-Woodrow-Wilson/dp/0943875730" target="_blank">Cities Without Suburbs</a> by David Rusk, the environment is probably the least of his argument, but its part of the reason I love city life. <br />
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<b>2) I share a car with my husband.</b> Not always the most convenient, and only possible because we live in a city. It means we have to plan our trips a bit more carefully, and use public transportation. The sad part is that because of urban sprawl and rising fuel cost our local transportation authority, like many, are faced with raising fares and reducing service.Ultimately, we may need a second car, but I'm holding out as long a possible!<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeiEVzFEPjywAsClHwvXl6gG88ZsEUzrbQKLztPw-zVgZUEtzZB19ToYQjFTAH3nNQcTUdbtOdMg4lrV1c3mH7uio64TKAFoUEF7sBlKXQ6M94mIH-5NWEosbCDp9s_cBkTleh80KlOAMV/s1600/photo+1-722356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeiEVzFEPjywAsClHwvXl6gG88ZsEUzrbQKLztPw-zVgZUEtzZB19ToYQjFTAH3nNQcTUdbtOdMg4lrV1c3mH7uio64TKAFoUEF7sBlKXQ6M94mIH-5NWEosbCDp9s_cBkTleh80KlOAMV/s200/photo+1-722356.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kids know where food comes from.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>3) I to eat local and organic food</b> whenever possible. I'm voting with my belly for sustainable agricultural practices. We use <a href="http://www.porterfarms.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Porter Farms CSA</a> here in Western NY and they are real people growing real food. In the end I love the connection that my family has to the actual farm that their food comes from.
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUM7P2OOnzUbb-QdzG0CboYwXY3644RNWwTZzQgEpqfps_0SKakJSTv6bl-kSYA2BnGr32-_4gPfTZtlpVtEk2IkKI4EBZmZs-Mey-bmR2XH0BwJkYUZGNgKllIUSMjqVeS2rY-SonzKgF/s1600/bm-image-793894.jpe" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUM7P2OOnzUbb-QdzG0CboYwXY3644RNWwTZzQgEpqfps_0SKakJSTv6bl-kSYA2BnGr32-_4gPfTZtlpVtEk2IkKI4EBZmZs-Mey-bmR2XH0BwJkYUZGNgKllIUSMjqVeS2rY-SonzKgF/s200/bm-image-793894.jpe" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garbage picked play structure <br />
has given us 4 years of use <br />
instead of going to land fill</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>4) I'm <a href="http://untaggedseeds.blogspot.com/search/label/cheap" target="_blank">cheap</a>.</b> If I can buy it used or fix something we already have, why throw away when you don't have to? Sometimes its as easy as shopping your own attic, passing down clothes or glueing a wheel back onto a favorite toy. While I haven't continued the practice I made handmade gifts for everyone for an entire year, and this Easter I even <a href="http://klypt.blogspot.com/2012/04/craft-or-art-crayons.html" target="_blank">recycled crayons.</a><br />
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<b>5) I breast feed and cloth diapered my children.</b> At the time I didn't even know how 'green' I was being. I was just being cheap and lazy. But as it turns out bottle feeding saved me from having to sterilize any bottles and make it to the store for formula but <a href="http://www.breastfeeding.com/reading_room/eco-mama.html" target="_blank">breast is best for environment too</a>! As far a cloth diapering, I'm cheap and really hated shelling out money every week for the throw away kind. If you thinking of making some Everyday Earth Day changes in your nursery <a href="http://www.kellyscloset.com/?AffId=619" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kelly's Closet*</a> has Free shipping today with <span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">coupon code: GREENDAY. </span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1862292052" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNuf6CtnCbzJIJlPlRIs7eKuK6N-J_CtBAzVzO4ZpaP0aHNzh08yg2bBcH6ivVeyJCvT37VmnKTtabqbRtqcyjVWil59hNvcY0HSCTwojoV906yr7wN2XVITXyuLztaT7tyDGhA4OI4OM/s200/photo-719426.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kellyscloset.com/?AffId=619" target="_blank">Old technology saving the earth</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>6) I try to think of the big impact of the little things I do.</b> I do not have a perfect recycling or composting record, and I do not think that I will be raising my own chickens anytime soon. Instead I try to make sustainable choices when decide what to eat, wear, buy and most importantly the values I teach my children. Those little things will have huge global impact in the long run.<br />
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I didn't plant any trees this year, but I still feel like I'm celebrating <span style="font-size: large;">Earth Day,</span> because it is part of my life <span style="font-size: large;">everyday</span>. This by no means suggesting that you should make all of the same lifestyle choices that I have, because what we do wouldn't work for everyone. However, there are a million ways that you can make everyday Earth Day in your household. Actually, I bet you already do. What do you do every day to make the Earth a priority in your lives?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03319419210889261670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5564245522672293104.post-69091959168458495662012-04-18T20:37:00.000-04:002013-03-20T14:47:38.360-04:00Chicken Pox Revival?<div class="mobile-photo">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1H6Fc12Sy5_uX56hH1tf9GDabkuWmRxKY455aU4bU7Tp6eUh_3MNJq7ubgoURwMrONf5BYLL-ThZP__NxbMwoCCOn2veHFCn6_SpSVCsO3P9Ixtok4cjnSE-MuQGxNBEEcquK8wpk19pi/s1600/photo-711407.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732822752200390306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1H6Fc12Sy5_uX56hH1tf9GDabkuWmRxKY455aU4bU7Tp6eUh_3MNJq7ubgoURwMrONf5BYLL-ThZP__NxbMwoCCOn2veHFCn6_SpSVCsO3P9Ixtok4cjnSE-MuQGxNBEEcquK8wpk19pi/s320/photo-711407.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicken Pox look a little like this <br />
(if you were wondering)<br/><a data-pin-config="none" href="//pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Funtaggedseeds.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F04%2Fchicken-pox-revival.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-Rc6yRpeIdcI%2FT48T61kudqI%2FAAAAAAAABIQ%2FkmxZ-SETb1g%2Fs320%2Fphoto-711407.JPG&description=Chicken%20Pox%20look%20a%20little%20like%20this%20(if%20you%20were%20wondering)" data-pin-do="buttonPin" ><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
My son has the Chicken Pox. 30 years ago, nay 15 years ago this would be entirely unremarkable. However these days most children are vaccinated, and when my Dear Husband took our polka-dot-boy to the pediatrician the doctor went back to office to look in "the book" to make sure she was diagnosing properly. As it turns out, without any secondary skin infections or complications from fever, the Chicken Pox aren't that dangerous.<br />
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I'm sure a few of you other mom's are immediately wondering why I, the mother of the year, did not escort my itchy offspring to the doctors office. Well the sad truth is, that despite an other wise normal childhood, I have never had the Chicken Pox. <br />
<a name='more'></a>So, since I discovered little red blisters all over him on Thursday, I've been trying to avoid my own son. For the record it has not been working, and the doctor told my husband that, in all likelihood, be dreadfully ill in the next week or two. The real kick in the pants is that I got the vaccine. Some time in my twenties, when I found out it was available, and assured my doctor I had never had them. Because there was some outside possibility that I could get them while pregnant, I'm sure the other script I got that day was for birth control pills, I was given the a shot.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilpN-7cj143nt1WM2H107wFIw5PEQNWWzVOp1NoZJ_tmUlKSrIPgnO4JjeOE-phMgnwdBTR_b1U23ldRbczElE1hoBKVO-q748NxYJEUN8qtUYvbOMfjKWDMqtPrNIt0azCgtE4LdfTPpu/s1600/bm-image-768805.jpe" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilpN-7cj143nt1WM2H107wFIw5PEQNWWzVOp1NoZJ_tmUlKSrIPgnO4JjeOE-phMgnwdBTR_b1U23ldRbczElE1hoBKVO-q748NxYJEUN8qtUYvbOMfjKWDMqtPrNIt0azCgtE4LdfTPpu/s200/bm-image-768805.jpe" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sorry we can't play with anyone<br />
Mom might get the Chicken Pox<br/><a data-pin-config="none" href="//pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Funtaggedseeds.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F04%2Fchicken-pox-revival.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-jMuUW036KdU%2FSR3M6eQmAZI%2FAAAAAAAAAIM%2F5d-r0_C8ra8%2Fs200%2Fbm-image-768805.jpe&description=Sorry%20we%20can't%20play%20with%20anyone%20Mom%20might%20get%20the%20Chicken%20Pox" data-pin-do="buttonPin" ><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a></td></tr>
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So why should I be so afraid that I could now get the chicken pox, since I was vaccinated. Well no one ever asks about these things until you do get <a href="http://untaggedseeds.blogspot.com/2012/04/5-things-i-resent-about-being-pregnant.html" target="_blank">pregnant</a>. So 6 years ago when I was expecting K-dog, I distinctly remember the midwife asking me if I had had the chicken pox, and when I said that I was protected by a vaccine, I remember some kind of test to confirm this. All good. So when Princess-A was on the way, 2 years later, they did the test again. No dice. I was given strict orders to come in for a booster if I was to come within 2 miles of any infectious person. So every time I took K to the sandbox, or saw anyone who seems under the weather I had to announce that I was trying not to get the chicken pox. So much for HIPPA.<br />
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Which brings me back to my son's case of the chicken pox. I mentioned our quarantine on Facebook, and got a variety of responses. Including, fond memories of they're own chicken pox, gasps of surprise, and even a few suggestions for a <a href="http://www.motheringshop.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=chicken+pox+party&Click=10622" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chicken Pox Party*</a>.<br />
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Suddenly I realize is that this one infection has branded our family as some of those <i>anti-vac nuts who's are going to revitalize polio, and bring the end of civilization</i>. Is vaccination the third-rail of motherhood discussion? I have had heated debates with very close friends and family who think its crazy to get any jabs, and I have heated debates very close friends and family who thinks its crazy not to get them all. Actually, the only thing I think is crazy is this totally polarized view of something that is simply, not that simple. <br />
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There is a theory that mothers would never been able to work (<i>out of home that is</i>) if it were not for vaccines because, small children used to spend so much time quarantined with things like chicken pox and measles. The feminist in me would suggest that family friendly work policies for men and women would make this irrelevant. Others think that vaccines, and/ or the sheer quantity of them are the a toxic danger to our public health and the well being of their child. My thoughts are somewhere between the two. Some infections are common and dangerous enough to make them worth the risk, but then again I can blog and paint from home even if all I'm painting is calamine lotion.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdhxJf1TCZs9ET8jPDeFLIjEW4bGIlUdS0umGJ6MeOZJgbh_GsWqBvziD49WwEBg0EKdvkrVndN0rYUy11Hd_qpbosVlzYsagMrBePBDNDovru6HPDbAtucC6Ge91Q721ofHttHGEpaB8Y/s1600/photo-706607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdhxJf1TCZs9ET8jPDeFLIjEW4bGIlUdS0umGJ6MeOZJgbh_GsWqBvziD49WwEBg0EKdvkrVndN0rYUy11Hd_qpbosVlzYsagMrBePBDNDovru6HPDbAtucC6Ge91Q721ofHttHGEpaB8Y/s1600/photo-706607.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guess who will get them next.<br/><a data-pin-config="none" href="//pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Funtaggedseeds.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F04%2Fchicken-pox-revival.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-L303I0om64w%2FT48udfQYTGI%2FAAAAAAAABIo%2FuTtg9-AglBQ%2Fs1600%2Fphoto-706607.JPG&description=Guess%20who%20will%20get%20the%20chicken%20pox%20next..." data-pin-do="buttonPin" ><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a></td></tr>
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There is no place for being in the middle. When we told the pediatrician that we did not want to vaccinate "on schedule", I know for sure they put a little red dot on on K's chart. When we decided certain vaccination made sense for us, I suddenly endangered the "conscientious and religious" exemption letter that we had submitted to school. Damned if you do, damned if you don't. In either case our doctor doesn't seem willing to help us weigh the usefulness vs risk to us (or our community).
It has been an all or nothing proposition, and to me that is not good. Having to chose sides in a debate like this makes absolutely no sense. <a href="http://www.motheringshop.com/?Click=10622" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mothering Magazine*</a> has probably been a voice of reason, even if they seem to tend to the non-vaccine side.<br />
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Just to put this all in perspective, my mother was probably a test subject in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polio_vaccine#Development" target="_blank">Dr. Salk's polio vaccine trials</a>. K-dog will forever associate the chicken pox with all things <a href="http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2012/04/titanic/sides-text" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Titanic</a>, it will be part of the story of his life. I've always been proud of my no-pox streak, but ask me that again on Sunday. What was your childhood chicken pox story? <br />
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*Affiliate link, see <a href="http://untaggedseeds.blogspot.com/p/pr-advertising.html">PR & Advertising</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03319419210889261670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5564245522672293104.post-21047580233699652832012-04-18T15:11:00.000-04:002012-04-18T15:11:30.133-04:00Pantry Purge Prize Winners!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rM24kns6khGT6aqIZFdGIggF-vp4L79P6wAObQJy2hejqaRYxHVvCZOX66AatZgJGDb5ug70DCHoLWQFRM9rw4ULbqaGLuPprgvhb_m85fnzRe3ZoWbPhETuH0Rrv4Y5RXHaqwLiFjGi/s1600/pantrypurge+button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rM24kns6khGT6aqIZFdGIggF-vp4L79P6wAObQJy2hejqaRYxHVvCZOX66AatZgJGDb5ug70DCHoLWQFRM9rw4ULbqaGLuPprgvhb_m85fnzRe3ZoWbPhETuH0Rrv4Y5RXHaqwLiFjGi/s1600/pantrypurge+button.jpg" /></a></div>
Ok I know I'm a bit late in this but here is finally the post to announce my winners. Thank you all who entered! You will laugh hysterically when I tell you why this post is late. My son got the chicken pox.
Here are the other post in the whole <a href="http://untaggedseeds.blogspot.com/search/label/Pantry%20Purge">pantry purge series</a>.
<a name='more'></a>
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<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<a href="http://untaggedseeds.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzHdgZWxwQ24T87ay24wozHZoSSN5DW9QGuG7vTNTYewadGYWO4g2lY3cv1SwRfZ40byOLyZKUWKk5WIiNcxdACCb2MvqpgDsB9vNVsLPEOAGPevlFHFE82i_Y8fxwbeMeDIMW7HDcekRT/s1600/untaggedbutton+copy.jpg" /></a> </div>
I started this blog <span style="font-size: large;">4 years ago</span> today, with this lame <a href="http://untaggedseeds.blogspot.com/2008/04/im-going-to-start-this-blog-with-same.html" target="_blank">post</a>. (Please don't go looking at it, its survived thus far with only one viewing thus far, and that was probably me.) <br />
<br />
<br />
A lot has changed in that time, even the name of this blog. For the life of me, I cannot remember of what the original name was. I've even <a href="http://untaggedseeds.blogspot.com/2012/02/blog-but-better.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">redesign and renovated</span></a> it few times, the latest being over this winter when I participated in the <a href="http://forum.thesitsgirls.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">SITS Girls 31 Days to Build a Better Blog</a>. In just the last year I've done photo challenges, series, list, recipes, linkys and giveaways.<br />
<br />
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidNVY_Tbewl1oHmpxfYh2ZHHQB29wuWxgqAYGpcZInsWIxQX0tMn7q7jQlYqx9W7wGZiJPiqWYKHw-5moUxie0dCMeKL5hstmtZrxJX-sMw6OAZbYaX0IfWRgqIQnQwECDALom-uw26Jzm/s1600/banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidNVY_Tbewl1oHmpxfYh2ZHHQB29wuWxgqAYGpcZInsWIxQX0tMn7q7jQlYqx9W7wGZiJPiqWYKHw-5moUxie0dCMeKL5hstmtZrxJX-sMw6OAZbYaX0IfWRgqIQnQwECDALom-uw26Jzm/s400/banner.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this may have been the banner at the top of the old blog</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
To think, when it started I thought I'd just post some cute baby pictures from my phone, or rant on about politics.<br />
<a name='more'></a> I guess the theme of this blog is really all about the unexpected joys of having a family, and life in general. I've mostly written about my <a href="http://untaggedseeds.blogspot.com/search/label/baby" target="_blank">babies </a>who are now <a href="http://untaggedseeds.blogspot.com/search/label/children" target="_blank">children</a>, the <a href="http://untaggedseeds.blogspot.com/search/label/Seasons" target="_blank">seasons</a>, what to make for <a href="http://untaggedseeds.blogspot.com/search/label/You%20Still%20Have%20Time%20To%20Make%20This%20for%20Dinner" target="_blank">Dinner (NOW!)</a> , and even a few post about <a href="http://untaggedseeds.blogspot.com/search/label/architecture" target="_blank">architecture</a>. Ultimately, I decided to start a completely separate blog for my craft and art: <a href="http://klypt.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">KLyPT ['klipt]: Craft and Art from the Edges. </a><br />
<a href="http://klypt.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"></a><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_425467308" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_8cAz5finc5jUcGTGMfpSAzhabWtE8FTCkH6yvW0-l-DoEErgxsZvDiWhxO5bxkPwEkBGKJkjSVT4cQsAkUvFYwBaCYSzKWhIsbXo3yCL24Kzsze1CBCpw90hDH95hnB686afZWx3rYi3/s400/photo+4-734733.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://untaggedseeds.blogspot.com/p/meet-seeds.html" target="_blank">My Untagged Seeds</a></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So what have learned in 4 years, another child, a different house, at least 24" of dread locks, and 177 blog post? Well first off I've learned that (mostly) no one cares what I think, but my friends and family do actually read this from time to time. When I write post that are personal and in my most genuine voice I get the best responses from my friends who are architects, <a href="http://untaggedseeds.blogspot.com/2008/04/pricing-your-own-time.html" target="_blank">economist</a>, poets, artist, nannies, and moms. I know many of the 'in real life' and I've met many of them thru this strange and halting media called the internet. I feel like I am a broader and more connected person because I've shared some of my life on this blog, and that is only because I've been able to engage with my readers. So, THANK YOU.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_425467297" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHDRaij7Fcb9PTCqDgOs3q2P1bee7_F90DD6vjFJUwoVzq0wKQ4SAKxNRNXVYqMI4gFas0aOZsk9KAXc_DRtyMgWZwJTJOspzhxcPMIfIzA6zEUqYiUJfwz68qxdDAW7t35s9qggJNOmTJ/s200/about+me.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://untaggedseeds.blogspot.com/p/about-me.html" target="_blank">ME! The eccentric nut weirdo </a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
What are my plans with this blog? Well having children has practically cured me of making plans, but you can expect more post, my life, and all of the pleasant (and not so surprises) that are bound to come. I want to write more about parenting, city life, sustainability, education, simple living and myself.. I hope to expand my readership and by extension my community. I think that I will be focusing on the more personal and opinionated post, because ultimately I'm writing because I enjoy it, I want to share. Maybe I'll prove to myself that I'm not a completely eccentric nut weirdo, but if that's the case, so be it. <br />
<br />
I hope that this was profound enough for a whole 4 years.I live for your comments! So tell me, have you been following me for long? If I don't know you know you in real life, and haven't personally begged you to read my blog, how did you find me? And hey, what would you like to hear more about, food, kids, arts, etc?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03319419210889261670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5564245522672293104.post-2171587206699374892012-04-05T11:15:00.000-04:002012-04-05T11:15:46.818-04:00Pantry Purge Drawing Winner!<br />
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rM24kns6khGT6aqIZFdGIggF-vp4L79P6wAObQJy2hejqaRYxHVvCZOX66AatZgJGDb5ug70DCHoLWQFRM9rw4ULbqaGLuPprgvhb_m85fnzRe3ZoWbPhETuH0Rrv4Y5RXHaqwLiFjGi/s800/pantrypurge%2520button.jpg" width="125" /></div>
<h3>
The Pantry Purge Challenge</h3>
You still have time to enter for the grand prize but I want to announce the winners for the drawing today!<br />
<h1>
Pantry Purge Drawing </h1>
<h2>
Drawing Winners</h2>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<h3>
<a name='more'></a>
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<h2>
Pantry Purge Food Drive Challenge<br>
YOU STILL HAVE TIME TO ENTER!</h2>
<h2>
Grand Prize</h2>
DillyBags<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/dillybags" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="62" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJkJpb8_kxVUDOlNCoqspeURarri3NhkCc0EfQr7Nc4_Q8Sjc6bx1xOEixveNZmqWRzJCyr2ScnGnR_X9zypJP6aNniSUqPGX_bgyj8hzUD-iHF_aNd9CajYQy9PxIJedtCgUsUeURCDY/s400/Dillybags+iusb_760x100.9432197.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/92620914/pantry-tags-flour-sugar-brown-sugar?ref=pr_shop" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigWiomNdsVnPlBMWnCls2eMyJfMYGhDQxYLoDGuhOnE2TcL0vIzLQzewyFYaVooVPSTsdO30C6xccsu_qWPf8bCQ5VOZAVbnswzlwrJ_jaO_SdZ2iNTUBiHqu4w4Td4dMiXnemlI5RIam0/s200/il_570xN.310711726.jpg" width="165" /></a><b>Dilly Bags has offered 6 of her wonderful jar tags!</b><br />
They will help you stay organized long after the purge. Choose from six of the following:<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">SUGAR, FLOUR, BROWN SUGAR, BAKING POWDER, BAKING SODA, CORN STARCH, POWDER SUGAR, OLIVE OIL, CANOLA OIL, SEA SALT, OATS, COCOA, COFFEE, TEA, POP CORN, RICE, BLACK BEANS, CHICK PEAS, or LENTILS. </span><br />
<br />
Be careful, once you get so organized, you may never want to go back to little baggies of mystery powder again.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">AND</span></div>
<br />
kaartist<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIV-uFYBB72fDHfU7At5evtQaPJwqBlJyemvr_VedFwgOIsjqQbJo2UmRSYUlzjeVDC76nw8ldrbPDZ0zwTWh7nm_mTvugWNTrueT6lkJZaJi_7dhhKmm6ZkPy06cQxRvTyiHg3F6ci33V/s1600/lentils+il_570xN.309475905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIV-uFYBB72fDHfU7At5evtQaPJwqBlJyemvr_VedFwgOIsjqQbJo2UmRSYUlzjeVDC76nw8ldrbPDZ0zwTWh7nm_mTvugWNTrueT6lkJZaJi_7dhhKmm6ZkPy06cQxRvTyiHg3F6ci33V/s200/lentils+il_570xN.309475905.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Kristen over at <b>kaartist</b> Kristen Ashley Artist : Etsy Shop is offering a <b>20% off coupon</b> on anything at her shop. So if you are not in need of her wonderful <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/89498613/1-liter-glass-organizer-bottle-custom">one liter organizer bottle</a> right now you can treat yourself to something lacy and pretty just for the heck of it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
Enter for the Pantry Purge Grand Prize Competition</h2>
Here's the <span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>fun </b></i></span>part!<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<h3>
Step3: Host a Pantry Purge Pot-Luck & Food Drive</h3>
Ask your family, friends, neighbors, and fellow purgers over for a good old fashion pot luck, or use your <b>Easter or Passover Celebrations.</b> Have everyone bring a dish to pass and a food donation for the hungry people in your area. You've been blessed with an over flowing pantry, share the blessing. Weigh and Photograph your collection before you drop it off at your local food bank . </blockquote>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
*rights to All Etsy shop images and logos are owned by their respective shop owners.
</blockquote>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03319419210889261670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5564245522672293104.post-975380613917813792012-04-02T17:39:00.002-04:002012-04-09T15:59:19.335-04:005 Things I Resent About Being PregnantI am not pregnant, just in case you were wondering. Actually I wrote this 6 years ago, when I was just a little bit pregnant with K-dog. Which was not only my first pregnancy, but when well before I started to blog. This week I was thinking of reviving and old blog post, but this is even better. I wrote this email to a couple of my extra congratulatory childless friends. The fact that this was 6 years ago (almost exactly) makes it just that much more funny (and tragic). Things never turn out the way you expect them. A couple of my internet, and real life friends have just had babies, or gotten pregnant. There is always the appeal of the sweet smelling, squishy, little baby...
Don't get me wrong, I love my babies, and there are really lots of <a href="http://untaggedseeds.blogspot.com/2012/03/6-best-things-about-being-mom.html">great things about being a mom.</a> But this is my reality cheack to all of the baby bump envy out there.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="gmail_quote">
---------- Forwarded message ----------<br />
From: <b class="gmail_sendername">Kisha Patterson-Tanski</b> <span dir="ltr"><<a href="mailto:kisha.lynn@gmail.com">kisha.lynn@gmail.com</a>></span><br />
Date: Thu, Mar 23, 2006 at 6:57 PM<br />
Subject: Five things that I resent about being … well you know… with <b>symbiant</b>, I mean child.<br />
<br />
<span class="gmail_quote"><br /></span></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="gmail_quote">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin7RL-_de4QNSjZRUk6OFRKvoIT6Vy7LsvYFOlyqmceMyc_LACKVyL9IqLVx1PQUUljpBHoO2QF6gYKTdplQ7Ew_r_sU8kca6CEv4zYx7AkAH4weLJ6hf0dlcdhjzNzS-8Tx0SckpLONB_/s1600/100_4774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin7RL-_de4QNSjZRUk6OFRKvoIT6Vy7LsvYFOlyqmceMyc_LACKVyL9IqLVx1PQUUljpBHoO2QF6gYKTdplQ7Ew_r_sU8kca6CEv4zYx7AkAH4weLJ6hf0dlcdhjzNzS-8Tx0SckpLONB_/s200/100_4774.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">9 weeks into my 2nd pregnancy, <br />
apparently I didn't learn my lesson!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
1.
I do not like eating and sleeping all the time, especially when I can't
tell the people at work why I've suddenly started gaining weight, and
putting my head on my keyboard because I'm afraid they'll cheat me out
of my well deserved raise. No one seems to understand that I am either
hungry or nauseous all the time and therefore feel like I have a
tapeworm instead of a baby. Now where are the carrot sticks I hid in my
desk?<br />
<div class="im">
<br />
2. I resent that NO ONE has asked or will ask my husband if he will be returning to work full time. We
both will be parents right? He has much more experience with babies
being the oldest of four; I have NEVER changed a diaper. <br />
<a name='more'></a>Nevertheless, I
have been working on the no-penis-discount-employee pay scale for my
whole career, and make 75% of what he makes; there is no question. I
want to be a good mother, and I don't really like my job that much, but
if I have to spend the next five years covered in vomit, and formula I
may become homicidal*and that would be bad for the baby.<br />
<br />
3.
Whenever I suggest that the husband's Jeep Wrangler, which has two
doors, and two seats, a tent for a top, and a one in five chance of
flipping over whenever we get onto the interstate, is not an appropriate
vehicle for baby, I become Grinch who Stole Boyhood. Why
do I keep apologizing for wanting to sell the jolly green giant and buy a
CAR, which people including my visiting grandmother, child and self
could actually get into without the assistance of a crane? All I want is a Silver 2006 VW GTI manual, with a BlouPunkt sound system, sunroof and Thule rack for all those trips to Ikea. Besides, it would get MUCH BETTER GAS MILEAGE. I will settle for any thing that is on tires less than 30", having four doors, and not intended for bringing democracy to the 38<sup>th</sup> parallel. <br />
<br />
4.
I am pregnant not on chemo and I wish all these well-meaning people,
including my adorable husband, would stop asking me if I just puked. For
those of you who do not know, talking about throwing up makes me feel
like throwing up. I have been asked so many times that I am beginning to feel inadequate because despite persistent nausea I have not just puked. Nor
do I feel like going into the intricacies and specifics of my gastrointestinal symptoms with anyone who does not have a medical
degree. When I have gas and want to share, you will know.<br />
<br />
5. I resent the fact that I had to find out when only 4 weeks pregnant, this leaves between 34 and 40 weeks of waiting. If
it were not for damn impatient people and the EPT Company, I could have
had at least another three to four weeks of just wondering if I was
pregnant, and congratulating myself for finally getting my breast to
come in. In that ignorant bliss I would still, in good conscience, be
able to stay up late to watch Sex in the City, eat bread that was NOT
whole grain, and occasionally drink the good pulp-free orange juice
instead of the ultra fortified "with Calcium" kind which really means
"with so much bitter pulp you have to chew it" kind. I am not convinced that a few days with out the prenatal horse pills would have stunted junior growth that much.<br />
<br />
On the up side hubby has to change the cat litter, and my nails seems to be growing (damn it I just broke one).
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</blockquote>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCdrFdbW1y7tthvQ8HvORgrOZCpEn_KiZ8kW64yWiXMH9z9CCKtydwkAih5nfOqS7kMbolsfQrjpr2mivo68Oo5RKXowb4drwPHCHpIjvFiVwtRqEVnbPnfhP9QEO3VUT13Feg-REn62JA/s1600/photo+2-724177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCdrFdbW1y7tthvQ8HvORgrOZCpEn_KiZ8kW64yWiXMH9z9CCKtydwkAih5nfOqS7kMbolsfQrjpr2mivo68Oo5RKXowb4drwPHCHpIjvFiVwtRqEVnbPnfhP9QEO3VUT13Feg-REn62JA/s320/photo+2-724177.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well is isn't all bad, <br />
with any luck you get one of these in the end <br />
(K-dog @ 1 hr. old)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
*Fortunately I breastfed both of my children so I had no contact with formula, and K-Dog, thank every benevolent force in the world, wasn't too much of a puker. So after 5 years being a stay at home mom, I'm only a little nutty. I am ready to get back to the working world, but the economy has not quite co-operated. And we love our Suburu.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03319419210889261670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5564245522672293104.post-60252663528406218922012-03-30T09:50:00.000-04:002012-04-09T16:00:53.707-04:00Pantry Purge Giveaway Extension<br />
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rM24kns6khGT6aqIZFdGIggF-vp4L79P6wAObQJy2hejqaRYxHVvCZOX66AatZgJGDb5ug70DCHoLWQFRM9rw4ULbqaGLuPprgvhb_m85fnzRe3ZoWbPhETuH0Rrv4Y5RXHaqwLiFjGi/s800/pantrypurge%2520button.jpg" width="125" /></div>
<h3>
The Pantry Purge Challenge</h3>
I want to thank everyone who's joined me for this project so far. I was going to announce the winner for this challenge today, but I haven't gotten very many entries and so I'm going to make it a bit easier to enter! I want to encourage as many of you to clean out that pantry and more importantly collect food for your local food bank. <br />
<br />
There are only a week left for the drawing, but I want to extend the Grand Prize drawing so that everyone who's already hosting family and friends for Easter or Passover could join in. Just ask for a non-perishable from their pantry!<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<h1>
Pantry Purge Drawing </h1>
<h2>
Drawing Prizes</h2>
Karcharz Photography<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQnXYBM4tAvyqKxnez8PPFa-Fh09KaTHsV_EWmt9PR279M71oA-JWcJOm1WfIkY8PkCis6Th06ruGalQGfhzO7xNVqPr-pFaJf-k_7Aenlmd1Lz8bPlpmGmyp9_siYbzke7_Djwp_VDiF/s1600/Karcharzi+iusb_760x100.8443197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="65" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQnXYBM4tAvyqKxnez8PPFa-Fh09KaTHsV_EWmt9PR279M71oA-JWcJOm1WfIkY8PkCis6Th06ruGalQGfhzO7xNVqPr-pFaJf-k_7Aenlmd1Lz8bPlpmGmyp9_siYbzke7_Djwp_VDiF/s400/Karcharzi+iusb_760x100.8443197.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji1vK2aBl58kyPyD9iU5jQ4mZLN1QET7aqb3vUVw0_djB8-WTvtE_Ia2AB_wmcTjZ75AQiOxXtrmrRYroWbKfwA9SoBxL0xK_Rlg0heICWuFyrBnve3FKFISTVoY9AC-gFQunjnJJCm7lm/s1600/tea+il_570xN.139570355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji1vK2aBl58kyPyD9iU5jQ4mZLN1QET7aqb3vUVw0_djB8-WTvtE_Ia2AB_wmcTjZ75AQiOxXtrmrRYroWbKfwA9SoBxL0xK_Rlg0heICWuFyrBnve3FKFISTVoY9AC-gFQunjnJJCm7lm/s200/tea+il_570xN.139570355.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Karen is going to offer one matted 8x10 print for this giveaway! (8x10 photo in an 11x14 mat) Take a look at all of her compelling images. She is a talented photographer, and you are sure to find more than one 'must have' photo's. <br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Or</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
After the Leaves Fall<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKXdBQeM1A6PL3nDJwU71lRhwb_vfAd-uwQMNYuN0kT55gB5zaStkNta7d720g4cOnSe4KqLjgvdr88TtW-A_gIsqYO3mgZCezUZr0F2bJnKUoImA7LAHDg9CjWnCllUY-07A9WknCb5QG/s1600/Aftertheleavesfall+iusb_760x100.9333579.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="65" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKXdBQeM1A6PL3nDJwU71lRhwb_vfAd-uwQMNYuN0kT55gB5zaStkNta7d720g4cOnSe4KqLjgvdr88TtW-A_gIsqYO3mgZCezUZr0F2bJnKUoImA7LAHDg9CjWnCllUY-07A9WknCb5QG/s400/Aftertheleavesfall+iusb_760x100.9333579.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDc8hpgbD8XeEwTe_FLM63RUmS09q02SG65pMvWopgxNl7AsQEpXmodylLd0B3EGRdhlfO1jSxikYx5HEi6M_kW00OtRuRiFKLdikp01CfJO_rlkJrzqzk4pgaVa7PxWZJXCzp-y5gZvDb/s1600/menu+eil_570xN.310323597.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDc8hpgbD8XeEwTe_FLM63RUmS09q02SG65pMvWopgxNl7AsQEpXmodylLd0B3EGRdhlfO1jSxikYx5HEi6M_kW00OtRuRiFKLdikp01CfJO_rlkJrzqzk4pgaVa7PxWZJXCzp-y5gZvDb/s200/menu+eil_570xN.310323597.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Ashley at After the Leaves Fall is offering a 30% coupon code for my drawing. If you already have a menu planner consider upgrading to her's. Its even got I place for notes and pens. Take a look around her shop and for jewelry display and custom bottle cap tacks.<br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
How Enter Purge Prize Drawing</h2>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<h3>
<script id="raflin-595ddf1" type="text/javascript">
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<a class="rafl-powered" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/" id="rpow-595ddf1" style="color: #999999; display: block; font: 10px sans-serif; text-align: center; width: 100%;" target="_blank">a <i>Rafflecopter</i> giveaway</a>
<noscript>&lt;a href="http://rafl.es/enable-js"&gt;You need javascript enabled to see this giveaway&lt;/a&gt;.</noscript>
<b>Two winners will be selected from the all entries and the best pantries will be posted on my blog. </b></h3>
</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<h2>
Pantry Purge Food Drive Challenge</h2>
<h2>
Grand Prize</h2>
DillyBags<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/dillybags" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="62" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJkJpb8_kxVUDOlNCoqspeURarri3NhkCc0EfQr7Nc4_Q8Sjc6bx1xOEixveNZmqWRzJCyr2ScnGnR_X9zypJP6aNniSUqPGX_bgyj8hzUD-iHF_aNd9CajYQy9PxIJedtCgUsUeURCDY/s400/Dillybags+iusb_760x100.9432197.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/92620914/pantry-tags-flour-sugar-brown-sugar?ref=pr_shop" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigWiomNdsVnPlBMWnCls2eMyJfMYGhDQxYLoDGuhOnE2TcL0vIzLQzewyFYaVooVPSTsdO30C6xccsu_qWPf8bCQ5VOZAVbnswzlwrJ_jaO_SdZ2iNTUBiHqu4w4Td4dMiXnemlI5RIam0/s200/il_570xN.310711726.jpg" width="165" /></a><b>Dilly Bags has offered 6 of her wonderful jar tags!</b><br />
They will help you stay organized long after the purge. Choose from six of the following:<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">SUGAR, FLOUR, BROWN SUGAR, BAKING POWDER, BAKING SODA, CORN STARCH, POWDER SUGAR, OLIVE OIL, CANOLA OIL, SEA SALT, OATS, COCOA, COFFEE, TEA, POP CORN, RICE, BLACK BEANS, CHICK PEAS, or LENTILS. </span><br />
<br />
Be careful, once you get so organized, you may never want to go back to little baggies of mystery powder again.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">AND</span></div>
<br />
kaartist<br />
<br />
<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="http://www.blogger.com/goog_831704209" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="64" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmb3ZbbV3RuGOtVXmQbhbysy_sU0MF9TnSD5NVz-WvsV0mCUJJD-OzRmKaWh6mdf3g38Jw59GCUaRb626c1EsIne4by2W8sPGQ9Soi5aAjh-pbB4RcD1WClIk7DCQG7a9YVX0AoP7uW6Sy/s400/Kaartist+usb_760x100.9169170.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIV-uFYBB72fDHfU7At5evtQaPJwqBlJyemvr_VedFwgOIsjqQbJo2UmRSYUlzjeVDC76nw8ldrbPDZ0zwTWh7nm_mTvugWNTrueT6lkJZaJi_7dhhKmm6ZkPy06cQxRvTyiHg3F6ci33V/s1600/lentils+il_570xN.309475905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIV-uFYBB72fDHfU7At5evtQaPJwqBlJyemvr_VedFwgOIsjqQbJo2UmRSYUlzjeVDC76nw8ldrbPDZ0zwTWh7nm_mTvugWNTrueT6lkJZaJi_7dhhKmm6ZkPy06cQxRvTyiHg3F6ci33V/s200/lentils+il_570xN.309475905.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Kristen over at <b>kaartist</b> Kristen Ashley Artist : Etsy Shop is offering a <b>20% off coupon</b> on anything at her shop. So if you are not in need of her wonderful <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/89498613/1-liter-glass-organizer-bottle-custom">one liter organizer bottle</a> right now you can treat yourself to something lacy and pretty just for the heck of it.<br />
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<br />
<h2>
Enter for the Pantry Purge Grand Prize Competition</h2>
Here's the <span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>fun </b></i></span>part!<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<h3>
Step3: Host a Pantry Purge Pot-Luck & Food Drive</h3>
Ask your family, friends, neighbors, and fellow purgers over for a good old fashion pot luck, or use your <b>Easter or Passover Celebrations.</b> Have everyone bring a dish to pass and a food donation for the hungry people in your area. You've been blessed with an over flowing pantry, share the blessing. Weigh and Photograph your collection before you drop it off at your local food bank . </blockquote>
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<noscript>&lt;a href="http://rafl.es/enable-js"&gt;You need javascript enabled to see this giveaway&lt;/a&gt;.</noscript>
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<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
*rights to All Etsy shop images and logos are owned by their respective shop owners.
</blockquote>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03319419210889261670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5564245522672293104.post-69119020036372164232012-03-22T12:10:00.002-04:002012-04-09T16:01:13.022-04:00Pantry Purge Food Drive Drop-Off!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rM24kns6khGT6aqIZFdGIggF-vp4L79P6wAObQJy2hejqaRYxHVvCZOX66AatZgJGDb5ug70DCHoLWQFRM9rw4ULbqaGLuPprgvhb_m85fnzRe3ZoWbPhETuH0Rrv4Y5RXHaqwLiFjGi/s1600/pantrypurge+button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rM24kns6khGT6aqIZFdGIggF-vp4L79P6wAObQJy2hejqaRYxHVvCZOX66AatZgJGDb5ug70DCHoLWQFRM9rw4ULbqaGLuPprgvhb_m85fnzRe3ZoWbPhETuH0Rrv4Y5RXHaqwLiFjGi/s1600/pantrypurge+button.jpg" /></a></div>
<h2>
PotLuck Planning and Food Drive</h2>
My pot luck is tomorrow and I'm looking around my own pantry for my contribution. Since it will fall on Friday, I'm thinking I'll do some sort of pasta, and maybe a few fish sticks for the kiddies. Of course my timing sucks, and I totally forgot that my potluck is on the weekend as the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.buffalosmallpress.org">Buffalo Small Press Book Fair</a>, and so many of my friends are writers, publishers, and other bibliophiles. Others have the traditional family Friday fish-fry, but its ok and one of them left a big drop-off for the food drive. How generous! I love my friends!<br />
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<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;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722750560698492770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgULII6pd1QcCAFNMpI1a_qBl0vF9MxpBm0dZCxyCEs0AwJ6l96fKApEiL83Ao0N4_31c4ccUWIHhFmQMAtxZuNMtMIYkhn7gyV4OU3-zt7C1gm75Q86CDLQSAKAQGv9EPizTxcLOCotv7Y/s320/photo-796372.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="none" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Funtaggedseeds.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F03%2Fpantry-purge-food-drive-drop-off.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-nRFD-6Dl-sE%2FT2tLUISZ52I%2FAAAAAAAABA4%2FwMrAaXrJB1Q%2Fs320%2Fphoto-796372.JPG&description=Pantry%20Purge%20Food%20Drive%20Drop%20Off%21"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a><br />
Food Drive donation in my doorway!</td></tr>
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<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<br />
Don't forget that there will be PRIZES for your purge and food drive, enter by March 28th.:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://untaggedseeds.blogspot.com/2012/03/pantry-purge-challenge-prizes.html" target="_blank">Challenge Prizes!</a> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h2>
Join the Pantry Purge!</h2>
<b>Its Easy!</b><br />
First Subscribe Here: <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/zRsBU" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/zRsBU" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe in a reader</a> or <a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=blogspot/zRsBU&loc=en_US">Subscribe by Email</a><br />
<br />
Next, leave a <b><u>comment </u></b>(or two)!<br />
We want to hear all about your purge trials, tips, triumphs and furry Asian fruit. :)<br />
<br />
Don't forget to Enter the Challenge by March 28rd! See <a href="http://untaggedseeds.blogspot.com/2012/03/pantry-purge-challenge-prizes.html">prizes and entry here</a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Last, take a look all of the past <a href="http://untaggedseeds.blogspot.com/search/label/Pantry%20Purge" target="_blank">Pantry Purge Post</a>!</span><br />
<br />
Don't for get to grab a Pantry Purge Button for your blog. ============>>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03319419210889261670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5564245522672293104.post-3131489786793359352012-03-21T15:53:00.000-04:002012-04-09T16:01:28.116-04:00Spring<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0iTaS3p0xrF7YM5-5TYHvVFDghMUAECWOvD31lAZvVNDURar7sE-12eEr2uMEy_ksHwDxNxbrvxnzIFGa3TgKm2AAKuwUv1aES2g0CqMB6m3EhWMbZwaGbUkrFQzjXcUjWXVuR3I0JbJh/s1600/photo+2-758667.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722418829661939426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0iTaS3p0xrF7YM5-5TYHvVFDghMUAECWOvD31lAZvVNDURar7sE-12eEr2uMEy_ksHwDxNxbrvxnzIFGa3TgKm2AAKuwUv1aES2g0CqMB6m3EhWMbZwaGbUkrFQzjXcUjWXVuR3I0JbJh/s200/photo+2-758667.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HOPEFUL<br />
<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="none" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Funtaggedseeds.blogspot.com&media=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-LDN39H-C8yU%2FT2odm14BpuI%2FAAAAAAAABAk%2FhCuNHeZLP20%2Fs200%2Fphoto%252B2-758667.JPG&description=hopeful"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I know I've said that <a href="http://untaggedseeds.blogspot.com/2011/10/fall-is-my-favorite.html">Fall is my favorite season,</a> but this year, <i><span style="font-size: large;">spring </span></i>may be a very close second. Call it global warming, but we really didn't have a very harsh winter, and for the first time in the 16 years here in Buffalo the first day of spring actually felt like spring!<br />
<br />
I think that many people thing of spring as just preparation for summer. Of course, I started my spring cleaning and project list in anticipation of warmer days. However, I am making a personal effort be in this moment: hopeful, new, clean, and bright or unsure, rainy, waiting, and unripe.<br />
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I've completed my <a href="http://untaggedseeds.blogspot.com/search/label/Pantry%20Purge" target="_blank">Pantry Purge</a>, and I'm mostly done with an art intensive <a href="http://klypt.blogspot.com/p/artfix-2012.html" target="_blank">ARTFix 2012</a> so of course I'm looking for some new projects. <br />
<a name='more'></a>I can barely wait until Easter, not only to make these yummy cookies again, but because we're going to have a visit from some of my cousins and their kids. I'm already loving day light savings time. Even if that first weeks is always a little jarring to the sleep schedules around here. My son got his first two-wheeler for his birthday last fall, and now we can start to teach him to ride it. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJwu73LqLw_kZEbuuvq5nFA6QXMve9l8OLrvVyCHo7cbRDWDZImhAkWW98PjGyj3enCPgUyCsTpmi-UwIwir3bEFeoMpsgnvaxm4jE06JeN45hoCmnddqufvzq8ykTkeOCEJOBJ1wWnbx/s1600/photo+1-756840.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="150" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722418823221267746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJwu73LqLw_kZEbuuvq5nFA6QXMve9l8OLrvVyCHo7cbRDWDZImhAkWW98PjGyj3enCPgUyCsTpmi-UwIwir3bEFeoMpsgnvaxm4jE06JeN45hoCmnddqufvzq8ykTkeOCEJOBJ1wWnbx/s200/photo+1-756840.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easter Treats<br />
<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="none" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Funtaggedseeds.blogspot.com&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-G9YJrzhmqxM%2FT2odmd4czSI%2FAAAAAAAABAY%2FsjEzhkOMUXc%2Fs200%2Fphoto%252B1-756840.JPG&description=Easter%20Treat"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a></td></tr>
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I took both of the kids to playground yesterday, to discover that even in just 6 months their abilities and confidence has soared. They have booth started begging for the reopening of the <a href="http://untaggedseeds.blogspot.com/2011/07/why-not-to-hire-architect-to-design.html" target="_blank">sandbox</a>, and maybe even stock up on some new <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-5679259-10971062?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.MelissaAndDoug.com%2Fproduct%2F529732%2F6432%2F_%2FMelissa%2Band%2BDoug%2BSeaside%2BSidekicks%2BSand%2BBaking%2BSet%3Futm_source%3Dcj%26utm_medium%3Daffiliate%26utm_campaign%3Dcj-feed%26m%3D677%26c%3D0%26o%3Dcj&cjsku=6432" target="_blank">*Sandbox toys</a>.<br />
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I"m sure I'll be posting lots of back yard and playground pictures, and heck I may even paint the bathroom this year. Even if my post are a bit shorter. --- I'm headed outside.<br />
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*indicated <a href="http://untaggedseeds.blogspot.com/p/pr-advertising.html" target="_blank">affiliate link</a>*<br />
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03319419210889261670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5564245522672293104.post-54448718332136464972012-03-15T13:36:00.003-04:002012-03-15T14:30:49.849-04:00The 6 Best Things About Being A Mom<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXKB-ULPZvD0e6Mh9A31vMWsl0-Wqz-_kqAeCqEbQqn0dWGGf2ytllN8uuVPrJQchmWnxBKFs2FV4aPZcsA423m4zG8A9VBtA3C1siF-ewrMQHt_EWdn5L_bgJ8nTl0p59a1ljltP8kmC/s1600/photo-767731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXKB-ULPZvD0e6Mh9A31vMWsl0-Wqz-_kqAeCqEbQqn0dWGGf2ytllN8uuVPrJQchmWnxBKFs2FV4aPZcsA423m4zG8A9VBtA3C1siF-ewrMQHt_EWdn5L_bgJ8nTl0p59a1ljltP8kmC/s200/photo-767731.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That "OMG" moment <br />
(when I realized I was a Mom of two!)</td></tr>
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1)<b> I finally have something in common with my Mom.</b> I don't know about your relationship with your Mom but for me and mine... Let's put it this way, we've had our differences. Since I've had kids there has always been something we connect on. She loves to give me advice and I love to ignore it. But I know her heart is in the right place, and I love her for it. <br />
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2) <b>I can blame most stains and my lax housekeeping on the progeny.</b> Martha does not live here. So when people come to visit the toys, laundry and mysterious wetness can easily be explained by the little cherubs being underfoot. As far at the coffee stains on my jacket, well I will take partial blame for that.<br />
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3)<b> There are at least 2 people in the world who think it's 1/2 normal to dance and sing whenever one is stuck at a red light.</b> I know I have my eccentricities and car dancing is one of them. However as far as K-dog, and Princess-A know, I am perfectly normal. I'm sure I'll embarrass them one day but until then, "Pump up the Jams".<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDXwIInxnJ3K2y3x7zAem4opWROZT-_UfNyxm7V3-Ra1Q6OKFdRFlkQcC06eShVqzPAsZIl5iGMYL_0DmYiLnqh3TR96xmNt761s1QdZDqOA2FbIDgf4nO78XdCXrBjNOw_0rj_9rw8vh6/s1600/photo+4-738411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDXwIInxnJ3K2y3x7zAem4opWROZT-_UfNyxm7V3-Ra1Q6OKFdRFlkQcC06eShVqzPAsZIl5iGMYL_0DmYiLnqh3TR96xmNt761s1QdZDqOA2FbIDgf4nO78XdCXrBjNOw_0rj_9rw8vh6/s200/photo+4-738411.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom's (I mean the kids') sandbox</td></tr>
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4)<b> I almost always have <a href="http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-5679259-10495307?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dickblick.com%2Fproducts%2Fsargent-best-buy-crayon-packs%2F%3Fwmcp%3Dcj%26wmcid%3Dfeeds%26wmckw%3D20124-1064&cjsku=20124-1064%22%20target=%22_blank%22%20onmouseover=%22window.status=%27http://www.dickblick.com%27;return%20true;%22%20onmouseout=%22window.status=%27%20%27;return%20true;%22" target="_blank">crayons</a> & Clif bars in my purse. </b>I'm not known for being the most organized person in the world, but I've had to get it together a bit for my little ones. The thing is, I love art supplies, and who doesn't need a snack form time to time. Being a Mom means having the magic purse that seems to always produce a wipey, granola, or distraction when needed. Even if I'm the one who needs it.<br />
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5) <b>I get to design <a href="http://untaggedseeds.blogspot.com/2011/07/why-not-to-hire-architect-to-design.html" target="_blank">sandboxes</a></b>. I love learning to use my creativity in new ways. I mean, I never knew how many pop song could be turned into <a href="http://untaggedseeds.blogspot.com/search?q=potty+training" target="_blank">potty training ditties</a>. My children stretch my imagination every day. The sandbox was just the first, I'm wishing for a fairy fort and hopefully they'll let me sit in with the garage band from time to time.<br />
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6) <b>My kids!</b> Pardon me for saying so, but I have the best little ones that anyone could hope for. Mysterious wetness, the mommy wars and sleep deprivation aside they bring enormous joy to my life. I wouldn't be who I am without them. <br />
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