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Thursday, July 2, 2015

Ammy & Tpa Do Florida!

This week my parents came to visit. The week flew by- we packed a lot of stuff in there! This post is all iPhone photos, but I've ordered my new camera & it should be here soon!
First off- a random add in to this post- I got to try Hello Fresh- a company that sends you a box of meals with recipes & easy instructions. I chose the vegetarian box & it was delicious!

Now to this weeks shenanigans!

Lots of books with Ammy!

We went to the beach many times!

We spent one morning at the Jacksonville zoo. The girls got to pet & feed stingrays!

Dance party.

We loved having you "Ammy & T-Pa"!
Mrs Manlove


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Home  |  Was the Poem Condemned?  | Response to Father Mitch Pacwa   |  Common Questions and Misconceptions   |  Document Library
The history surrounding Maria Valtorta’s “The Poem of the Man-God” seems to be one of the more complex and elusive topics among Catholics today. This becomes immediately evident whenever a discussion broaches this topic. On the one side, there are those who claim that the book is simply a work of fiction, written by a delusional woman, and denounced by the Church (often, a common strand of arguments are repeated, i.e., the book contains various “blunders” like the use of screwdrivers, or the Blessed Mother asking to become a sinner, etc.). On the other side, there are those who claim that the book is a 5th gospel equal to Scripture, and that the Holy Office was involved in one of the greatest scandals of our time (equally as disconcerting).
    In the interest of remaining objective, the first section of this website presents, quite simply, the historical facts surrounding “The Poem”, drawn from only credible sources (content without references, or content mixed with emotion, are omitted as dubious). The author of this website hopes that, armed with the right information, readers may be equipped to bring clarity to discussions on this topic.

A Brief History of Events
*in-line notes in blue

1944~47: Maria Valtorta reportedly received visions and dictations regarding the life of Jesus, which were recorded into notebooks. These eventually became known in english as “The Poem of the Man-God”. [1]

[1] Maria Valtorta wrote over ten-thousand hand-written pages in three years, averaging about sixty-four pages per week (an additional five thousand pages were written and composed into other books and meditations until 1954, including an autobiography. All of her writings were done in obedience to her confessor's request. We note this final point because Church norms require obedience as a necessary condition for authenticity. Historically, a disobedient visionary almost guarantees falsity.).

1946: Archbishop Alfonso Carinci, Secretary of the Congregation of the Sacred Rites, reviewed the manuscripts and stated; "There is nothing therein which is contrary to the Gospel. Rather, this work, a good complement to the Gospel, contributes towards a better understanding of its meaning"  1

1946~47: Maria Valtorta’s spiritual director, Fr. Migliorini, began reading the manuscripts with enthusiastic devotion. Convinced of the divine origin of the writings, he desired to seek publication (despite Valtorta’s reluctance to do so), and proceeded to draft them into typescripts and distributed them in small pamphlets. [2a]Fr. Migliorini was then transferred to Rome, and was replaced by Fr. Berti as Maria Valtorta’s spiritual director. Fr. Berti [Professor of Dogmatic Sacramental Theology], who, likewise became convinced of the divine origin of the writings 2, sought publication by contacting amiable Vatican representatives. 3 Fr. Berti was advised to submit type-written copies directly to Pope Pius XII, through a prelate of the Secretary of State. [2b] Bed ridden, Maria Valtorta reluctantly agreed to the pursuit of publication, but agreed only on the stipulation that she remain anonymous. [2c]

Report confirming
private audience of Pius XII
[2a] It is uknown whether Fr. Migliorini sought approval from the local bishop (ordinary) prior to distributing the pamphlets. If not, then it was an imprudent oversight on his part, as open communication with one's bishop should always be the first line of action in seeking Church approval. Maria's reulctance against his wishes may give further indication of this (as well as her level of spiritual maturity).
[2b] It is not known why the Vatican officials channeled Fr. Berti directly to the pope. Ordinarily, all apparitions must be reviewed by the local ordinary first, then if necessary, the Holy Office (today known as the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith). However, the pope, having universal jurisdiction over the whole Church, was well within his authority to review the typescripts himself, if he so chooses.
[2c] We felt it worth mentioing Valtorta's desire to remain anonymous, as the Holy See can consider this an indication of the visionary's character.

1947~48: Pope Pius XII reviewed the writings over the course of a year (or, at least had them in his posession), 4 and in February of 1948, agreed to a special audience with Fr. Berti and two other priests. 5 According to the three eye witnesses—who gave signed testimony to the event [3]—the Holy Father gave the following verbal permission [4]; "Publish this work as is; he who reads will understand. One hears talk of so many visions and revelations. I do not say that all are true; but some of them could be true." [5] Father Berti then asked if the inscriptions: "Visions" and "Dictations" should be removed from the Poem before publishing it. The pope responded that nothing should be removed.

[5] This statement to publish "as is" by pope Pius XII is perhaps the most compelling evidence on this matter. Some critics have attempted to discredit its authenticity, however without citing any real evidence to the contrary. Thus, we have not found any reason for rejecting the testimonies of these three priests as a mistake or a lie, especially given their distinguished repute (Prior of the Servites of Mary in Rome, Professor of Dogmatic Theology, and Prefect Apostolic in Africa). It may also be worth mentioning, in a court of law in the United States, only two eye witnesses are necessary to convict someone with the Death Penalty.
[3] It has been reported, though not confirmed, that the original signed testimonies of the three priests still exists today, located in Isola del Liri Italy. Further documentation may be obtained at The Basilica of the Annunciation in Florence Italy, where Maria Valtorta is buried.
[4] Permission to print is known as an Imprimatur, Latin for "let it be printed". It is “a license to print or publish”.

194?: Archbishop Montini (soon to be Pope Paul VI), reads one volume of The Poem, and orders the complete type-written work to be added to his seminary library in Milan. [7]

[7] Although the precise year when Paul VI read the Poem is not known, this event has been corroborated by two witnesses, 6 and supported by an authorized letter from Pope Paul VI himself [see 1974].

1949: The Holy Office, under Cardinal Alfredo Ottaviani (then Pro-Prefect) summoned Fr. Berti through two commissioners, Msgr. Pepe and Fr. Berruti, who ordered that he turn over all manuscripts and typescripts of the work. [8] Msgr. Pepe, who read the judgment, added; "Here they will remain as in a tomb" (This effectively discouraged any further efforts towards publication). Fr. Berti handed over the typescripts in his posession, but kept the original manuscripts. [9]

[8] There is reasonable evidence to suggest that the Holy Office's sudden reprimand was triggered by the Vatican officials channeling Fr. Berti directly to the pope rather than through the Holy Office (in other words, it may have been caused by external events--beyond Maria Valtorta's control--rather than the writings themselves). The strongest evidence of this fact is the explanation of the condemnation of 1959, which placed the Poem on the Index of Forbidden books [see 1959]. Surprisingly, this letter becomes its own worst critic, demonstrating its own non-conformity to the Church’s criterion for judging alleged apparitions (not even an investigation into the life visionary was conducted at the time—a necessary prerequisite for determining authenticity), 7 and does not convey a sense sober analysis, but rather, evokes the opposite impression.

[9] Perhaps if Fr. Berti was more oebedient in this instance, he would have avoided many of the difficulties that insued from this point forward. When Venerable Mary of Agreda was commanded by a priest to burn all her writings, she did so without hesitatation, as did Saint Faustina. If Maria had been asked, it is likely she too would have readily handed over everything. But Fr. Berti evidently felt he needed to protect Maria Valtorta, and in doing so may have underestimated the value of obedience.

1952: Rev. Bea (future Cardinal), spiritual director to Pope Pius XXII states; "I have read in typed manuscripts many of the books written by Maria Valtorta [...] As far as exegesis is concerned, I did not find any errors in the parts which I examined."  8

1956~1959: Six years after the Holy Office's prohibition, Vatican consultant and renown Mariologist, Fr. Roschini, encourages Fr. Berti to continue seeking publication through an Italian publisher, Michele Pisani. The publisher enthusiastically took up the cause of publication, feeling confident of the Church’s benevolence [9]. The first edition of the Poem was then published, one volume each year from 1956 to 1959. 9 However this was done as an anonymous work at Valtorta's request, and without revision, theological notes, or introduction.

[9] Pisani writes; “and we seemed to be sufficiently guaranteed by the very high judgment of the Pope and by the recorded certifications granted by indisputably competent and authoritative persons”. 10 Pisani may have been overconfident at the time, evidently unaware of the brewing tension within the Vatican due to the devastating cultural revolution that was about to take place throughout the world.

1958~1959: Pius XII dies, who is suceeded by Pope John XXIII as pope. The new pope takes immediate actions to begin reorganization of curial offices, including the Holy Office (he would soon convene Vatican II). Cardinal Ottaviani replaces Cardinal Pizzardo as Secretary.

1959: Spearheaded by the newly appointed Cardinal Ottaviani as Prefect, the Holy Office passes a decree placing the first edition of the Poem on the Index of Forbidden Books [10], signed by Pope John XXIII. Published in the Vatican newspaper (L'Osservatore Romano), on the same page as the decree of condemnation, was an [anonymous] letter detailing the reasons for the condemnation (January 1960). A Critical Analysis of the Decree of Condemnation of “The Poem of the Man-God” may be viewed, here.

[10] For proper context, it may be worth mentioning that Saint Faustina’s diary was also placed on the Index at the same time as The Poem. Other persons who had previously been placed on the Index were Victor Hugo (Les Miserables, The Hunchback of Notre Dame), Alexander Dumas (Three Musketeers, Count of Monte Cristo), and Galileo for his writings on celestial bodies. Furthermore, in 1961, Padre Pio was reprimanded by the Holy Office under Cardinal Ottaviani, placing numerous restrictions on his priestly functions. We point this out, not to suggest incompetence within the Holy Office, but to provide a clearer context of the significance of this condemnation; which is sometimes permitted by Our Lord to give further proof of the holiness of the individual, or, in other cases, may suggest possible human error.).

1960: Perplexed and devastated at the decree, Maria Valtorta’s health continued to degrade (she would be dead the following year, 1961). Nonetheless, the publisher, M. Pisani, and Fr. Berti, resolve themselves to present a second edition to the Holy Office. [11]

[11] The Pisani publishing company writes; “we found a system for resuming the publication of the Work with such criteria as would not exclude the respect due toward the authority of the Church.”  11 Evidently, Fr. Berti and Pisani are now beginning to wise up to the proper protocals in use at the time.

1960-1962: Fr. Berti was summoned to the Holy Office on various occasions, who was received by Vice-Commissioner of the Holy Office, Father Mark Giraudo O.P. The dialog this time was more amiable. Fr. Berti was able to convey Pope Pius XII’s permission to publish in 1948, as well as explain/clarify other concerns. Vatican representatives were sent to visit Maria Valtorta to ask her questions directly—apparently to their satisfaction. Things appeared to be finally turning in favor of Maria Valtorta, and the second edition of the Poem seemed to be received well. Various Vatican officials submitted to the Holy Office signed certifications of their support of the second edition [12]. At the close of this informal investigation, Fr. Giraudo, under the direction of Cardinal Pizzardo, seemed to give tacit permission, stating; "Continue to publish this second edition. We will see how the Work [The Poem] will be welcomed."  12

[12] The certifications were submitted by Cardinal Augustine Bea, S.J., Msgr. Alfonsus Carinci, and Fr. Gabriele Roschini, O.S.M., which favorably impressed Cardinal Pizzardo (Secretary of the Holy Office, 1951-1959). It is also interesting to note that this sudden turn in favor of Maria Valtorta began immediately after her death.

1963: Pope John XXIII dies, who succeeded by Pope Paul VI (who notably favored the Poem. [see 194?, 1974] The sessions of Vatican II continue until 1965.

1964-1966: The second edition of The Poem was printed, with the permission granted by top officials of the Holy Office in 1962. [13]

[13] This edition was significantly revised from the first, and included clarifications by Maria Valtorta, edits of poorly worded passages, and extensive theological commentary by Fr. Berti, which further clarified ambiguous passages. 13  This edition was released only in Italian.

1966: Pope Paul VI abrogates the Index of Forbidden Books, effectively liberating the first edition of the Poem from the Holy Office’s censure.

June, 1966: Cardinal Ottaviani authors a letter declaring that “the Index retains its moral force, inasmuch as it warns the Christian conscience to be on guard, as the natural law itself requires, against those writings which can endanger the faith or good morals” [14] 14

[14] This statement by Cardinal Ottaviani seems to have been widely circulated by critics of Valtorta, who use it to effectively reinstate the Index. A few points should be noted; 1) The proper understanding of “moral force” is defined in the very next sentence, i.e., to be “on guard”. It is no longer a blanket act of condemnation -- It cannot be, since Saint Faustina’s diary was never removed from the Index, and yet we now celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday because of it. 2) The statement is further restricted to "those writings which can endanger the faith or good morals". Not every book on the Index fell into this category. The Poem itself was placed on the Index due to a legal principle--the lack of an Imprimatur--not because it was deemed to "endanger faith or good morals". No Bishop or Cardinal, in print, has ever found a single doctrincal error in the Poem. 3) If "moral force" really meant what critics of the Poem interpret it as, then one would expect the Vatican to make the Index readily available to the faithful to help protect souls from harm (and also discourage seeing such plays as Les Miserable, the Hunchback of Notre Dame, etc.). However, the Vatican has all but buried the Index--releasing its archives only to historians in 1998--and does not publically list its contents. 4) It should also be recalled that the first edition of the Poem was placed on the Index, whereas the second [substantially revised] edition was granted verbal permission to publish in 1962, according to the testimony of Fr. Berti.

1974: Pope Paul VI authorizes a letter of appreciation [15] to Fr. Gabriele Roschini, for his book; “The Virgin Mary in the Writings of Maria Valtorta” [16]. A photographic copy of the letter is posted in the inside cover of every edition. To view this letter, please click here.

[15] This letter, penned by the Secretariat of State 15 and authorized by the pope , undoubtedly conveys a positive tone, praising the author for his "piety and his zeal, for which this publication is the obvious result". It is illogical to conclude that the pope would authorize such a letter, if he thought the writings were condemned or contained error.
[16] This event falls naturally in line with the Holy Father’s action decades earlier of sending the complete writings to the Milan Seminary library.

1985: A priest writes a letter to Cardinal Ratzinger, then Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, inquiring about the distribution of the writing once placed on the Index. Eight months later, Cardinal Ratzinger sends a response to Cardinal Siri, in which he diplomatically recapitulated the history of events, and concludes noting the condemnations necessity to neutralize the damages which such a publication could bring to the more unprepared faithful”. [16] 16

[16] There appears to be multiple English translations of this document circulating on the Internet, some of which contain significant errors in key statements [ex. see; Response to Colin B. Donovan]. Upon reading an accurate translation [see Apendix I], it becomes immediately evident that Cardinal Ratzinger avoids passing judgment—either positively or negatively—by restating the history of events. Far from being a negative judgment, the Cardinal simply highlights events of history, and states that diffusion of the Poem, at the time, was "not held to be opportune". The final statement, as quoted above, restricts the range of the condemnation further, limiting it to the “more unprepared faithful” (of which one interpretation could refer to those who lack good catechesis, who would attach themselves too strongly to the Poem, effectively elevating a private revelation above public revelation). At most, this text could be interpretted as a cautionary caveat; however a negaitve judgment it is not.
1992: Multiple Bishops and Archbishops (one of whom is a Major Archbishop, Padiyara of Ernakulam, head of the Syro-Malabar rite) write letters of approval for the Malayalam translation of the Poem. Among them include; Archbishop Gregorous of Trivandrum, Bishop Benjamin of Darjeeling, Bishop D'souza of Pune, Bishop Kundukulam, Bishop Kureethara, and Bishop Soosa of Trivandrum. Bishop Soosa is later promoted to Archbishop by pope John Paul II.

1992: A layperson inquires to bishop Boland, who writes to the Holy Office on the status of the Poem. Cardinal Ratzinger reportedly responds to the bishop, who then in turn summarizes the Cardinal's letter [17], stating that the Poem may be published on the stipulation that it is "clearly indicated from the very first page that the 'visions' and 'dictations' referred to in it are simply the literary forms used by the author to narrate in her own way the life of Jesus. They cannot be considered supernatural in origin." 17   [full text see Appendix II]

[17] The implications of the above statement are monumental. What is veiled behind a negative sounding wording, is actually a complete reversal of the Holy Office's previous prohibition from 1959. Implicit in the above statement is full permission to freely publish, promote, and distribute the Poem, so long as it is not promoted at supernatural in origin. The is a great leap forward from 30 years prior. This means that laity and priests can in good conscience read the Poem, promote the Poem, and distribute the Poem, without the fear of being censored. No longer can critics say; "The CDF forbids you!"

But let us also examine the part of this statement; "They cannot be considered supernatural in origin". At first glance, this English translation may seem like a definitive negative statement. But is it really? The Church has a very precise terminology for judging apparitions. According to the norms of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, alleged apparitions are classified in one of three categories;
                1. Constat de supernaturalitate -- It is certain/confirmed of supernatural origin.
                2. Constat de non supernaturalitate -- It is certain/confirmed of no supernatural origin.
                3. Non-constat de supernaturalitate -- It is not (or cannot be) certain/confirmed of supernatural origin.

    If one examines Cardinal Ratzinger's letter carefully, they will see that he classifies the Poem into the third category (non-constat de supernaturalitate). What has been translated into English to read; "cannot be considered supernatural origin" simply means that the events have not been confirmed by the Church to be of supernatural origin. The Cardinal was only ordering the publishers at the time to tell their readers that they cannot yet consider it a proven fact that the Poem is of supernatural origin (which the publishers complied with, posting it on the back cover of the 1993 edition).
     In light of historical context, we find the statement to make sense too, considering the Holy Office never initiated an investigation into the life of the visionary. Without an investigation, it could neither positively confirm supernatural origin, nor negatively disprove supernatural origin (as outlined by the norms for investigating alleged apparitions). Thus, since neither classification #1 or #2 apply, then by default we must conclude; "it cannot be confirmed supernatural", classification #3.

1994: Pope John Paul II opens the beatification process for Venerable Fr. Gabriel Allegra--an outspoken supporter of Maria Valtorta [18] and renowned Scripture scholar--who is then declared Venerable. The decree of beatification was promulgated in 2002.

[18] Venerable Fr. Allegra writes; "When completed the Poem makes us better understand the Gospel, but does not contradict it….. I find no other works of eminent scripture exegetes which complete and clarify the Canonical Gospels so naturally, so spontaneously, with such liveliness as does The Poem of Valtorta." 18

2001: Bishop Roman Danylak grants an additional written Imprimatur of the Poem. 19

To read parts of the Poem online, you may do so at the following address; www.valtorta.org

1. Bollettino D'Informazione Valtortiana [Edizioni Pisani, no. 19, June 1979, p.74]
2. Cf. Signed testimony of Rev. Corrado Berti, OSM, [ link1, link2 ]
3. His Excellency Msgr. Alphonse Carinci [Secretary of the Sacred Congregation of Rites and vicar for the Causes of the Saints] and Rev. Augustin Bea, S.J. (later Cardinal) [confessor of Pope Pius XII, and rector and professor of the Pontifical Biblical Institute of Rome]
4. opt. cit., Section III. See aslo, The Valtorta Newsletter (Box 492, Sherbrooke, Ouebec, Canada, JIH 5K2), no.6, Winter, 1992, p.4. The word chosen by Pope Pius Xll was actually "Publicate," an imperative form, stronger than "Imprimatur". [referenced footnote]
5. Father Corrado Berti [Professor of Dogmatic Sacramental Theology], Father Romualdo M. Migliorini [Prefect apostolic in Africa], and Father Andrew M. Cecchin [Prior of the international College of the Servites of Mary in Rome]. The papal audience was historically documented the next day, February 27, 1948, in L’Osservatore Romano
6. opt. cit. Signed testimony of Rev. Corrado Berti, OSM, Section IX. See also; Interview of Msgr.  Macchi, private secretary of Pope Paul VI, to Fr. C. M. Berti OSM [ link ]
7. Norms in Proceeding in Judging Alleged Apparitions, promulgated by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith [link]. See also; Private Revelation, Catholic Encyclopedia [link]
8. Maria Valtorta Her Life and Her Work, Bishop Roman Danylak [link]
9. The Church and Maria Valtorta’s Poem of the Man-God, Emilio Pisani [publisher], Section I. [link]
10. Ibid., Section I
11. opt. cit., Pisani, [link]
12. opt. cit. Bishop Roman Danylak, [link]  (see also; Pisani, link)
13. p.21, Note 17. Cf.
14. June 14, 1966; AAS vol. 58, 445, Signed Alfredo card. Ottaviani, June 14th 1966
15.The Secretariat of State is highest ranked curial official next to the pope, and is considered the popes "right arm". Those who question whether the letter was written with the popes authorization are advised to look up the job description for the Secretariat of State, for this is what he does. Even though the pope may not have put the pen to the paper, the implication is the same.
[link] [link]
16. opt. cit., Pisani, [link]
17. The CDF also required this same disclaimer to be placed on the inside cover of Blessed Catherine Emmerich's writings.
18. Critique, Notes, and Letters on the Poem of the Man-God, Venerable Fr. Gabriele Allegra, [link]

19. See note 12. [also see link, link]

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Selling Your Home: Complex, Time-Consuming, Emotional

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text:
Tuesday, October 12, 2010

     My name's Babis ,i'm a 15 year old student and i'm from Iraklio, the capital of Crete.
    I live with my parents, two big brothers names are George and Manos, and a small sister in the Mastabas area of Iraklio. in my neghbourhood there are many parks, shops and schools, but there aren't any cinemas or internet cafes. The city centre is 15 minutes walk from my neighborhood.
    In my share time there many things that i can do (like playing basketball or football, reading comics or playing the guitar) buy i prefer to listen to pop music on my phone. my favorite pop singer is Mixalis Xatzigiannis because he has got a good voice. Also,i go to the cafes, because i can meet with my friends.
   I want a pen friend , because i would like to know some things about music and football in your country.

1 comment:

  1. Fantastic work Babi! You published so many texts- I am sure Katerina has done part of the work, eh? You've certainly become real bloggers! :)


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The Law Offices of Mark Dean is a Personal Injury Law Firm and Workers Compensation Law Firm based in the St. Louis, Missouri area and provides legal services in personal injury and workers compensation. The Law Office of Mark Dean represents and counsels clients in the entire State of Missouri including St. Louis City and the counties of St. Louis, Jefferson, and St. Charles, as well as in surrounding cities that include Wildwood, Ballwin, Kirkwood, Webster Groves, Affton, Arnold, Manchester, Concord, Crestwood, Town and Country, Richmond Heights, Murphy, Sunset Hills, Park Hills, Eureka, Brentwood, Sappington, Shrewsbury, Valley Park, De Soto, Glendale, Rock Hill, High Ridge, Frontenac, Green Park, Byrnes Mill, Marlborough, Winchester, Hillsboro, Oakland, Lakeshire, Allenton, Dittmer, Ellisville, House Springs, Twin Oaks, Wilber Park, and other areas. Managing Attorney Mark Dean also is licensed in the state of Illinois and provides Illinois Personal Injury legal services to clients in the entire State of Illinois, including Edwardsville, Belleville, Collinsville, Madison County, St. Clair County, Springfield, Peoria, Chicago, and Cook County.


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These are my entries for Fab's Big Christmas Cards Challenge. This week's theme is to make a word confetti card with a wide matting. For the background I used a Paperartsy mini stamp with a lot of Christmas related words. The confetti is from a pack of Christmas papers also from Paperartsy. This was such a fun theme, I created two cards! Thanks for looking.

1 comment:

Fabrizio said...

Wow they're stunning Mark ! Love them both. X Fab


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Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Some colour studies today. I plan three big square paintings, a "love" trilogy and today's quick work was on the colours for the first, "Abandoning Someone Who Was A Friend To Me When I Had None". The simple colour study is powerful already.

Tomorrow I'm going to the Manchester Art Gallery (and later the Lowry) as part of an organised trip by my art group. I want to see the Angels of Anarchy exhibition which shows paintings by female surrealists including Frida Kahlo, Dorothea Tanning and Leonora Carrington that I know well from books but haven't seen in real life. I'm quite excited!

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Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Register For "Drawing From Observation"

Workshop classes start in one week.

Please register as soon as possible.

Call the Marquette Arts and Culture Center: 906-228-0472

First class is on September 21st. I still have room for four more students.

They will run for six weeks on Wednesday nights 5:45-8:45 p.m. in the basement of the Peter White Public Library, the best library in the world. Bring your drawing supplies. I'll bring some for you to use too!

I had a wonderful day today observing nature!

Mark VandenBosch
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“The Green Diamond” was part of the Lynch family in the mid-north of South Australia. The Lynches used it in their farming and saw-milling business for many years before it was shedded, til finally, it was left to Damien Lynch, who saw it as his duty to bring it back to its former glory for the sake of posterity and the rest of the family.

Click here to witness this vehicle’s amazing transformation.


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Working for the Weekend, We Are Gator Haters!

Everybody’s working for the weekend is what the song says, but when you are working and going to grad school, you are working on the weekend. Had a great Friday work/life day.  It was my daughter’s 25th birthday.  She’s visiting for the holidays and so we started the day singing “Happy Birthday!” I finished my work for my senator and


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Friday, February 6, 2009

Catching up.

How do I begin to get us to the present? My name is Angela and I am married to Robert. We have a precious nearly 3 year old daughter, Isabel, who is the joy of our life! In December of 2007 we got pregnant again, but lost the baby around 7 1/2 weeks due to it being an ovarian ectopic pregnancy. We got pregnant again in April 2008 to miscarry in June of 2008 at 9 1/2 weeks, requiring a D&C. Finally in October 2008 we found out we were expecting again (an answer to many prayers) and due on July 11, 2009, our 6 year wedding anniversary.

This pregnancy had been relatively uneventful and we were excited to make it to our anatomy ultrasound. Isabel (and Rob) had already decided the "new baby in Mommy's tummy" would be a baby girl, a little sister for Isabel. I was excited to find out, because Rob didn't want to "talk names" until we found out the gender.

Wednesday, February 4th, 2009, 17 weeks 4 days
We went to the appointment and they got right down to the ultrasound. Our ultrasound tech had scanned me when I had my ectopic pregnancy almost a year prior, although I'm sure he did not remember. We watched the little baby on the screen wiggle and flex tiny limbs; Isabel was in a sort of silent awe watching everything on the screen. The tech wasn't saying much. It wasn't until Rob commented, "the baby has all it's fingers", that I noticed the first problem was exactly those little fingers. The hand showed splayed fingers which looked like 3 digits and 2 digits fused together, almost like the star-treck hand sign. I wanted to ask the tech right then, but I couldn't bring myself to speak. He moved on to other areas of the body and then I asked, "Is everything looking okay?" He began to give me the "list" of problems starting with those little hands:

"Well, her hands are showing some fusion between her pinky, ring and middle finger and her index and thumb. We don't know if there is webbing between them. It looks as if all the bones are there." He held up his hand to show me what I had already seen on the screen.

"We're also seeing a spot of fluid in her bowels, "significant amounts" of water on the brain; hydrocephalus, and it's measuring about 2 weeks behind in growth," he continued.

Rob and I sat in silence. We looked at each other then back at the screen and the room felt very heavy with the realization that things were appearing very wrong with our baby. It was about 3 minutes later when Isabel broke the silence, "Mommy, can you tell me what we're going to do at Grammy's house?" Bless her heart for speaking because I don't think I would have known what else to say other than to answer that question. "Yes, we're going to play with toys and look for Bailey and Roscoe, but we can't let those two cats fight," trying to clue the tech in on our conversation. "We'll also look for the raccoon and the oppossum when it gets dark, because they'll probably come up on the deck and eat the cat food," I stated. I then turned to the ultrasound tech to explain that my parents live in the mountains, "Hendersonville, near Asheville."

"My wife used to be the director at Camp Pinnacle," he said.
"Camp Pinnacle? Do you know the Bacherts?" I questioned.
"Kelly?" was all he said, with a question.
"Yeah, Kelly."
"I was at her funeral," he said.
"So was I," I was shocked...what a small world for the ultrasound tech who was giving us the worst news of our life to have been at the funeral of a high school girl with whom I had clogged, attended church, and had sleepovers as a child. He was there at her funeral and we had cried together before for the loss of a different life. And there he was to deliver the news that could mean the loss of our baby's life. I was strangely comforted that we had something in common, that he wasn't just a complete stranger telling us about these problems. A blessing.

We met with my favorite OB at the practice...the one I almost always request to see, and the one who knows the story of our losses over the last year so very well. Dr. Segal looked at us so sadly and apologized that this was happening. He scheduled us for an amnio the next morning and when I asked him directly what he thought all these problems "looked like", he responded, "Trisomy 18".

Trisomy 18. I knew from the moment he spoke those words that this was a worst case scenario being played out before us. From my time on the internet's trying-to-conceive message boards, I knew that it was fatal either in utero or shortly after the baby was born. We were in shock most of Wednesday.

Thursday, February 5th, 2008, 17 weeks 5 days
Thursday morning we went to a Women's Specialty Clinic for an ultrasound, amniocentesis and genetic counseling. It took 4 hours. The ultrasound basically confirmed everything we had seen the day before:

Fluid on the brain is called ventriculomegaly, not hydrocephaly...because it is in her ventricles. So much fluid that it is causing her head to be 2 weeks ahead in growth. Her heart looks okay so far, although since her body is measuring 2 weeks behind it is hard to see for sure. The fluid in her bowel (echogenic bowel) is of little consequence...either the doc thinks this is the least of her problems, or I understood him to mean that it was so little fluid it could hardly qualify as noting as echogenic bowel. Finally she would not give us a good shot of her hands, so we could not say much about her finger problems.

We met with the genetic counselor. She is very kind and will help us to make many decisions. We then prepped for the amnio. The tech who prepped me was so very kind and took many 3-D pictures of the baby. He confirmed that she is definitely a she!! (A little sister for Isabel and a second daughter for our family!) His demeanor was the kindest and gentlest of all the people at the clinic....there was just this kindness that was radiating from him. The amnio was very painful and I jumped when the needle pierced my was terrible. The needle was in for 2-3 minutes and I said "Hail Mary's" in my head with my arm draped over my eyes. When it was over I felt very faint, but they got me a cold washcloth and then I was okay. The results will take 2 weeks to come back, although we put a rush on a test that would tell us if it is a Trisomy.

I felt great joy after the appointment and that could have only been from the prayers of so so many people...we are so amazed at people who are praying for our baby and for our strength who have never even met us. What an awesome thing. I was joyful to be pregnant...joyful that our baby is a little girl...joyful that she is ours and that she is a precious creation of God, no matter what her problems are.

Thursday night I told Rob that we should really sit down and talk about a baby name. He suggested that we each make a list of names we liked (like we did in choosing Isabel's name). I sat with my pen and paper and only came up with one name, Mary Grace. To my surprise, Robert agreed that that should be her name. He reminded me that I had always been drawn to it from the beginning of the pregnancy- that that was the name I kept coming back to.

Mary Grace. I had wanted to use the name "Mary" because after struggling with our 2 losses last year, and being so eager to be pregnant again, Mom sent a prayer request to Medjugorje where the Blessed Virgin Mary has been allegedly appearing to a group of children (now adults) since 1981. The messages that she gives are for us to convert to her Son....Jesus. Always she tells us that He is the way...and urges us to pray for conversion for the world. She appears monthly with a message and many people send their prayer requests for Mary to take to her Son. Who better to intercede in heaven for you than the mother of Him who could answer our prayer! I know she took our request for a child to Jesus because not 3 days later, I found out we were expecting. I felt like Mary had heard my request, mother to mother, and because of her intercession on our behalf for another child, that child's first name is "Mary".

We chose "Grace", because we know that both she and our family will need the beautiful grace of God to be able to make it through the upcoming times ahead. And when I think of the name/word Grace, I imagine these great beams of light streaming down from heaven...I guess I'm envisioning God's grace flowing directly down from Him to us here on earth. And that is certainly what we need. I had loved this combination since the beginning of our pregnancy and now it has sort of "chosen" us. It feels like this is supposed to be her name.

Not long after we decided on her name, did she start kicking....enough so that I thought Robert might get to feel a kick for the first time! I placed his hand and sure enough, she gave him a little whack! That was confirmation enough for me that she agreed upon our name selection. Not only did we want to bond with her in a special way as soon as we could, it appeared that she was reaching out to bond with us as well.

The last 2 nights I have slept hard. I guess from the emotional exhaustion of the situation. But Friday morning I woke up at 6 a.m. and could not sleep anymore. I lay in bed and replayed the ultrasounds, the findings, trying to remember each ultrasound picture in my mind- looking for additional clues which the doctors might have missed. Trying to think up another explanation for what this could be. I got up and got online and started reading the blog of another mother. One who had lost her precious daughter and how the mother clings to the Father through the entire journey. Her story touched my heart as I realized that we could be following this same path. We are asking for a miracle, but if God doesn't provide a miracle cure for our daughter, she will have a home in heaven...and God will still be our Father. Tears streamed down my face as I read their story and felt the immensity of what is upon us.

Saturday, February 7, 2009, 18 weeks
This morning I woke up and realized I had not felt the baby move in about 24 hours. I realize her body is still don't even start kick counts until 28 weeks, right? But with all that we know, my heart felt panicked. I lay in bed and jiggled my belly like the ultrasound techs had done to get her to move positions. Nothing. I began to pray with an urgency..."Lord, we are not ready yet...we can't have just found out that something is wrong and You take her from us! Please Lord, Jesus!! We are not ready to give her to you!! Give me some movement, show me she is alive in there!" Over and over I prayed...and then I remembered my prayer cloth. If ever there was a time to use this...but before I continue, let me stop and explain.

In Acts 19:11-12 it speaks of how cloths (aprons and handkerchiefs) were touched to Peter and Paul and taken back to the sick who were often cured of their ills..."God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul; so that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them." We know that objects in and of themselves are powerless! Faith is the basis of this devotion and God can empower whom He wills. He is the ultimate Healer and unlimited in His resources for healing! The prayer cloth I have is used to focus or funnel my faith toward Jesus, much like a flag is used as a focus point of patriotism.

So I placed it over my belly and began to pray for this baby...that God would heal her completely. I went through each of her ailments and asked for specific healing over each body part. I told God that I wanted His will to be done, but I begged for His will to be to save her. I talked to God about her name, told Him about her big sister who was so eager to hold her, I reminded Him ( reminding the Father) of all the miracles Jesus many healings as I could think of from the Bible. What an awesome thing if we went back into that next ultrasound in 3 weeks and all of her problems were healed! I prayed and prayed, and as I prayed, I felt her move inside of me. She began to move and move...almost as if she knew that those prayers were for her and she was joining in! She moved that entire hour of prayer and I was never so grateful.

MSB323 said...

I love you so dearly. You Rob, Angela. I am so grateful to be an "auntie" to both Isabel and now Mary Grace. My prayers have been with you daily and hourly. Something I have with me all the time is a quote:
Do not fear for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you.
Isaiah 41:10. Prayers will never cease and I will pass this on.

Nicole said...

Mary Grace has the best mommy anyone could wish for! I'm praying for Mary Grace and i'm truly touched by positive attitude and your faith! I'm here for you..

Holly said...

What a beautiful blog you have created here, Mary Grace is very lucky yo have a mommy like you. You all are wonderful people and you are so so strong, I hope God continues to give you strength and that maybe there is something the doctors are missing. My daughter that I lost in June, the same time as you had your miscarriage, is named Mary Beth and her name has given us so much strength, I pray the same for you and your family and for Mary Grace. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Amie said...

Angela, I just want you to know your family is in my prayers. Your little girl is a fighter!!

Anonymous said...

We love ya'll and are praying for you and Mary Grace. God is holding her in the palm of his hand!
-Ash & John

Nut Allergy Neighbors said...

Angela, you're such a beautiful writer (I read every word), with such a beautiful spirit...I'm overwhelmed by YOUR grace in this most difficult situation. I said it before in my email to you yesterday: Mary Grace is an exceptional little girl already, and one only an exceptional mommy can tend. God doesn't give such challenges to those He thinks cannot handle them, and you are certainly handling this, and beyond. It is God's work in you, and I'm inspired and humbled.

Last, I love the name you have chosen. It's beautiful on its own, but when you add the meaning that you (and I too, a fellow Catholic) ascribe to it, I agree that no name could be more perfect for your new daughter.

Again, please let me know if we can be of any help. Praying for you every night, and now, too:

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and at the hour of our death. Amen.

The fruit of your womb be blessed, too, now and forever, Angela.

Anonymous said...

While I was at church tonight you and your family were on my heart. I know that God will help you all through this. He's for you and Mary Grace. He still does miracles because He is Miraculous and can't change. He can do all things and can carry you through this no matter what His will for Mary Grace is. I will be praying for you, Mary Grace and all of your family.
Blessings to you and your family.

Anonymous said...

You and your family are in my prayers.

Jennifer Schweitzer

LeConey family said...

Hi Angela,

You don't know me but I'm one of Meredith's friends, and she has mentioned you several times. I wanted to let you know that I'm constantly praying for you and specifically thinking about you in times like these. It sounds like you are positive about everything, which is amazing! You and your family are in my prayers.

Elizabeth LeConey

Courtney said...

Your blog is PRECIOUS! Thank you for being so vulnerable & sharing your heart in such detail! Every word is, like someone said earlier, you really are a beautiful writer!!

Although I don't know yet what God's perfect will is for Mary Grace and your family, there are 2 things I do, doctors & tests are wrong all the time and God performs miracles every second of the day so be encouraged and hold onto the precious hope & faith you have in Christ, regardless of the outcome of the test results you receive tomorrow (keep your eyes fixed on HIM as you have thus far and not on the circumstances)! And second, God has AMAZING plans for your & Rob are extremely special to Him...for all that you guys have been through and what He has allowed knowing you could/can handle it...I cannot wait to see what He has in store for you guys in the days to come!!!

Know that we are rejoicing & praising with you, crying & aching with you, and most of all praying with you & for you every single day!!! We are lifting Mary Grace, you, Rob & Isabel to the throne of GRACE and asking for & beleiving in a miracle!

Read all of 2 Samuel will bless you!

Love to you all,
Courtney & Chad

Anonymous said...

Hi, Angela! I am so amazed and touched by your faith and positive attitude through all of this! No matter what God's plan is, He is using you to reach others to show His goodness, love, and grace. I love you guys and am constantly praying for you, Rob, Isabel, and Mary Grace (I love the name by the way!!), and asking for a miracle!

love always,
Amber :)

Anonymous said...

Amber forwarded me your blog so that I can pray for you and I will do so! Keep your head up and your eyes higher and God will take care of the rest! You will be in my constant thoughts and prayers!
love, Becca

Anonymous said...

Dear, Angela. I am thinking of you and Mary Grace and praying for you this morning. Love, Roxanne

Anonymous said...

Dear Angela, I am a friend of Lauren's and met you and Rob and Isabel
one time when Lauren was babysitting. I love hearing stories about Isabel from Lauren and now to share in the progress of Mary Grace. Your love and trust in the Lord is an inspiration.
Please know that I am retired and have a lot of extra time on my hands. If you need any help please let me know. Lauren can get in touch with me. I am willing to help in any practical way that I can.
I am praying for you and your family, especially Mary Grace.
I am sorry for your pain but know that comfort will come from the Lord. Love, Sherry

Anonymous said...

Your story touched my heart by leaps and bounds. I am going to pray for you so hard, that God blesses you with another child. You sound like an amazing person.

Lorene said...

hugsss dear friend. I am on 2ww with you. I too have lost a baby to stillbirth. I am so very sorry for your loss. I won't say it will get easier but it will get easy to cope as time passes. God bless your little angel and I pray my little boy has had the opportunity to befriend her as we have
God bless you

Mary Baker said...

Hi Mary,

This is Mary Baker. I appeared on the Glenn Beck show a couple of weeks ago. How are you doing. Your story is such a touching one. I would like to invite you to join us at our mom's site that is in the works. You have a powerful message to share with mom's who may have experienced the same lost. I pray you would seek God for guidance and then email me at Thank you so much for taking the time to send your words of love and support, even in this season of your life. I exemplifies that you understand the love and the grace of our LORD. Again, thank you so much for your comments.

Abigail said...

"She moved that entire hour of prayer and never was I so grateful." Way to go Miss Mary Grace!! You are a special kid! I'm grateful to know you though the kind words of your Mama--you are on my short list for prayerful intercessions for sure!


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Monday, August 16, 2010

Endorsements 2010 – First Update

Here is our first update to the endorsements made by major organizations in MoCo’s council and state legislative races.

Endorsements are only one part of a political campaign, and they are probably not the most important part. Incumbents are expected to get them. Members or staffers of these organizations who are running for office are also expected to get their support. But endorsements can be important for challengers, especially those running one-on-one against incumbents or those running in crowded fields. They can be very much helped by institutional credibility in seeking to break through.

Here are the open-seat candidates and challengers who are really standing out right now. Most of them are going to win.

Hans Riemer, County Council At-Large
Trails only Marc Elrich in major endorsements.

Karen Montgomery, District 14 Senate
Leads Rona Kramer on our list 7-3.

Craig Zucker and Eric Luedtke, District 14 House
Mopping up against limited opposition.

Aruna Miller, District 15 House
Hand-picked by the incumbent slate. Lots of people are climbing on her wagon.

Ariana Kelly, District 16 House
Has six major institutional endorsements. Scott Goldberg has one. Kyle Lierman has none.

Cheryl Kagan, District 17 Senate
Leads Jennie Forehand 5-3 on our list. It will be interesting to see what the Post does.

Bonnie Cullison and Jay Hutchins, District 19 House
Both are supplementing their expected labor backing with support from other groups. In most cycles, they would win, but Sam Arora cannot be counted out. The decision by the Fire Fighters and Police to not endorse Cullison, a former union leader, is interesting to say the least.

Shane Robinson, District 39 House
Total unknown is still preferred by most groups to Bob Hydorn and Tony Puca.

We’ll have another update soon!


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'Comic Sans Project' Seeks to Save the Web's Most Hated Font

Some fonts get no respect. This is true of Comic Sans, the '90s-era Microsoft typeface that sought to emulate comic book text and failed miserably, by most accounts.

The font's childish, unsophisticated scrawl and overuse by armchair designers has rendered it taboo in most artistic circles, and the sophisticated web at large enforces a moratorium on its use. Some have even campaigned to rid the web of it forever.

But despite the haters, French designers Thomas Blanc and Florian Amoneau have sought to spark a movement. Their new Tumblr, entitled the Comic Sans Project, tries to re-imagine the much-maligned font by posing a simple aesthetic question: What if the world's most recognizable logos used Comic Sans?

"We have been inspired by all the jokes about Comic Sans we heard and read on the Internet every day," says Blanc. "We wanted to create our own personal joke with those ironic logos. At the same time, we actually tried to defend Comic Sans [by] posting only logos which look good enough to us. Some of them work pretty well!"

SEE ALSO: A History of Western Typefaces [INFOGRAPHIC]

You can see the results above. With their six-day-old, half-ironic Tumblr, Blanc and Amoneau seem to have awoken a latent and widespread appreciation of the font — as if the world had been waiting for someone to say: It's OK to love Comic Sans again.

"We received a lot of cheering emails and a lot of submissions from all over the world," says Blanc, who intends to open the site to user-generated content soon.

What's next for the Comic Sans Project? There are 20 more logos in the works, including NASA and M&M's, says Blanc. "We also plan to use the benefits of this little fame to find a job in Paris. We will redesign logos of French advertising agencies and send it to them."

Take note, kids. This is content marketing at its finest.

Images used with permission.


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Appcelerator's Developer Platform: Now with Cloud-Based Tools

Mobile platform company Appcelerator launched the latest version of its popular Titanium platform Tuesday, with cloud-based tools to help developers build more dynamic apps for Android and iPhone devices.

Titanium 2.0, which includes support for HTML5 mobile web apps, aims to help brands create apps quickly and efficiently for their businesses. Appcelerator works with a collection of major brand names including Michaels Stores, Zipcar and more.

ACS provides an assortment of popular cloud-based mobile features that aim to engage consumers. The platform includes enhanced photo capabilities — with the ability to store, share and public images from within the app — social integration with Facebook and Twitter, chat functions, check-ins and ratings and reviews.

SEE ALSO: Developers See Google as Bigger Growth Area Than Facebook

According to a recent study conducted by Appcelerator and analyst firm International Data Corporation (IDC), about 60% of developers are already using or are considering the use of cloud services in their mobile applications. Meanwhile, about 80% of enterprise apps are expected to be deployed on cloud platforms.

"Not only are the tools accessed through a simple interface, the platform also helps developers cut down on costs," Appcelerator principal analyst Michael King told Mashable.

Image courtesy of iStockphoto, akinbostanci


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Sunday, 22 January 2012

Translation internships and a job

Two translation internships and a short-term contract seen recently on the web and Twitter:

SDL is offering an internship to an English to German translator in Munich.

The Bank of Canada in Ottawa is offering a summer terminology internship to a registered student taking a translation degree with English SL and French TL.

LingServe, a growing translation company based in Aldershot, is currently looking to recruit an inhouse German into English translator on a six-month contract. See the jobs section of the ITI website for details.

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Winner: ArtisticLetters Alphabet Photography Images Catalog on CD or Download

Sponsored by

Congratulations to the Winner of the Catalog of 400+ images on CD or Download. They have been contacted via email and have 48 hours to claim their prize or a new Winner will be chosen. This prize was generously donated by ArtisticLetters.

The Winner is…Comment #89 by Karen P.

Thank you all for participating and good luck in future giveaways!

Speak Your Mind

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Lily's kids

Lily's kids

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Feliz Navidad

Christmas! Very weird to have Christmas with no snow but we all decorated the houses this week and so all the houses are all very festive! The Tias have been busy making cookies and delicious food for Monday night when they all celebrate. There will be a presentation where the kids can sing and dance. I've been practicing with the Guarderia to do 5 little monkeys sitting in a tree and then after they will sing Jesus loves me in English. Lots of practicing! :)

Moved into one of the houses last week to help out because the tia is expecting her baby any day now. Love living in the house and waking up every morning with the kiddos. Lots of fun nights with the girls!

The boys finally finished a bike trail they had been working on for the past 2 months. They carved a road up on top of the mountain that goes down and it is pretty cool. They got to use some newly donated bikes for the first time and they had a blast.

Christmas here is going to be completely different than what I'm used to. I will miss my family and friends and how we celebrate. But I love the simplicity of Christmas here. It's about Jesus. Not about tons of presents and food and decorations. Yes there are those things just not in abundance. It's about focusing on Jesus' birth. Praise God!

Have a wonderful merry christmas! Enjoy the time with family and friends and Christmas cookies and gifts and giving and candy canes and fancy trees with ornaments. Enjoy a wonderful Christmas dinner and a church service with candles. And enjoy the fact that Jesus is alive. That on one very special night,  He was born in a stable with sheep and other animals and because of this special night, we can now be with Him!

Merry Christmas! Feliz Navidad!

1 comment:

beki said...

Love you Lily! Merry Christmas!! Thinking of you and praying for you. So awesome to see God's grace in your life as you fulfill what he's called and equipped you to do. Sending you lots of love from Minnesota!


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Monday, February 1, 2010

Leaving, on a jet plane

Well, the time has come, I am leaving Dubai.

I am moving with my beautiful fiance to slightly colder climes, and are Dublin bound at the middle of February.
I am lucky to have had 5 wonderful years in Dubai, but we both felt it was time to return to reality, and see how we get on making a fresh start in Ireland.

Dubai has been given a bad rep by the worlds media, but you know what, it's not so bad. Yes, it has it's socialites, yes, it has it's falsities, yes, it has it's blanketed media, yes, it is a giant playground in the middle of the desert, and believe me, it is a place of many double standards. But when it's good, my my, it's good. We have many things now, that just would not have been available to us if we had not made that decision to come here, and not to mention the life experiences and cultural eye openers we have been fortunate enough to experience.

For me, I have caricatured for some of the most influential people in the Middle East, some of the most read magazines in the UAE, some of the largest companies in the world, and in some of the most amazing venues I have ever seen. I have been interviewed and caricatured live on TV, had articles in several papers, and caricatured for the royal family, so all around, not so bad.

I really became a caricaturist while I lived here, which without the support of the ISCA and my friends in the caricature community around the world, would have been impossible. I am moving from a country with only 2 or 3 caricaturists (including myself), to Ireland, where some of the worlds best are based. I look forward to turning email friendships into face to face ones, and I look forward to having a real artist community to become involved with.

I have met some fantastic people, and some dear friends, who I will miss greatly.

I will be in Dubai for 2 more weeks, so if you are reading this, and would like a caricature, or for me to attend your event, give me a call, and lets see if we can fit it in before I leave.

So, what lays ahead for us is an exciting prospect, and more will be detailed about this in time to come, but as for caricature, I am at a crossroads. Stick around, and see what happens.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

nice post. thanks.


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From zero to multi-million dollar enterprise in 3 years

When an Australian public servant decided to give up his secure income to set up his own business 3 years ago, his vision wasn’t particularly clear. And he had no idea that his conversation with an MaxMyProfit at a short seminar would result in a winning relationship that would lead him to develop a multi-million dollar award winning enterprise in just 3 years.

The challenges along the way were many, but there were three substantial ones.

Our team met Andrew Mahony at a short seminar some 3 years ago. At the time, Andrew had decided he wanted to give up his secure job and become involved in something positive that would help people improve their lives.

As a young man Andrew had qualified in the field of exercise physiology however, with the profession still in its infancy at the time, there were few jobs available and his working life took a different path and he worked as a NSW Police crime scene investigator and as a rehabilitation consultant with CRS. Starting his own business wasn’t on the cards when he set out – he’d seen his parents work long hours and experience the financial challenges of being in business and decided it was a stressful lifestyle he didn’t want. However, when he experienced stroke symptoms himself, he decided it was time for a change.

When Andrew first met with MaxMyProfit he’d decided he’d like to start a business that helped people in rural areas to improve their fitness and physical mobility.

1. No experience and no business

Andrew had no experience in developing or running a business and was a sole practitioner just starting out. Technically, there was no business.

Solution: Andrew joined one of MaxMyProfits program, a 1 day a month course that ran over 12 months, to gain the knowledge he’d need. Andrew learnt about the difference between operating a business as a sole practitioner and creating a profitable business that could run and provide income without his presence. Andrew says this required a substantial shift in mindset for him – he wasn’t motivated by money and it wasn’t until his coach pointed out how many more people he could help with a larger enterprise that his vision changed.

2. Long hours and a fast growing business without suitable business systems

Solution: As the revenue increased quickly, engaging a manager became not only a possibility, but almost an emergency – someone had to establish and maintain the systems that would sustain the business as it continued to grow rapidly. Andrew was eventually convinced and Peter Annis-Brown (now a co-owner and director) was engaged. Andrew increased his coaching to one-on-one level and his MaxMyProfit worked with Peter and Andrew to take Rural Fit to the next level. Systems for sales, marketing, recruitment and other important processes were establish. This change had the added advantage of freeing up Andrew’s time and allowing him to do more of what he enjoys.

3. Cash flow

As a fast growing business, it was a case of needing to invest in personnel ahead of time to ensure the business could keep up with demand. This is a common situation for accelerating businesses and one that creates the risk of the business becoming insolvent. In the case of Rural Fit, costs were higher than they should have been because of the delay in establishing systems that would streamline the work and reduce expenses.

Solution: Andrew obtained an overdraft which partially alleviated the problem. As systems were set up, costs began to reduce.

The transformation in just 3 years has been substantial:

  • Rural Fit turned over around $200,000 in its first year. Last year the figure was almost $2 million.
  • The business developed from a sole practitioner’s enterprise into a profitable business with a team that includes practitioners and administrative support staff totalling about 50. The business services about 500 clients per week
  • Andrew worked around 90 hours a week after starting the business – he now works about 3 hours a week, and deals with only a few calls and emails a week. The day to day requirements are looked after by others
  • Rural Fit won ESSA Business of the Year in 2013 and the NSW Business Chamber’s 2013 Award for Excellence in Small Business.
  • Andrew has not only successfully made the transition from wage earning public servant to successful business owner, he has created a lifestyle that allows him to spend his time with his wife and children, enjoy life and assist some of the causes he’s passionate about.

Andrew couldn’t be happier with the outcomes and credits MaxMyProfit with correcting his original limiting belief about what it meant to be a business owner – a belief which may otherwise have resulted in him working as a sole practitioner with a limited income forever


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Wednesday reading — gods, elves and dragons

What I've been reading

I finished The Widow's House, the penultimate book in the Dagger and the Coin sequence. As I would imagine anyone who is reading these books has been anticipating since the beginning, Cithrin finally invented bank notes the same way the Bank of England did it, by 'lending' a great deal of gold to a monarch which will never be paid back. Which I'm not sure, actually, if the Governor and Company of the Bank of England fully realized just how much they were changing the world at the time? Whereas Cithrin, with her creator's hindsight, is pretty acutely aware. Still, on the whole, I like the way it tries to make economics as much of a part of the plot as dragons, and this book also finally gives us the last living dragon and more insight into what the dragons were about when there were more of them. I look forward to the upcoming final book.

I read the first eleven issues of Thor: God of Thunder, collected as The God Butcher and Godbomb. I hadn't been keeping up with events in Asgard that didn't pertain to Loki and thus had absolutely new idea what was going on when I picked up the first issue of the new Thor featuring a female Thor and decided that I needed to backread. Both of these trades form one long story, which is actually reasonably dense and interesting. It eventually has three Thors from different periods in his life getting together and complaining about how much they hate time travel, which is pretty great.

I read the new Peter Grant book, Foxglove Summer. It mostly backburners That Thing That Happened at the End of the Last Book in favor of a standalone mystery about missing children, but it adds a few nice bits of worldbuilding to the series, and anyway I feel like the main reason to read these books is Peter's narrative voice.

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Sunday, 19 April 2015

Up north - day 5

We made an early start this morning, as our destination - RSPB Leighton Moss - is a fair old drive away. The day started quite brightly but on the way I fell asleep in the car and when I woke we were being battered by heavy rain. This eased up quite quickly but it wasn't until mid-afternoon that the sun came out. You'll know that this means lots of rather dull and noisy photos to come...

We spent a bit of time watching the feeders near the car park, and a bit more time in Lilian's hide. Then it was off towards the Public hide, where the most evident wildlife was a pair of Black-headed Gulls directly in front of us.

Far, far off in the corner of the lake, an Otter or possibly two Otters could be seen occasionally surfacing. This was a thrill of course (I'd never seen Otters in England before) but they really were too far off for discernable photos.

A pair of Great Crested Grebes that were dozing nearby woke up, and came together for some head-shaking. Then they parted and dived, and when I saw they'd surfaced with weed in their bills I knew what was coming.

Not sure where this Pochard was going but he was in quite a rush.

On the way round to Lower hide, we were treated to close views of a male Marsh Harrier collecting nesting material.

The trail through woods to Lower hide is attended by a number of Pheasants which have no fear of people at all, and a spanking male plus about seven females were soon milling around our feet. We indulged them with some handouts of seed.

I took the opportunity to get some frame-fillers of Pheasant plumage.

From Lower hide we had, as I'd hoped, better views of the Otters. There were three in all. The photos are distant, and dull, but I'm still thrilled with them.

On the way back we stopped for more Pheasant-feeding, and also encountered a hand-tame Robin. While this was going on, a stunning Stoat legged it past us in the field opposite.

We stopped at the dipping ponds near Lilian's hide to look for the male Redstart that had been reported here, but couldn't find it. There was a very excitably singing Wren as compensation.

Back at the visitor centre we had a bit of lunch and then set off to look at the other half of the reserve. Almost immediately we bumped into a pair of Treecreepers. The male was foraging and then bringing his catches back to his mate - this is her, waiting patiently at the bottom of the tree.

Along the way here are several nice gnarly fallen trees which serve as good baiting spots to attract little birds. This male Nuthatch was coming down for sunflower seeds...

... while at ground level a lovely little Bank Vole sneaked out to hoover up fallen crumbs.

Up in the trees were a couple of Marsh Tits.

We visited the two hides at the far end of this trail but there wasn't a lot to see, so we decided to return and head off to the Morecambe Bay bit of the reserve.

Here were plenty of birds, though not that much variety and light was tricky. The Black-tailed Godwit count must have been in the low thousands. There were also quite a few Avocets dotted about, and a handful of Pintails.

We went on to another site for the close of play - I'm not saying where just out of paranoia, as they have had some issues with disturbance of the special birds nesting there, namely Peregrines and Ravens, both of which we saw. And that was the end of our last full day in the north-west. Thank you very much to Hazel and Mike for showing us a most excellent time.

Up north - day 4

Tuesday was the sunniest day of our whole stay, and we decided to spend it at Martin Mere WWT, with a look at RSPB Marshside if time allowed. Martin Mere follows the standard WWT layout, with a collection of captive exotic wildfowl and a wider expanse of natural habitat beyond.

The first large pool beyond the way in was full of wild Mallards and Shelducks, plus an assortment of not-wild things including Whooper and Bewick's Swans, Goldeneyes, Pintails and Eiders. As we watched them, a staff member went in to throw some seed about, and the ducks went nuts.

One of the first atttractions you reach on going through the doors is an enclosure of those ubiquitous Short-clawed Asian Otters. The otters were not on view but something else was - sitting all hunched up on the seating rail surrounding the enclosure was a Chiffchaff which had obviously flown full tilt into the glass panel above.

Poor little thing. It seemed basically OK, just stunned, was able to move its head so no broken neck. Paul moved it away from the busy otter area and put it in a tucked-away corner of a small wildlife garden.

We checked out all of the displays, which as well as the usual array of ducks, geese and swans also included flamingos and screamers, and there was a walk-in aviary containing Avocets and a pair of African Crowned Cranes. I did take a few shots of the exotica but tried to concentrate on wild stuff.

These drake Shovelers were doing some bill-jousting.

Elsewhere, Mallards were behaving badly. Any female Mallards, whether paired or single, who don't yet have a nest are vulnerable to this sort of thing, as the drakes go all out to try to get a bit of DNA into the next generation. However, the females have a secret weapon - complex internal anatomy meaning that they can select which male gets to inseminate them and which get effectively sent down a blind alley.

I wonder if this very advanced intersex Mallard still gets unwanted male attention. I also wonder whether old male-like females like this go into eclipse plumage. Will have to ask Google...

Lots of Black-headed Gulls here. This is a first-summer, developing its first ever black head (invariably the young ones are a few weeks behind the adults).

Also lots of hirundines, mainly Swallows this time.

After a mini-lunch we went into the wild part of the reserve. This is based around a large marshy water body (the titular 'mere'). Martin Mere is famous for its visiting Pink-footed Geese and Whooper Swans, which are of course not here at the moment, but there was plenty to keep us amused, including lots of singing little birds like this Chaffinch.

If you go right at the way in you go through Tree Sparrow country. They are well catered for here, with tons of nestboxes and plenty of large feeder trays to keep the Cyrils out.

A medley of Tree Spuggies. Paul was particularly pleased to see them, as he's a big fan of House Sparrows but had not seen their country cousins before.

Halfway down this trail, a pair of Tawny Owls were very well-hidden in an ivy-cloaked tree.

Heading the other way, I found a lone Whooper Swan, which for whatever reason couldn't or didn't want to migrate north with the others.

A singing Blackcap in deep cover. The light angle was appalling - photoshopping to reveal it really is a Blackcap has made the background look like the middle of a nuclear explosion, sorry about that.

In the woods were clumps of this attractive flower, which I believe is False Oxlip - a hybrid between Cowslip and Primrose.

More dreadful lighting - Med Gull coming off the mere.

We were on our way out to the car park when a distant raptor appeared overhead, and circled close enough to reveal itself to be a young Peregrine.

We decided there was time to visit the nearby RSPB Marshside, a newish wetland reserve near Southport, which featured in this blog way back in 2009. It has developed quite a bit since then, with more established water bodies and vegetation.

We spent quite a while in Nel's hide where two drake Pintails were feeding quite close at hand. Further off were masses and masses of Black-tailed Godwits.

Other wildfowl around included Shovelers.

A flock of beautifully marked Golden Plovers went by at the far side of the water.

On the way down to Sandgrounder's hide, we passed a Gorse bush, which on one of its limbs bore these extraordinary double flowers.

Sandgrounder's doubles as the visitor centre here, and was closed, it being well after 6pm. From the viewing slots adjacent to the hide we could see a female Avocet sitting quietly on her nest on a small gravelly island.

A lone Redshank was picking its way around the same island, oblivious to the sitting Avocet sending it death glares. When the Avocet chicks hatch, this sort of thing will not be tolerated! And that was the end of day 4.

Saturday, 18 April 2015

Up north - day 3

Monday was our day to go to the Wirral. Top target (from my point of view at least) was the long-staying first-summer Laughing Gull at New Brighton, but we were also down to visit RSPB Burton Mere and Parkgate. We opted to try New Brighton first, but a walk around the marine lake where it had resided for weeks on end proved fruitless. We walked along the prom after that and checked the beach, again finding no Laugher, just a number of Herring Gulls and a few Redshanks. The other three decided that a quick trip to Costa was in order before we moved on, and I decided to check the lake again.

I was standing there alone, looking forlornly down at the birdless pontoon where the gull was usually seen, when a gull in flight overhead caught my attention. It seemed a bit small, and very long-winged, with a lovely crisply marked black-and-white tail... A look through the bins confirmed it, and I watched for several minutes as it flew in leisurely circles over the lake before settling on the pontoon. Then I texted the others, who arrived in due course, and Hazel very kindly bought a bag of fish from the nearby Morrisons so we could tempt it a bit closer.

This gull has been around here long enough to know the rustle of a plastic bag when it hears one, and it was in the air before the first generous chunk of 'pouting' fillet hit the nearest bit of the pontoon. It snatched up the fish without landing, and gulped it down midair, providing great photo opportunities as it wheeled around. Three chunks later, it flew off to digest this sizeable meal, and we drove off to Burton Mere.

The reception hide here gives views over a nice bit of water which was furnished with Avocets and a few Black-tailed Godwits, as well as Black-headed Gulls and many Shelducks. We then followed the trail past some woodland-edged ponds.

The others kept going but I noticed this Canada Goose pair doing what looked like some ritualised bathing together, so I hung around to see what happened and witnessed their rather tender (by wildfowl standards) sweet love-making, which was followed by some enthusiastic synchronised shouting.

There is plenty to see here, but poor light and distant views made photography difficult. Here's a Mistle Thrush...

... and, from the path up to a viewpoint across the whole reserve, these lambs. I know, not wildlife, but it'd take a tougher character than me to resist this sleepy pair and their not-so-sleepy friend who came to wake them up by headbutting them. Also heard a Curlew calling from up here.

From there, it was on to Parkgate. This wide expanse of saltmarsh on the Dee estuary becomes completely inundated when there is a big high tide, and that famously flushes out lots of small mammals which in turn attracts raptors. However, today the tide was a) not til the evening and b) not very big, so we didn't see much here at all.

We did see quite a few Little Egrets.

Back at the car park, I was scanning a horse paddock opposite when I found this thing, way at the back and barely within photographable range. But I think this photo is clear enough (just) to show that it's a female Ring Ouzel - a lovely surprise and runner-up to the Laughing Gull for bird of the day.


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Storage landscape - Breakfast briefing

13th September 2016 @ Shangri-La, The Shard
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