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AVM consulting is a branding & communication consultancy working with fashion and luxury partners worldwide.
AVM Consulting · Looking Forward - 010, THE WHY BEHIND OUR COMMUNICATION

the why behind of our communication

Why email newsletter?

Why email altogether?

And why does email annoy me so much?

Last year, I was moved to try a new email provider from the makers of Basecamp. It's called Hey. I like my new email address, [email protected] Those of you who know me really well might wonder whether I really need a new email address. Frankly, no, but I like how it works and here's why: Hey lets me bucket my messages into four groups:

Imbox (not a typo, it’s stands for IMportant and IMmediate messages, not random receipts and newsletters)
The Feed (for the newsletters)
Paper Trail (for the receipts)
Screened Out (for the stuff we can’t seem to unsubscribe from and don’t want to see)

And that's what I use it for. Segmenting.

Now, because of my field of work, I subscribe to quite a few brand and company email newsletters. I thought it smart to unsubscribe from my other emails and redirect my gmail too, so everything would then exist in ‘The Feed’, which as it describes is a rather pleasant and simple scroll, reminiscent of IG but for email.

Guess what happened. In less than a year, my Feed has become so crowded that I can barely go through one day’s worth of emails before shutting down my device and moving away from it. Thankfully, Hey lets me choose to be notified when I want to know about someone sending me communication, so I’ve flagged a couple of publications I particularly like. But the takeaway is this: despite the thought out new system, and the curated way I choose my subscriptions, they are overwhelming me and I cannot and barely even want to poke my nose in the feed.

I do understand that not everyone has read the privacy laws passed called GDPR but I find it particularly aggravating when marketers and brand owners repurpose an old email list for a new business. I received a message yesterday and I have no idea why these people are getting in touch with me. I don’t follow them on Instagram, I don’t recognise them or their brand name. It’s rather vexing and, as it turns out, also illegal. Why are they emailing me then? What do they hope to achieve (PS they sell sustainable cushions)?

A few years back, I was sadly privy to the sale of a customer database by a very indebted entrepreneur to a third party for a small cash sum. It felt silly because not only did it feel wrong to me, but the money was so low! Though this took place about 15 years ago, even then, there were some people ready to take advantage of this kind of precious data. I can just about imagine who bought the customer base and the surprise and annoyance these 5000 people must have felt being contacted by random companies.

That’s a question that emerges for me both when I work on strategy and receive communication from brands and companies in particular. And it's a really important one too.

In a recent coaching workshop, I noticed that a lot of the participants, all of them coaches in training, were struggling with how to connect with clients. The words 'build audience, newsletter, instagram' were used consistently, and in other courses, you'd also hear the rest of the socials being mentioned, including the dreaded 'IG live or Facebook Live'. Though no one used the word ‘funnel’, the question on a lot of minds was: how do I do this, where do I start, what is the most effective way to be doing this?

And I got back to why be doing this in the first place?

Most consultants, agency owners and companies are in the same situation. They are expected to be using these tools. They want to know how to strike the right balance when reaching out to clients and prospects: how often should they message and what should the content should be about? The overwhelming feeling I took away from this was the notion of ‘should’. That’s what we should do, that’s what is expected to become successful at XYZ.
From what I sensed, I wanted to ask the following question: do you even want to do this?

Then this fascinating idea was brought forward. What if we approached the problem using language that was used 1000 years ago. Or even 100 years ago. No more ‘building audiences, connection, posts or funnel etc’.
Instead, the conversation became centered around:

I’d like people to know about what I have been doing.

I’d like people to discover my work.

I’d like people to read the new piece that I have put out.

I’d like to keep in touch with my clients and see how I can XYZ.

Connecting with a vocabulary that felt more personal, closer to the heart of each of the women in the group, it became easier to also connect the dots between the challenges they faced on the scattered platforms.

The pressure of performing on social media, of serving an audience, lessened when it turned into telling people about 'what I’ve been up to'. A part of me also wants to add that we shouldn’t be everywhere, only where we feel at ease, being on social for the sake of promotion only is very 2015. Or whenever that time that was that all brands jumped on this particular bandwagon, away from TV and print.

Kudos to those in 2021 who dare be outside IG or WeChat - Bottega Veneta comes to mind. Our culture of ‘always on - always sharing’ puts undue pressure on all creators and business owners and it’s time we take a step back and ask why.

This brings to mind an interview I recorded for Out of the Clouds last year, with visual artist Dapper Lou, where he offered some powerful thoughts about how he approaches the use of the social media:

“I literally built my whole career and everything off of social media. And I think if used the right way, it can be an amazing tool. As an artist, you may feel this pressure to produce constantly or to always be working on something, which is not how I work now.
But I think that I'm in a place with social media that I understand it. I don't let it control me, I'm more in control of the medium. I learned that from the way artists post, because I will see someone like Solange or Frank Ocean, they'll post once whenever they feel like it.... People will wait, and then I just kind of adopted that same mentality. I don't have to literally Instagram every single moment. I can wait and make a beautiful story. And for me it works better that way because there's not just constant pressure.”

I recalled this conversation because these feel like inspired words and I enjoyed the borrowing from artists Lou admires. After all, aren’t artists the first to twist around and make what they want out of the mediums they choose to use? In his hands, the same visual platform becomes an elevated and purposeful tool that serves the visual story he is telling. And he uses it at a time that suits him, rather than follow the rules of the algorithm. I’d say this is the result of both experimentation and maturity.

I am guessing here: most companies have a deep desire to engage with their customers for the sole purpose of conversion. Money first, please buy what we sell. But I don’t find much effort or generosity in attempts to connect. The ones who do it well often never try to sell anything at all. As per my earlier post, they are simply telling a story because they are animated (from the word 'anima', Latin for spirit) to tell you about this thing that they have done or that fascinates or excites them.

As it stands, just wanting to sell something is rarely a profound enough motivation to move clients to purchase. There needs to be something else to the message to build up the interest. And that often builds up over time - unless you are putting out just what someone needs in that instant. Rare but possible.

The other day, I had the pleasure of joining a fellow MMTCP graduate April Davila in a mindful writer’s workshop, where a group of us was guided first into meditation and then into writing exercises. April asked us to imagine the motivations of characters depicted in images pulled at random. She asked us to go at least five why’s deep in order to find the underlying source, the real trigger behind the action undertaken by a character. I found it a fascinating and effective exercise.
I challenge you to put this to the test next time someone near you is putting out an email or a social post or a campaign.

And again why?
But why?
And why?
Whether before or after this exercise, I wonder if we could establish a list of questions for brands’ email messaging like:

Is it honest?

Is it factual - does it depict the reality?

Is it interesting?

Is it educational?

Is it fun?

Does it match our values?

Does it say something about us that we need to tell our clients, does it have purpose?

Does it support others positively?

If there is not a single yes from the above, I suggest holding off and working on something else.

Publish in more than one place: we are all over the place, so consider where your best writing and content should live.

Don’t get too worried about timing: whether that’s time of the day, or how many times. Concentrate on quality first. If what you do is appealing, your clients and readers will find it, enjoy it and (prayer hands) maybe even share it.

Of course, each company should build their own set of criteria, to correspond to their vision and tone of voice. If they haven’t got a clear vision and tone of voice, then that’s another matter - back to square one. We should all do that work first.

There is a caveat: this is not easy. Most of us, myself included, find it hard work to do - especially on our own - because it’s heavy lifting, it requires turning inward, examining our vision, motivations, etc. And then ideally we should try to find what the proof points are in the work we have already put out that tangibly support the values we say we uphold.

I'll give it a go for you:

I am writing this because I feel very keen to explore this topic and I am emailing you so we can maybe have a conversation around this or prompt you to think about this.

Because I hope to make you think deeper about the choices you make in your communication.

Because it is a topic of deep interest for me?

Because I am fascinated about how we function, how we work, and mostly, how we communicate.

Because I know, deep down, that we can do better if we connect to a deeper purpose than making a sale.

This will support businesses to be more successful, because they will find it easier to connect with the right clientele.

Because I like to help people

Because I like to make magic happen.

Your turn.

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How to Choose the Best Landscaping Services

· landscaping

Hiring the right landscape service for your home necessitates diligent attention. From the draft to the supplies you will use, you have to be assured that the landscape service you choose will ensure that your interests are protected every step of the process. No matter which type of service you want to get, from a complete landscape remodeling to easy lawn maintenance, choose a reputable and professional landscape service that will give you the best outcomes. Below are some of the most crucial factors that you should keep in mind if you are searching for the right Woodbury landscaping services.

When you have a rundown of your top landscaping services, carefully analyze their services to start eliminating potentials who do not meet your requirements. Identify which landscaping service will meet your specified budget as well as your particular requirement. Determine how well the landscaping service will be able to perform in various locations and settings. This is not a choice that can be made on looks alone, you should meet your potential the landscaping service personally. If you like what you see on their websites and their fees are within in your budget, call to check whether they are available for an in-home interview and estimate.

It is vital to find a landscaping service that is experienced. You can check this by looking at the landscaping service's years in business, number of clients, as well as by the quality of their landscape design portfolio. How long they have been in business shows that they have a strong and successful Woodbury landscape design services and that they will be able to effectively deal with your landscaping requirements. The number of clients they have demonstrates that the landscaping service should be well versed with the full array of landscape design and lawn services and will not handle a task that they do not have the experience in successfully finishing. It also demonstrates that landscaping service has had the time to streamline their work processes and are able to follow given deadlines and timeframes.

First, to achieve professional Woodbury landscape supply services, hiring the best company is therefore important because he will help refine your landscape design and assist in your lawn care needs. There are many ways to find a landscaping service that is professional, skilled, experienced, and will help you out with all your landscaping requirements. You cannot afford to hire cheap and incompetent landscaping services. Talk to their previous clients. Ask about their expectations for the job and if the landscaping service was able to meet all of them. Read this article and find more information here.

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The Acknowledgement Project

The Acknowledgement Project

Ni waamjigaadeg aki (it’s time to see the land)
Ni waamjigaadeg debwewin (it’s time to see the truth)

Land (2018)

on-site intervention located in Barrie, Ontario

In 2017, Canada celebrated its 150th birthday seen by many as another reminder of colonization and continued erasure of Indigenous nations. Across the country cities and municipalities planned events and commemorations funded in part by half a billion dollars earmarked for the occasion by the federal government. As part of their 150 celebration the City of Barrie, in partnership with local Rotary Clubs, installed a commemorative Sesquicentennial Clock on the same shoreline that once sustained thousands of Wendat and Anishinaabe peoples. To partially fund this clock, custom engraved paving stones were offered for purchase to the general public to be installed on the grounds that surround the new monument. As a means to intervene in this ongoing erasure through commemoration and as a response to Canada 150, four bricks were purchased and engraved with land acknowledgements. The phrases from this site-specific intervention are the focus of Land’s gallery counterpart project titled, Aki.

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Aki (2018)

sage, sweetgrass, cedar ashes, wood and acrylic

The gallery installation of Aki builds upon the phrasing found in Land’s engraved bricks, informing the words further through materials and mode of display. Aki reflects upon the significance and preciousness of land and language to Indigenous peoples. These words, carefully stenciled using the ashes of three sacred medicines, elude to healing, cleansing, to starting anew. Working through the process of re-creating these acknowledgements requires patience, time and care so as to not disrupt. The decision to display this work, on plinths under the protection of clear vitrines, speaks as much to the value of these words in material form as it does to Anishinaabemowin, one of many Indigenous languages requiring protection following decades of attempted erasure via policies of assimilation.

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Press Releases

Women’s Health Highlights Boating, Water Sports as Summer’s Must-Try Activities

As a result of Discover Boating’s recent virtual deskside media tour, Women’s Health magazine online (reach: 4 million unique monthly visitors) featured a number of water sports to try this summer and encouraged readers to visit to learn more.

Below is an excerpt from the article, “20 Cool Water Sports You Should Totally Try This Summer.”

Swimming, surfing, snorkeling, and all of the other ways you get active in the H2O have serious mind-body payoffs, too. Not only do water sports decrease your risk of chronic diseases (like heart disease and diabetes) but they've also been shown to offer a serious mental health boost. I mean, come on, how can you not feel instantly calm with the sounds of waves or a lapping lake nearby?

Difficulty: Beginner

If you read the “beginner” status and made a quick mental note of the fact that you don’t actually own a boat, don’t worry. You can find all sorts of rentals in pretty much any community near a body of water—and if you don’t want to take on any waves (don't blame you there!), you can always opt for a lake or bay. Check out Discover Boating to learn more about boating, rentals in your area, and even safety practices.

Click here for the full article on

Stay tuned for more Discover Boating media coverage in leading consumer lifestyle publications throughout summer.


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Check out the Boskone 52 Flyer & Buy Your Membership Today

UPDATE: Unfortunately, Robin McKinley is no longer able to make it to Boskone this year due to personal reasons. However, we are excited to announce that New York Times bestselling author Steven Brust will be joining us as Boskone 52’s Guest of Honor. Please help us in welcoming him to the convention. ————————————— Memberships for Boskone […]


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The 3 Golden Rules of Staying Fueled in the Mountains

The 3 Golden Rules of Staying Fueled in the Mountains

3 Golden Nutrition Rules for Mountaineering

By Sunny Stroeer

Mountaineering, particularly high altitude mountaineering, is hard work. It’s such hard work that it is almost a given you will come back many pounds lighter than whatever weight you started at. Now - if your midsection has a propensity towards roundness in the flatlands (like mine does), you might say “Wait… I get to go on an amazing trip, hopefully pocket a coveted summit, AND come back as a lean mean fighting machine? Sign me up!

I won’t lie - I’m guilty of a pronounced seasonal weight pattern, and I don’t mind the weight loss that comes with a big expedition. But here’s the dirty secret to high altitude expedition climbing: it is part of your job to eat as much as you possibly can.  Eating is what gets you up, and safely back down, the mountain; and there is just no way that your food intake can keep up with the calories you are burning at altitude, even if you do have a ravenous appetite - though most folks tend to lose their appetite as they climb higher and higher.

Over the years I have seen many a climber new to the high altitude game who arrived at basecamp wanting to eat on the skinny (might as well help the active vacation diet a bit by not eating big meals, right?) and I know that it does not work, at least not if you’re hoping to reach that summit.  When you put in a hard effort in above 14,000ft you need to get all the calories you can - and you will still lose plenty of weight.

Here are a few tips and tricks to make sure you have what you need to power you all the way to the summit and back down.

1) Don’t skip meals.

You’re a few days into your trek, and after a big day you get into camp late; it’s cold, and you’re not *that* hungry anyway.  Tempted to just curl up in your sleeping bag and skip dinner? Don’t. I have been guilty of skipping meals like this myself a time or two, and I have suffered the consequences in the form of severely decreased performance and even aborted missions every time.

2) One meal = 2+ servings.

This is one of the most common misconceptions I encounter: as you probably know if you are reading this, many freeze-dried entrees (including my Backpacker’s Pantry favorites like Fettucini Alfredo or Pad Thai) come in 2-serving pouches. That’s convenient, but it does not necessarily mean that they are adequate for two people; on the contrary, the general rule in the mountains is that one 2-serving pouch makes one dinner for one person.  Just look at the calorie count: a serving of Pad Thai packs 460 calories - pretty good but still on the light side for a standard dinner for a even *sedentary* person! A single serving of Fettucini Alfredo in contrast is just 270 calories. If you are putting out a hard physical multi-day effort you should plan a two-serving entree per individual per dinner, or you’ll run out of steam.

3) Fortification is money.

As I said above: calories are king in the mountains. Even with a proper breakfast, lots of snacking throughout the day and for lunch, and a two-serving dinner each day, chances are that you’ll be struggling to meet your caloric needs (case in point: I burned over 8000 calories on summit day on Aconcagua a few years ago).  To up your calories, I recommend fortifying your meals and drinks in whatever which way you can. Here is what that means tactically:

  • Add powdered milk, sugar, and/or honey or jam to anything that’ll lend itself to those ingredients - oatmeal, cereal, hot chocolate, tea.

  • Olive oil is extremely calorie-dense. Bring a flask or canister and add it to any pasta, soup, or entree that won’t be ruined by some extra EVO.

  • If you have someone cooking for you, or if you are eating in tea houses along the way: look for the heartiest-sounding dishes you can find on the menu, then request an extra egg on top.

If you are vegan/vegetarian, or have other dietary requirements…

… that’s a tough one.  Dietary restrictions can be hard at sea level, and they are even more difficult in the mountains.  I have known several conviction-based vegetarians to relax their diet choices on the mountain to temporarily allow meat and eggs in order to keep up with their caloric needs in an environment of highly limited food choices. Of course that’s not an option for dietary restrictions originating from intolerances or allergies; I haven’t yet come across an easy solution to this challenge, besides the obvious mandate to bring appropriate calorically-dense foods from home to supplement your meals - even if it means carrying avocados up to 18,000ft (been there, done that!).

To bring it all together, here is what a typical “easy” day in the mountains may look like for me from a food perspective:

2 packets of oatmeal, fortified with powdered milk, sugar, jam; instant coffee

~350 calories

Lunch & snacks

~4-6 units of assorted energy bars, gels, chocolate, salty snacks; instant soup

~1000 calories

Backpacker’s Pantry Pasta Primavera - 2 serving pouch; add extra olive oil

660 calories

~2,010 calories

For a tough day (big mileage, heavy pack, summit push, and/or catchup if I feel like I have been running a calorie deficit for too long), I will choose the highest calorie options I can find - like what’s shown below. Note that the 2 serving granola breakfast is a game changer; super tasty and low volume yet incredibly nutritious, this has become my secret weapon on high altitude missions.

Backpacker’s Pantry Granola with Milk & Bananas - 2 serving pouch

1240 calories

Lunch & snacks

~6-8 units of assorted energy bars, gels, chocolate, salty snacks; instant soup with extra olive oil; hot chocolate with powdered milk

~1500 calories

Backpacker's Pantry Pad Thai - 2 serving pouch

920 calories

~3660 calories

And with that - get out there, have fun, and eat to summit!

Monitoring weight.

A hard day’s work on Aconcagua barely making the summit: 8,800 calories burned during the summit push from Camp II in 2014. I didn’t know much about high altitude fueling back then and lost sixteen pounds in sixteen days - not a healthy outcome, and one that almost cost me the summit.

Backpacker's Pantry Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken

Dinner time on the mountain!

The secret weapon: Backpacker’s Pantry granola with bananas, almonds and milk - over 1200 calories in a single yummy meal.

Monitoring weight at 18,000ft. Weight loss on an extended mountaineering trip is almost inevitable but needs to be kept in check to not compromise summit chances.

Monitoring weight at 18,000ft. Weight loss on an extended mountaineering trip is almost inevitable but needs to be kept in check to not compromise summit chances.


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Prepare Spark Environment

Apache Spark requires configuration for optimal performance. The key task is to properly tune the Spark server’s memory and executors per core. You must also enable the Spark History logs and configure the SSL connections to the Spark server.

Determine the Optimal Core and Memory Configuration

The analytics engine requires tuning prior to processing the entitlements data. Spark distributes its dataset into partitions to allow parallel processing. Each partition runs a executor, which is a JVM process that is launched in a worker node and processes a unit of work called a task on a portion of the dataset.

There are three main tuning parameters that you must configure in the analytics_init_config.yml file for optimal performance:

  • Number of Executor Cores. Indicates the maximum number of tasks that an executor can run at a time. In Spark, this property is set using the --executor-cores flag. On the target node, specify this property using the spark.executor.cores parameter.

  • Number of Executors. Indicates the number of executors the application allocates in the cluster. In Spark, this property is set using the --num-executors flag. On the Analytics container, you specify this property using the parameter.

  • Amount of Memory Allocated to Each Executor. Indicates the amount of memory allocated to the JVM heap memory for each executor. In Spark, this property is set using the --executor-memory. On the target node, you specify this property using the spark.executor.memory parameter.

Before configuring these parameters, consider these points:

  • Running Too Much Memory or Too Few Executors. In general, running executors with too much memory (for example, +64GB/executor) often results in excessive garbage collection delays. Running with too few executors (for example, 1 executor/core) does not benefit from caching as it cannot run multiple tasks in a single JVM. This will not leave enough memory for the resource manager.

  • Maximum Overhead Memory. The total amount of memory requested by a resource manager per Spark executor is the sum of the executor memory plus memory overhead. The memory overhead is needed for JVM heap and resource manager processes.

  • One Executor for the App Manager. One executor should be assigned to the application manager and the rest for task processing.

  • Number of Cores. One core should be dedicated to the driver and resource manager application. For example, if the node has 8 cores, 7 of them are available for the executors; one for the driver and resource manager.

    The choice is relative to the size of the cluster. The number of executors is then a ratio between the number of cores available for executors and the number of cores per executor times the number of nodes on the cluster.

    For optimal performance, run a maximum of 5 cores per executor for good I/O throughput. Minimum number of cores should be 3 cores per executor.

  • Executor Memory. Allocate 7 to 10% of memory to the application manager and executor overhead. For example, if you have a cluster of 96 GB of RAM, you should distribute up to 86GB to the executors.

Let’s look at an example. If you have the following cluster configuration:

  • 6 nodes

  • 16 cores per node

  • 64GB RAM per node

If we have 16 cores per node, leave one core to the Spark application, then we will have 15 cores available per node. The total number of available cores in the cluster will be 15 x 6= 90. The number of available executors is the total cores divided by the number of cores per executor (90/5 = 18). We leave one executor to the application manager; thus, 18 - 1 = 17 executors. Number of executors per node = 17/6 ~ 3. The memory per executor = 64GB/3 = 21 GB. 7 to 10% of the memory must be allocated to heap overhead. Let’s use 7%. Then, executor memory will be 21 - 3 (that is, 7% x 21) = 18GB.

  • Number of Executor Cores = 5

  • Number of Executors = 17

  • Executor Memory = 18GB RAM

The table below show example Spark executor memory and core combinations for different node configurations:

These Spark values are set in the analytics_init_config.yml file.

Configure Spark History

For proper maintenance of the analytics machine, the Spark history server must be enabled to record executor logs. You can enable the logging mechanism and history by add the following lines to the Spark configuration file, located at $SPARK_HOME/conf/spark-defaults.conf .

  1. Open the $SPARK_HOME/conf/spark-defaults.conf file. If the file does not exist, careate one from the sample file provided in the conf directory.

  2. Add the following lines to the file with a text editor.

    spark.eventLog.enabled             true
    spark.evenLog.dir                  file:///tmp/spark-events  # the dir is arbitrary
    spark.history.fs.logDirectory      file:///tmp/spark-events
  3. Start the Spark History server if installed. The Spark History server is accessible on port 18080 on the master server.

You can also access the Spark History server using the REST API at http://<server-url>:18080/api/v1/applications .

Configure Spark SSL

You can configure SSL connection to all Spark interfaces by setting the configuration file, analytics_init_config.yml file. For additional information, see the Spark documentation.

Run the following commands to configure SSL;

  1. Generate SSL keys. The keys can be self-signed or public CA-signed certificates.

  2. Write an Authentication filter class in Java that implements the Java Filter interface. The interface determines how the credentials are handled. Compile the class to a jar file.

  3. Copy the artifact to $SPARK_HOME/jars directory on all nodes.

  4. Update the Spark configuration to enable SSL and set up SSL namespace parameters. Update the Spark configurations on all nodes to enable SSL, indicating the keys and authentication filter to use. Make the changes to the configuration file as follows:

    # Enable SSL
    spark.ssl.enabled                  true
    spark.ui.https.enabled             true
    spark.ssl.fs.enabled               true
    # Add public/private SSL keys
    spark.ssl.keyPassword              Acc#1234
    spark.ssl.keyStore                 /opt/autoid/certs/zoran-cassandra-client-keystore.jks
    spark.ssl.keyStorePassword         Acc#1234
    spark.ssl.trustStore               /opt/autoid/certs/zoran-cassandra-server-trustStore.jks
    spark.ssl.trustStorePassword       Acc#1234
    spark.ssl.protocol                 TLSv1.2
    # 'com.autoid.spark' is the package in the jar file and
    # 'BasicAuthFilter' is the class that contains the filter class
    # Advanced filter implementat would not have parameters to reduce the blast radius
    spark.ui.filters                               com.autoid.spark.BasicAuthFilter  user=user,password=password
  5. Restart the Spark services for the new configurations to take effect.


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Garbanzo Bean Tikka Masala (Plant Based)

Freshly made from scratch creamy chickpeas in a mildly spicy curried tomato sauce. Oh yeah.

Our not-so-secret secret is to start cooking the chickpeas with organic lemon, organic ginger, spices from Savory Spice Shop including coriander, cumin, turmeric, cayenne, black pepper, cinnamon, olive oil and Real sea salt

Then we simmer them in a spiced sauce of organic tomato, organic coconut milk (guar gum free), sweet paprika, organic jalapeño, organic ginger, organic garlic and sea salt.

We recommend serving it with our frozen Fluffy Golden Garlic Rice or your favorite rice.

Quart or Pint. Quart serves 3-4. Price includes $1.25 jar deposit.

Freezable in straight-edged mason jars (no curved shoulders) with appropriate head room or other freezer safe container.

Simply run the frozen jars under warm water to slide out and heat.

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Baintech Ultra Capacitor Jump Starter

$325.50 $250.00

or 4 fortnightly payments of $62.50 with Afterpay More info

Baintech BTCAP Ultimate Jump Starter. Perfect for your 4WD or workshops dealing with heavy machinery.

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Don’t get stuck with a flat battery! Perfect for your 4WD or workshop. The Baintech Jump Starter Ultra Capacitor utilises the remaining voltage of your car battery to transfer charge into the Capacitor Jump Starter to generate power to then jump start the vehicle. Simply connect the ultra-capacitor to your car battery, once connected the capacitor display screen will display your car battery voltage. The screen will then read ‘Jump Start Ready’ if your flat battery is still above 5V. If unable to use voltage from your car battery (below 5V), the ultra-capacitor has a small lithium back up battery reserve to assist in jump starting your vehicle.

  • Capacitor Jump Starter with LED torch
  • Charge via USB or Ciga socket charging
  • 12V 800 Amps – Backup battery capacity 6000mAh
  • Suitable for engine sizes up to 5.0L Diesel
  • Heavy duty alligator clamps
  • Reverse polarity protected

Leaders in Power Product Solutions…

With more than 30-years of experience in DC and AC Power Product Solutions, Bainbridge Technologies are the leaders in innovative 12V power solutions for leisure auto markets (4WDs, camper trailers, caravans/recreational vehicles, and boats). As an Australian owned and operated company, Bainbridge Technologies are passionate about the great outdoors and creating more good times for Australians.

Bainbridge Technologies offer the largest range of high quality and reliable product solutions in Australia; including battery chargers, lithium batteries, solar power, inverters, inverter chargers, sockets, panels, meters, 12-volt accessories, and more. Distributing world-class products, ranging from Baintech, CTEK, Victron, and Sterling to name a few.

Today, Bainbridge Technologies’ primary focus is to continually innovate and create integrated, powerful, and reliable power management systems to provide business customers and consumers with complete power solutions. Widely considered to be Australia’s leading experts in the field.

Why Bainbridge Technologies is Australia’s leading Power Product Experts…

Supporting business partners with innovative power solutions that help overcome the economic, and competitive environments in which they operate, Bainbridge Technologies are the trusted name in 12 volt and power product solutions.

Expanding significantly into lithium battery systems, Bainbridge Technologies offers an extensive range of 12v, 24v, and 48v lithium battery systems to suit Automotive, Marine, Caravan, and Commercial applications.

With an expert sales team at the helm, Bainbridge Technologies’ highly qualified, multidisciplinary team is here to help you or your business.

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Stuffed Cornbread Pan

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Stuffed Cornbread Pan
When I add mix-ins to cornbread, such as whole kernels of sweet corn or diced up peppers, I usually just stir them right into the cornbread batter in exactly the same way I would do if I were adding blueberries to a muffin batter. I’ve visited a few restaurants, however, that had stuffed cornbread on the menu. This type of cornbread usually comes in muffin-sized single servings and is filled with cheese or whole, spicy peppers – I’ve even had a cheese-stuffed peppers inside of cornbread before. I didn’t realize that this was a trend that was catching on, but it just might be the future of cornbread, since Williams Sonoma introduced a Stuffed Cornbread Pan. The pan looks like a muffin pan with square cavities, and inside of each one is a large spike. The spikes are designed to hold a heavy filling in place while the cornbread bakes, so a large piece of cheese (for instance) won’t sink down to the bottom of the pan and cause the cornbread to stick. The entire pan is nonstick, so if you let the cornbread cool for a few minutes, they should slide out easily with filling safely in place.

This pan is actually pretty versatile, since you can use it to bake individual coffee cakes or muffins as well as cornbreads. You don’t need to take advantage of the stuffing spike in the muffin cups every time you use the pan, but you will definitely make cornbread a little more exciting at barbecues this summer!

Share this article

  • KB @ Home-Baked Happiness
    April 15, 2011

    Zomg, how have I never heard of cheese-stuffed cornbread before? That looks awesome.

  • Barb
    January 7, 2013

    I LOVE this pan! It’s sold out now, but if you call a Williams-Sonoma store, they’ll help you track it down & ship it to you if there are any left (that’s what I did)… I’m going to try to use it for chocolate cake, & use caramel to “stuff” some & solid chocolate chunks to “stuff” the rest =)

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Tag Archives: Elise Patterns

New to Me Challenge: Kyoto Kimono Jacket by Elise Patterns

This wasn’t what I originally intended to make for the New-to-Me challenge this week, but then I saw this pattern on the Mercury Handmade blog, Loved it. Bought it. ……………..then realized that because of of the width of the pattern pieces, I wasn’t going to be able to use any pieces from my ever-growing stash, and would […]


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Carry Bags For Laptops

Every summer vacation has to come to a close. Although these three-month spans can be all sort of fun, the school year needs to start once again. While this indicates no more oversleeping, no more late nights on weekdays, and no more setting your own schedule and doing whatever you please, it does not need to indicate the fun is over. After all, heading back to school can likewise be a lot of enjoyable, and is generally interesting because you get to meet and mingle with a lot of brand-new people. The trick is to get the ideal supplies you need in order to make the back-to-school process a breeze. One thing you will certainly require to have a look at is back to school knapsacks.

Shoulder Straps: These truly ought to be sitting on the middle of your shoulders. Not truly too near towards neck (or possibly this might contribute to pressure. Not way too far out on the arms or the shoulders will not be bring enough of the weight.

business laptop backpack factory are the simplest and handiest way to bring the load of school books to and from school. With the heavy load of research, young bodies are not able to hold all the books, pens, pencils and notebooks. At this moment, you have a choice to make. What kind of knapsack do you desire?

It is a need to for digital cam owners to have a bag or case for their photographic device. There are so lots of brands, colors, sizes and styles readily available today thus, it should not be a problem trying to find the ideal one for your gadget.

Hydration – You are going to need to consume water frequently. Generally on the path there is no place to buy it so bring it with you is really important. As a minimum you should purchase a frame installed bottle and cage. These are extremely cheap. Then purchase a hydration backpack manufacturer, if the budget plan allows. These carry more water and also permit storage of other products like energy bars.

You may even wish to take an appearance at army surplus products. Stuff like army tents, military footwear, and army knapsacks make terrific camping gear. And since these are surpluses, you can get them at really inexpensive rates, even when they’re still all brand brand-new. However whether you’re looking into business or surplus items, don’t forget to compare outdoor camping equipment before making an option.

The size, shape and weight of greatly filled backpacks can trigger students to quickly bump or knock other trainees without understanding it. It is tough for the user to understand just how much space he or she is taking with such a big backpack.

There are many other items that a brand-new rider can be outfitted with however these products should be thought about essential. You will need to utilize each of these products some day, that is a warranty so don’t be there without them on the extremely first day.

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Safety Signs in Kingsville, MD

Kingsville Custom Safety Signs

Safety SignsKeeping your place of work safe is a must, especially if you are being held responsible. In most cases, the owner of a business is legally obligated to ensure that there are safety signs located in the workplace. If you have employees working for you in the likes of a warehouse or a construction job, you’re going to need safety signs. Not only that but just businesses, in general, are going to need safety signs – there is always going to be a risk of customers slipping on wet spots or missing a step on the stairs and taking a tumble. To ensure that you are not held responsible, you’ll have to equip your business with the proper safety signs. Some of the more common varieties of safety sign that you’ll come across would be:

  • Wayfinding Signs
  • Fire and Prohibition Signs
  • Caution Signs
  • Mandatory Signs (Obligatory)
  • Safe Condition Signs
  • ADA compliant signs

What are Safety Signs Used for?

Safety signs will allow both customers and employees to navigate the workplace without any worry. They will be alerted of any potential safety hazards, and you won’t be held responsible for refusing to put up the required safety signs. If you wanted to build a reputable brand that people could count on for their needs, it’s going to call for the likes of safety signs.

Contact Us For Your Safety Signs Needs in Kingsville, MD

It may not seem like a big deal now, but safety signs can be a huge issue to handle. Thankfully, Baltimore Signs and Graphics has you covered; give us a call today and let’s get you started.

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Wednesday: Baby Olive van der Lingen

What you may or may not read below is something that you should be warned about. While not particularly graphic, the post contains strong themes such as child loss, stillbirth, baby loss, and suicide. If you feel that you cannot handle any of those triggers, please click here to be taken away to a world of glittery whimsy. Don’t feel as though you should read this if you’re not ready or if you’re never ready. Part of being healthy is being able to stop yourself if you’re uncomfortable with the following post.

I need you to know that this is a first for our site and that I left it alone for a long time because I didn’t want to do more harm than good. Finally, it dawned on me that this anonymous poster (who I simply cannot locate – I tried) gave us her deepest feelings and fears. Even if I am uncomfortable (and I am), these are her sacred words, and they deserve to see the light of day. You’re very welcome to reach out to me via email:

This site has a motto, a simple one: we are none of us alone, we are all connected.

We take stories here – all of them – and this is no different.

These are her sacred words that she wanted me to share with you.

And so I am.

If you are feeling alone, scared, helpless, and suicidal, please contact the National (US) Suicide Lifeline, which provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States. Call 1-800-273-8255.

If you are not in the US, I have created a list of international suicide lifelines, which can be found here.

Baby Olive ✝ July 2016

I was around 7 months pregnant when I lost my baby girl.

…I do not know how to cope with her loss anymore, i never really opened up about the pain and grief and the more time goes on the worse it gets.

I feel guilty and out of line when i speak about her on any other day except for her birthday… this year I could not even speak to anyone about her.

I don’t even understand what I must feel and what the normal grieving process is. Some nights even feel worse than the nights I lost her.

I had this idea that i would be over it by now or that I would not think about her so much.

I thought time would make it all better…..

tonight is one of the worse nights I’ve had. I just started missing her more than ever and then I felt like my heart is shattered all over again.

i can barely breathe from the crying, I feel the pain in my throat. My heart feels like it is being ripped out right now.

The image of her little lifeless body in front of me is stuck inside my head. She just looked like she was sleeping.

I just needed her her to breathe.

I just needed her to breathe.

Why did she die???

Why did she have to die?

I can’t explain this pain.

I don’t think anyone will understand what I feel right now. If I ever had to talk to anyone about this pain, what would they think? I just can’t talk to anyone! I will just be a burden or they will think I am seeking attention; that is mostly the case when i bring her name up to my ex-husband. I didn’t mean to blame him for not being able to save her, all the build up hurt just got the best of me. The grief turned into hate, hate towards people that do not deserve it, it made me push them away.

i just feel like screaming now!

Sometimes I wonder if I will feel better if I could talk about her, sometimes I wonder if it will ever get better….

Will I ever get closure?

i do not think i will male it through this pain…

i smile the whole day so no one even notices how broken I am. Once I am alone, I break down.

It is like a black hole that just gets bigger…

The pain consumes more of me each day.

Suicide is no longer just a thought, it is a pat of my plan, it is a matter of fact.

I am not scared anymore to go

I am so sorry for what i leave behind; the people I love that I leave behind. They don’t deserve it, my kids, my family, and my friends don’t deserve it… they have done nothing wrong.

i Just cannot go on , i have died inside a long time ago. Who i am now is just a body that is on repeat and that is not life. Feeling so numb and hurting this much is unbearable.

I hope the ones i leave behind will try and understand. On the brighter side at least my ex-husband will be happy.

I just want to go home, I want to be in heaven , I want to rest with my baby Olive.

I don’t belong here anymore.

After her loss, I tried my best to be happy, but I’ve never been happy again since she has died. I mastered the art of pretending to be happy at least , but I just can’t feel it. Funny how i even have the nickname “Smiley”… lol

If there was a person i’d have been able to open up about her, it would have been her father, but because of the ways in which i brought her up in our fights, he doesn’t want to hear anything about her.

I guess I cant blame him; it is my own fault … I never had a guideline or a manual on how to deal with the mixed emotions and thoughts her death caused.

I kept quiet about so many feelings that I should have shared and I lashed out about so many thoughts I should have kept to myself.

Anyway, it is to late late for the “should have’s” and “what if’s” and “if only i hads.”

Nothing will bring her back and nothing will change this pain. All this hurt killed me inside.

I didn’t die that long after she died; now it’s just my body that is left behind wondering around, longing to go, waiting impatiently to go.

Yes, I do think my death will be a shock to everyone in my life including my boyfriend ( which is the most amazing guy on earth). Some people don’t even know about Baby Olive, so most people that are the closest to me wont even link my death with hers.

The truth is i that just want to go. I feel so numb to their opinion about why I left – it won’t even matter. There won’t be a note it a sign before if I go, I will just go.

i guess the only reason i am still here is to finalize a few things before I go. I want my departure to be easy for those I leave behind, I want to be quickly forgotten. I don’t want anyone to hurt or feel guilty. My wish is to make it seem like an accident.

I am not even sure whyIi wrote this. If i ever had to say i am sorry, i will say sorry to her father for the anger and the blame and the hurt. I would have apologized for the person i was, I am sorry for my actions and how they affected you. I am sorry for being so controlling and crazy over you. I just never loved the way  I loved my husband and I’ve never hurt like the day i lost her.

I am not good at handling those strong emotions –  it just comes out wrong and I am sorry. Sorry will never fix anything and even if I had the chance to say sorry now, I know it won’t matter.

It has been 3 years.

I don’t even think you will remember. I know that you are happy now, I know you love her more than me, I know she is so much better and prettier than me, and that is good.

I will not bother to disturb anyone.

Whatever is left unsaid will forever be…

i guess writing this gave me some peace before I go, even if it will never be read or understood. Even if those i leave behind will never know that I got some peace before i go.

i feel so much better to knowIi can finally go. I feel it’s so selfish, yet I am no longer living even if i stay.

I will give my family my very best to make sure they know how much i love them and how much i appreciate them.

They are the best; that’s why i want to go without them considering suicide.

While everyone starts off with a new year, I just wish to start of with my eternal life without this pain and hurt.

i guess I am hoping to meet her there too … most nights, the thought of meeting her soon helps me to fall asleep.

I don’t know what I was supposed to feel or how, how to soothe this pain, but I do know i want to end it.

and i will.

I guess that’s just where my story ends.

my book of life has been completed and i guess not every story gets that happy ending.

I leave to see you breath, my angel.

In memory of my baby girl,

Olive van der Lingen

It Scares Me In A Way

I see the elderly woman approaching us from across the mall. She is looking past me and at my children with that smile. My kids are at the perfect age to attract these smiles. They are just at the dawn of human interaction. Their speech is still garbled; their language and actions both aped from adults. They, in their search for the right phrase or movement, are often accidentally adorable.

Children at this age still act as if nobody is watching, and adults love them for it.  We are drawn to this innocence, I think, for the same reason we are interested in the behaviors of chimps or sleepwalkers.  We want to see what it is that people do when they don’t realize they have an audience.  We want to see what we would do if we didn’t think so much.

She walks carefully and slowly over to accept the imaginary ice cream cone my son offers up and wins my heart by pretending to eat it.  Taking the interaction a step further, she asks him which flavor it was.  He tells her it’s chock-lick and her smile deepens with amusement. I am scanning her face, watching her the same way I watch the face of every stranger who approaches my children. I am waiting for the clues that all humans throw off.

I’m waiting to see why she’s doing this.

And so it is that I observe her lined face slip gradually from delight to despair.  A line grows deeper across her forehead and her milky eyes fill with tears.  Her painted smile is the last to go, proof in my mind that she didn’t even see the sadness coming until it was already written on the rest of her face.  I realize that I am moving closer to her as her expression shifts, so that when the tears start to roll down her cheeks I am all but cradling her.  She leans against me, frail yet adult-sized.  I am not in the habit, anymore, of being needed by people who are not my children.  It takes me a minute.  I don’t know why she is crying.  I only know what she needs.  And I have it to give.  So I hold her.

She wipes the tears away and catches her breath.  “My husband of 49 years passed away 7 months ago.  Seeing your children makes it hurt more.  Even though they are beautiful.  The holidays make it hurt more.  Even though I love them.”  I hold her tightly, softly offering my condolences.  My son asks me why the old woman is crying, and I stumble for a second.  I don’t lie to my children, but I don’t throw around words like “death” either.  I tell him simply that this woman will not be able to celebrate Christmas with someone she loves.

And that it makes her sad.

As I say the words, my voice shakes and my own eyes fill unexpectedly.  I close my eyes against the tears, while granting myself one full minute to be overwhelmed with this unforeseen grief.  The woman catches me with my emotions and apologizes for making me sad.  I shake my head: clearing it, emptying it. “The holidays can be hard,” is what I say as I help her right herself.

They told me back then that I needed to grieve my brother as though he were dead, but to expect the process to take longer, since he is not, in fact, dead.  And although I am the type of person to tear at her flesh in hopes of getting the pain on the outside, in order to move past it, I am shocked to find that some days it is as if time has not moved at all for me.

The woman shuffles off in one direction as we continue in another.  We meet up later, at the fountain, as I am explaining to my children the concept of wishing on thrown pennies.  I have a wallet full of potential wishes, and so I do not need to accept those that the woman offers us.  But I do accept because I sense that it will give her something to be able to give to us.  I bend down, tuck my children in close.  The woman steps in, and we all throw our pennies at the count of three.

You can’t wish for people to come back.  It doesn’t work that way.  Pennies can’t move mountains.  A wish is only a goal, a direction in which to focus your thoughts.  In my world, you can only reasonably wish for the things that you have some control over.  So I toss my penny in and I hope, for all of us, that the future brings fewer and fewer moments when we are brought to our knees by our pain.  We will carry it with us forever, and we should, because it makes us who we are and it honors where we’re from.  But more and more we will be able to live with it.

The holidays can be hard.  I have always known this.  I push myself off my knees, smile at the old woman and grasp her hand for a minute before exchanging it for my daughter’s. We walk out into the cold air and breathe in the last few breaths of 2010. Soon there is chatter and laughter and bickering and sunshine against the cold.  I rub my hands together for warmth, raising my face to the sun.

And it is enough.

It is more than enough.

A Story That’s No Longer Mine

I proposed in 1996.

He’d always said, “If you get the ring,  I’ll say yes. ”

I did, he did.

We did in September 1997. We’d been together for 3 years already. We were a good couple, we were happy. I knew his bipolar disorder was manageable, I knew we could conquer anything.

Years passed, new home, new jobs, a lot of loneliness. He worked swing-shift which is not good for a relationship or anyone with mental health disorders.

This is where it is no longer my story…I had an affair, I left him, albeit amicably. We remained friends, he kept it, “in the family” in a round about sort of way.

They had a kid, So did me and my new husband. We spoke on occasion, kept in touch via family.

We each moved forward.

2018, a lot of suicide, celebrities, local people, friends of friends. I thought I should check-in with him but I didn’t.

Time and time again, I didn’t.

I awoke one morning to my husband asking if I knew anyone in a certain neighborhood there’d been a major tragedy.

I did.

I waited until I got to work.

I texted my ex, “What’s your mom’s address?” No response. “Hello?” No response. Messenger dings, My ex sister-in-law. “Can you talk?” I told her that I was at work.

The words:

“His mental illness got the best of him, he did the unthinkable, he killed A, he killed B, he killed C, and A, he took his own life.”

My past destroyed in one night.

He left a child parentless

I have spoken to the child.  We connected.  I have nothing bad to say about the child’s father.

I loved him, always. We were good together. We grew apart.

I feel I could have helped had he just reached out to me.

He didn’t.

Today 11/15 is his Birthday, I wish him peace on the other side. I know he fought his demons, I know they over ran him in the end.

I still love him, he’s my past, I will, as always, hold him close to my heart.

There were 4 victims that night.

All of them fell victim to Bipolar Disorder, a failing system, and a lack of understanding from those around the one suffering the most.

Today, I will light a candle for your Birthday,

You are missed. You will always be missed.

I will always remember you.

Happy Birthday, RIP, DLP.

Growing Old Gracefully Is Optional

Growing old is optional, growing old gracefully even more so.

My mom did not have it easy in the last 5 years of her life.  Her first problem was with her sciatic nerve, which first caused pain then weakness in her legs and eventually left her dependence on a wheelchair. I tried to keep in mind that she was in pain, scared and unsure during the times when she seemed to be going the extra mile to be as difficult as possible, but I wasn’t always successful.

After my father passed (Mom went just 4 yrs later), my mother became a shut-in.  This was pretty much by choice.  We lived 4.5 hrs apart, I’m an only child and we have no relatives who still speak to us living nearby. She refused to consider moving and her house looked liked something you’d see on “Hoarders,” but that’s yet another story. She wanted to live completely independent of help, especially mine, because this was the first time in her life that she was on her own, so I think she wanted to prove to herself that she could.

Did I mention “shut-in?”

She was defiant, she was determined to be independent and she was lying…I had a 74-year old teenager on my hands.

She ordered food through Amway. She bought her clothes via catalogs. She banked via the mail. She had a few friends who would come over and check on her most days, but the situation was far from ideal. Her mind was not the best, but she was sharp enough to lie to me about anything that didn’t show her situation in the best of lights.

For instance, she never told me about the time she fell and had to call the neighbors to help her up.  She never told me about the time, in a very confused state, she called 911 in the middle of the night because -best I can piece together- she had a dirty diaper and was having trouble changing it herself.  The cops busted the front door open and were not at all pleased to find her in no actual danger.

She did tell me about the time she called 911 for a ride to her doctor’s appointment, only because she felt a grave injustice was being done. Something had happened with her scheduled special needs ride, and she reasoned that if the doctor needed to see her then she needed to take an ambulance. She had received a bill for $700 for that non-emergency ride and didn’t think she should have to pay it. I did talk her into paying the bill, hoping she’d learn her lesson.

I tried mentioning the idea of assisted living, but she wouldn’t hear it.

They beat you and lock you in your room!” she screamed. Eventually, I convinced her to get some in-home elder care and a woman would come by three times a week for three hours at a time to cook, clean, and run errands for her. Finally, I could get the low-down on her condition from someone who would be honest with me.

This started out well, as Mom enjoyed having someone to talk to and she was now getting fresh, home-cooked meals instead of the packaged crap she ordered via the mail.  But, it didn’t last.  I got a call from the coordinator to tell me my mom was hitting the workers.  She was also being verbally abusive.  At one point, Mom chased a worker out of the house, screaming at her from the front door.

I got emails from a friend of Mom’s who had visited her, only to find her crying hysterically, saying “I hate my life!” and hitting herself in the head. When asked about it the next day, Mom acted surprised and said nothing like that had happened.

Then, Mom came down with a bad cold that required someone to stay with her while she was ill.  The elder care folks were great and worked out schedules so that she was tended 24/7 until she got better. Problem was, despite appearing to hate these helpers, once Mom got better, she didn’t want the 24/7 visitation to end.  In fact, now she was refusing to let them leave. I’d have been fine with the additional help, but we could not afford the $10,000 per month for very long.

I had to talk with Mom and tell her it had to stop. This did not go well, and there were tears, but in the end, she cut back to 1 visitation, 5 days per week.

The pain and weakness in her leg was getting worse, and it was spreading to the other leg.  We talked to a number of doctors, but she didn’t like most of them and liked even less what they had to say.  Finally, after yet another fall that she still would not admit to, she was in the hospital again.  Her doctor convinced her to have back surgery, and at last she agreed.  She was hell on wheels both pre- and post-surgery.  She had a fear of falling that was off the charts.

When the nurses tried to move her in the bed, or, heaven forbid, try to get her to stand up, she’d scream. I’m talking hear-her-down-the-hallway screaming.  I’d leave the room and stand outside biting back tears whenever anyone tried to work with her.

When she was well enough to leave the hospital, she went to a rehab facility to help her get back on her feet as much as possible. It was there that some medical genius, who I’d kiss on the lips today, put her on anti-depressants (yeah, I know, “what took so freakin’ long?!” – she refused them before because she didn’t want to “take dope”).  Mom became a bit more reasonable and a little easier to deal with.  More like heck-on-wheels.  When I asked her why they put her on the happy pills, she said “so I’d stop screaming.”

During rehab, her doctor spoke with me, informing me that she could not live on her own. Preaching to the choir, sir. So, through hook, crook and threats of Adult Protective services, I got her to agree to move “temporarily” to an Assisted Living facility near me.  I found a really nice place a mile from my home and they assured me that the beatings would be kept to a minimum. (Joke!)

We moved some of her favorite things up and set up her two-room apartment to look really nice and homey. When she got out of the hospital we drove her straight to her new home.  Despite hearing how horrible it was, we watched her start to enjoy life again.  She was making friends and playing Bingo every day.  God forbid you came by during Bingo hours, only did THAT once.

Mom *loved* the call buzzer and actually wore the one by her bed out, because she used it so much.  She still managed to keep things lively.  I got a call from her one Easter morning, telling me she couldn’t move her leg and perhaps she had had a stroke. “Should I go to the hospital?”  Well, the normal answer would be “Hell YES!” but I had learned to ask.  “Why didn’t the nurse call the ambulance for you?” I ask. Mom said that they wanted her to check with me first.  None of this was adding up, so I told her I’d be right over.  When I got there she was wheeling around her room, fully dressed and looking fine.  I asked which leg it was that she could not move.  “This one!” she said, bouncing the leg up and down.

Her behavior continued to become more erratic, and I got a call that I never thought I’d get.  Mom was flashing her boobs at the male help and at some poor, unsuspecting wheelchair repairman.  Oy.  A doctor was brought in and a diagnosis of dementia was made.  This only pissed her off.  She accused the facility and the doctor of telling horrible lies about her. “I’d never do that!” she yelled.

In the end it really was a stroke that took her.  The weekend of Thanksgiving she had a massive stroke affecting half of her brain.  She had her 78th birthday in the hospital, but was not aware enough to know it and she passed just a few days before Christmas.

I’m still working on cleaning out the house, but it is getting close to being done.  I avoid driving by the assisted living place, still too many bad memories. I can laugh about Mom flashing the help. It’s two years later and I’m finally getting to the point that I don’t jump when the phone rings.

Growing old gracefully is optional, for sure.

I Lost Her, But I Feel Her

Hi everyone.

I feel strange saying what I’m about to be saying. I feel my late girlfriend’s body on top of me.

Yes, you read that right. I literally physically feel my girlfriend, even though she is no more.

Doctors haven’t been able to help me with this.

It started about six months ago. She was taken away from me in a car accident. Three days later, I was in no shape to do anything or move anywhere, and I suddenly felt her. I felt her head on my chest, her arms hugging me really tight, her feet on top of my feet.

She loved doing this. If there ever was such a thing, this was our thing. I know this was the same sensation because I could feel her hair poking my chin, like it always did. She didn’t like long hair, so she would cut it really short, and it would poke me irritatingly in my chin when she hugged me like this.

The funny thing is, I sometimes did not hug her back. Just. Just because I was irritated about something or the other. I know she didn’t like it when I didn’t, but she put up with me.

And now, I feel her arms, her feet, her prickly hair, just like before. But she’s not there.

I know she’s not there but I feel it so strongly! It comes and goes, but when it’s there, it’s like she’s back. I can see there is nothing but air in front of me, but she is the air around me. I hug the air back, and it all feels real.

I am left with so much conflict about this. On the one hand, I am glad to have her back in whatever way. But in another way, I am just grieving all the time. Because of this, I just break down and talk to her. I tell her I love her and how much I miss her. But I feel like her soul is attached to me, and I’d like to free her soul.

I miss Ragini. I just wish I knew what to do with her ghost.

I’ve Had Enough

There are only so many things a person can take before they break. Sometimes, there’s only so much a person can take.

This is her story:

When our son was a baby and you went through that rehab program, they sat me down for Family Day and made me come up with an ultimatum to “help” you with your sobriety.

“If you go back to drinking and X happens, I’ll leave.”

hated it. I didn’t want to say anything like that. I believed there was nothing you and I couldn’t get through together. We love each other very much, and I could never picture a scenario where I would need to leave you.

Since then, you’ve had several medical scares, three suicide attempts, and a second, more intense rehab. You had that spell last winter, where for three days you had no idea who or where you were. Then, after a year of sobriety, you went back to drinking again. I’ve been there for the hospitalizations, your treatments, the roller coaster of your mental illness, and the nightmares caused by the traumas of the things you have seen and done in your past.

I stood by you and loved you through all of it.

I can’t do it anymore.

It’s been a very long time since I’ve been able to really confide in you anything going on with me. You can’t handle it. I had a major emotional upheaval last summer and I can’t even tell you about it because you would never be able to deal with it. It’s still continuing, and it is gaining in intensity.

It’s causing me constant distress, and you have no idea. Because of that, I had a nervous breakdown last winter. I was even having panic attacks. I’m taking antidepressants and seeing a counselor every week to deal with what’s going on with me. You know about my counseling and medication, but you don’t know the real reason why I need them.

While I was still fragile from my nervous breakdown, another horrible incident happened. We were constantly being taken advantage of by your friend. At one point, I was sick with the flu, but you still couldn’t say no to his request. But due to your drinking and your mental illness, you were unable to deal with the responsibility you had taken on that night.

Still very sick, I had to go take care of it and I got stuck in a blizzard. Between my emotional stuff, the flu, all the constant worry about you, and the terror of the white-out blizzard, I had a mini-stroke the next day.

You couldn’t even handle calling for paramedics even though I was incapacitated.

What if it had been something worse? What if it had been a full-blown stroke, or a heart attack, and being able to know you have to call 911 for me could literally mean the difference between my life and my death? What would you do if I died? You can’t even take care of yourself, how are you going to take care of the kids and make sure the bills get paid?

You’ve admitted that you have no hope of being able to quit drinking. You’ve written off rehab, calling it a “temporary fix.” You won’t go to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and you won’t take any steps to try to stop drinking on your own. Then there was that one night last spring when you were drunk and admitted to me that you still think about suicide all the time.

You promptly denied it once you were sober, but considering that you listed all the ways you had thought about doing it, I’m pretty sure your confession was the truth.

Without you finding a way to stop drinking, it’s only going to continue to get worse and worse. It’s to the point now where we live inside the story of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde because you’re a totally different person when you’ve been drinking all day on the weekends.

I know your brain is a scary mess. I know I couldn’t handle five minutes inside your head. You have been through things so horrible that I can’t even process them. It’s no wonder the worst horror movie doesn’t bother you – you’ve been through worse.

It feels like the Grim Reaper has been following you around as long as I’ve known you. On top of all your mental and medical issues, you’re so accident prone. I’ve lost track of all the times I felt like I was looking at the last months, weeks, or even hours of your life.

It has all led to me having to think about your death constantly. I’ve had to plan for the worst. If you were to die in your sleep tonight, I know exactly what to do. I know what to do in regards to your funeral and burial. I know where the kids and I will go to mourn, lick our wounds, and then regroup. I have a plan for what will happen once I get back on my feet. I have hope for a beautiful future.

That future no longer has you in it.

Our kids need at least one stable parent. If things keep going the way they are, I won’t be mentally or physically healthy enough to take care of them. I can’t keep worrying about you. I can’t keep taking care of you.

You and I both believe in an afterlife. I believe that once you have died, you will finally have the peace you’ve never had. I hate that I think about your death all the time. It makes me sick that I have to admit to myself that your death is what’s best for all of us – you, so you can have peace, me, so I can become healthy again, and the kids, so they don’t have to watch you destroy yourself.

I’m purging the house because I don’t want to move all that crap in the basement again. I’ve started a list of the things I will sell when you’re gone. I’ve made my arrangements for where the kids and I will go. I’ve looked into schools there for them. I’ve even figured out places I’m going to apply for jobs. And meanwhile, I pray that God will be merciful and let you die peacefully in your sleep.

Because I know there is only so much more I can take. If I have to break down and just leave, it will break your heart.

And that will definitely lead to you killing yourself.


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Dosage form:

  • Syrup
  • Suppositories
  • Oral drop

  • Each 5 mL of Syrup contains: Metoclopramide hydrochloride         5 mg
  • Each 1 mL of Drops contains: Metoclopramide hydrochloride         1 mg
  • Each suppository contains:      Metoclopramide hydrochloride         10 mg, 20 mg

Metoclopramide has antiemetic properties, which are believed to result from its action on the chemoreceptor trigger zone. A peripheral mechanism of action also may be involved.
Metoclopramide increases resting pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter and the gastric fundus, and gives rise to an increase in the amplitude of peristaltic movements in the esophagus, gastric antrum and small intestine. These actions result in hastened esophageal clearance, accelerated gastric emptying and shortened transit time through the small bowel. These effects are blocked by atropine and opioids but not by vagotomy. Metoclopramide elevates serum prolactin and also causes transient increases in circulating aldosterone levels. These effects are thought to be due to blockade of dopamine receptors at the pituitary and adrenocortical cellular level.

An adjunct in the management of delayed gastric emptying associated with subacute and chronic gastritis or following vagotomy and pyloroplasty and other surgical procedures.
Metoclopramide has also been found useful as an adjunct to facilitate small bowel intubation.
Metoclopramide has been found useful as an adjunct to facilitate gastroduodenal evacuation of barium meals and improve radiological visualization of the gastroduodenal region in patients with gastric atonia, pylorospasm, spasm of the duodenal bulb, or with mechanical gastric outlet obstruction. Metoclopramide has also been shown to accelerate small bowel transit of the barium meal and to facilitate fluoroscopy of the terminal ileum.
Metoclopramide, when used preoperatively by the oral route, may be useful to reduce postoperative vomiting induced by narcotics.

Should not be used whenever stimulation of gastrointestinal motility might be dangerous; i.e., in the presence of gastrointestinal hemorrhage, mechanical obstruction or perforation. Metoclopramide is contraindicated in patients with known sensitivity or intolerance to the drug.

Metoclopramide elevates prolactin levels and the elevation persists during chronic administration. Tissue culture experiments indicate that approximately 1/3 of human breast cancers are prolactin-dependent in vitro, a factor of potential importance if the prescription of metoclopramide is contemplated in a patient with previously detected breast cancer.

Metoclopramide should not be used in patients with epilepsy or extrapyramidal symptoms unless the expected benefits outweigh the risk of increased frequency and severity of seizures or extrapyramidal reactions.
Pregnancy: The safe use of metoclopramide in pregnancy has not been established. Therefore, it should not be used in pregnant women, unless, in the opinion of the physician, the expected benefits to the patient outweigh potential risks to the fetus.

Children: Daily dose should not exceed 0.5 mg/kg, since with higher doses extrapyramidal symptoms frequently occur.

  • The recommended dosage of metoclopramide should usually not be exceeded since a further increase in dosage will not produce a corresponding increase in clinical response.
  • This medicine may cause tardive dyskinesia (a movement disorder). Treatment should be discontinued if the following symptoms exercised while taking this medicine: lip smacking or puckering, puffing of the cheeks, rapid or worm-like movements of the tongue, uncontrolled chewing movements, or uncontrolled movements of the arms and legs. Tardive dyskinesia may develop in patients treated with metoclopramide. The elderly, especially elderly women, appear to be at increased risk. There is no known treatment for tardive dyskinesia and is more likely to be irreversible with long-term treatment (over 12 weeks).
  • Less frequently, tardive dyskinesia can develop with short term treatment at low doses; in these cases, the symptoms are more likely to disappear either partially or completely over time, once treatment has been stopped.
  • Metoclopramide treatment beyond 12 weeks should be avoided, unless the benefit is judged to outweigh the risk.

Anticholinergic drugs antagonize the effects of metoclopramide on gastrointestinal motility. Metoclopramide should not be used in conjunction with ganglioplegic or neuroleptic drugs since potentiation of effects might occur. The sedative effects of metoclopramide may be potentiated by sedatives, hypnotics, narcotics and anxiolytics.
Metoclopramide may decrease the absorption of drugs from the stomach (e.g. digoxin) whereas absorption from the small bowel may be accelerated (e.g., acetaminophen, tetracyclines, levodopa, ethanol).
Care should be exercised when metoclopramide is administered in combination with a MAO inhibitor.

Drowsiness, fatigue and lassitude occur in approximately 10% of patients at the usual recommended dosage. Less frequent adverse reactions, occurring in approximately 5% of patients are insomnia, headache, dizziness and bowel disturbances. Galactorrhea and menstrual disorders have also been reported.
The more serious adverse reactions associated with the use of metoclopramide are parkinsonism and/or other extrapyramidal reactions. These consist often of a feeling of restlessness, facial spasms, involuntary movements and in some cases, torticollis, muscular twitching, trismus, oculogyric crisis, and opisthotonos. Dystonic reactions resembling tetanus have been reported. Extrapyramidal side effects appear to occur more frequently at dosages higher than the usual recommended dosage. Tardive dyskinesia, which in some cases appears to be irreversible, has been reported after discontinuation of long-term metoclopramide therapy. Therefore, prolonged treatment with metoclopramide should be avoided.

Symptoms: Symptoms of overdosage may include drowsiness, disorientation and extrapyramidal reactions. Anticholinergic, antiparkinson drugs or antihistamines with anticholinergic properties such as diphenhydramine have effectively controlled extrapyramidal reactions. Symptoms are self-limiting and usually disappear within 24 hours.
Treatment: Management of overdosage consists of gastric emptying, close observation and supportive therapy.
Hemodialysis removes relatively little metoclopramide probably because of the small amount of the drug in blood relative to tissues. Similarly, continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis does not remove significant amounts of drug. It is unlikely that dosage would need to be adjusted to compensate for losses through dialysis. Dialysis is not likely to be an effective method of drug removal in overdose situations. Methemoglobinemia has occurred in premature and fullterm neonates who were given overdoses of metoclopramide (1 to 4 mg/kg/day orally, i.m. or i.v. for 1 to 3 or more days). Methemoglobinemia has not been reported in neonates treated with 0.5 mg/kg/day in divided doses. Methemoglobinemia can be reversed by i.v. administration of methylene blue.

Note: The total adult and pediatric daily dosage must not exceed 0.5 mg/kg/body weight.
Delayed Gastric Emptying: Adults: 5 to 10 mg (1-2 spoonfuls or one 10 mg suppository) 3 or 4 times a day before meals, depending upon response and body weight.
Children (5 to 14 years): 2.5 to 5 mg (2.5 to 5 mL drops) 3 times a day before meals, depending on response and body weight.
Diagnostic Radiology: Adults: 20 mg (4 spoonfuls or one 20 mg suppository) 5 to 10 minutes before barium swallow.
Renal or Hepatic Impairment: Since metoclopramide is excreted principally through the kidneys, in those patients whose creatinine clearance is below 40 mL/min, therapy should be initiated at approximately one-half the recommended dosage. Depending upon clinical efficacy and safety considerations, the dosage may be increased or decreased as appropriate.
Metoclopramide undergoes minimal hepatic metabolism, except for simple conjugation. Its safe use has been described in patients with advanced liver disease whose renal function was normal.

  • BARKABROMIDE Syrup: Bottles of 100 ml.
  • BARKABROMIDE Drops: Bottles of 15 ml, 30 ml.
  • BARKABROMIDE 10 mg, 20 mg Suppositories: Boxes of 10 suppositories.


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Spark of the Day! Love and Miracles for Blind Man

“I didn’t think anyone would want to marry me, but she said she did.”

Shander Herian had been blind since an accident at the age of 10, but that didn’t matter to his wife to be. It was an arranged marriage for the Brit of Indian heritage and the Gurjeet said “yes”.

The couple worked hard. Together they assembled computers and sold them. She drove him to the customers and he used a braille keyboard to set up the software. Two daughters and ten years later they were millionaires.

Then he could see again.

An uplifting story of love and miracles that’s just what I needed on Monday morning.

You read a story like this, you feel good and you realize that compared to some people you have no problems at all!

Filed under Spark of the Day!

2 responses to “Spark of the Day! Love and Miracles for Blind Man

  1. West Side Davie

    Thanks BFP. I need that too. 😉

  2. Chicago

    I read the story about his wife helping to be his eyes when he groped to put in the computer parts. He had the knowledge but was blind, she had the eyes to help him and they made a life together. When I contrast that to the boys on the block sitting there doing nothing all day waiting for the next handout or government something i see that the problems are not ‘the economy’ or ‘lack of opportunity for young people’. The problems with the boys on the block is they are lazy good for nothing.


text:
Barbados Coronavirus Status: See the latest updates here

Here's what you need to know.

Here's what you need to know.

On June 30, 2020, the Barbados Government announced the introduction of the 12-month Barbados Welcome Stamp. This new remote work programme establishes a visa to allow people to work remotely in Barbados for a maximum of 12 months. The visa is available to anyone who meets the visa requirements and whose work is location independent, whether individuals or families.

Visa Requirements

Applicants wishing to apply under the 12 Month Barbados Welcome Stamp are required to complete and submit the following documents electronically:

Passport photo
The correct size of a passport photo is: 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) head must be between 1 -1 3/8 inches (25 - 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.

Bio data page of passport

Upon approval the following non-refundable fees are applicable:

Individual – Fee of US $2,000.00(BDS$4,000)

Family Bundle – Fee US $3,000.00(BDS$6,000)

Applying to work in Barbados

The 12-Month Barbados Welcome Stamp is a visa for a non-national who is employed in a country other than Barbados and who is resident and employed by a company registered and operating outside of Barbados (not carrying on business in or from Barbados).

The Minister responsible for Immigration may revoke the Stamp of an individual who contravenes or fails to comply with the provisions of the stamp.

Applications are now open and can be accessed via

Your application will begin processing within 48 hours of receiving a complete application. A visa will be processed and confirmed or denied in 5 working days or less.

Yes, you can apply for multiple workers in your company.

Families can apply under this programme. The Family Bundle Fee is US $3,000.00

Fees are US $2,000 for individuals and there is a family bundle fee of US$3000

You must come to Barbados within 12 months of the date your visa is granted.

The 12-month Welcome Stamp is issued on arrival into Barbados and is valid from that date for 12 months.

Arriving in Barbados

No, you must have your passport and your welcome stamp which was sent to you electronically on successful completion of your application.

Yes you can travel in and out of Barbados any time during the 12 months of the date your visa is granted.

Working in Barbados

This Stamp only allows you to work remotely for companies and individuals not registered in Barbados.

You will not be liable to pay Barbados Income Tax.

Barbados offers a wide range of accommodation from budget-friendly studios to beachfront luxury condos.

Connectivity and Internet

Barbados has high-speed fibre internet with download/upload speeds up to 1,000/500 Mbps and 4G mobile services.

There are multiple telecommunications providers on island with various packages on offer for personal internet.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the island including restaurants, cafes, hotels, shops, public libraries, public parks and parts of Bridgetown.

Education and Schooling

Non nationals may attend private schools or pay a small stipend for attendance at the state owned public schools. Education is compulsory for children between the ages of 5 and 16. There are also several tertiary education institutions including The University of The West Indies and The Barbados Community College.

Medical and Health

Valid medical insurance is a prerequisite for approval of your Welcome Stamp application; however if you have challenges securing insurance in your country of origin, Barbados will be providing medical insurance  options on island as required.

Barbados has one of the most dense and accessible road networks in the English-speaking Caribbean, making travel to any place on island easy. There is both public and private transport across the island which run daily, although schedules vary depending on the location.

Barbados has reliable private taxi services available for your convenience.

There are a variety of religious beliefs and practices throughout the island. There are places of worship for many religions including Christian, Jews, Muslim, Hindu, Rastafarian, Buddhist, Baha'i', and Scientologists.

to apply

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Barbados Travel Guide

By Visit Barbados
Your official Barbados Travel Guide featuring insider stories and tips from your favourite island getaway #LoveBarbados


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Michael Stars Elena Satin Tee

Slinky satin front and a jersey knit back, this tee will easily transition from day to night.

  • Boxy silhouette
  • Boat neck
  • 59% viscose, 41% rayon
  • Machine washable
  • Made in USA

SKU 3542 Categories , Tag

Need to return? Please check our online shopping return policy.


text:
Thursday, 12 April 2007

... but wait, there's more

Snow. April the what, you say? Can't be this far into the month. After all, that's SNOW out there!

While I admit it is pretty, I am longing for spring. Today I shall protest by planting seeds. Spring cleaning also continues and my house looks more like its old self again, tidy and shiny and significantly less cluttered.

1 comment:

sue said...

April in Paris
Chestnuts in blossom
Holiday tables under the trees
April in Paris
This is a feeling
No one can ever reprise

Sure beats April in Brantford...


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Craft Beer In Montreal

A visit to Dieu du Ciel

Great craft beer comes from unlikely places, such as when your wife wins a trip to Montreal on The Price Is Right In our quixotic quest to find the world’s best beer, Dave and I find ourselves in places both exotic and banal. French Canada is somewhere between the two. Do the locals believe that fries are… Continue reading Craft Beer In Montreal


text:
How Your Gum Health Affects Heart Health

Dental Practice in BeavertonA new study has provided additional evidence that a link exists between an individual’s oral health and his or her heart health.

According to researchers, an association between periodontal disease, including tooth loss and bleeding gums, and heart disease risk factors, such as high blood pressure and large waistline, has been uncovered. Based on this new evidence, researchers seem confident that a periodontal disease should be considered a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
The results of this most recent study were published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology.

New Evidence Uncovered

As part of the study, researchers examined nearly 16,000 people from 39 countries who were participating in the STABILITY trial, an international study of patients suffering from chronic coronary heart disease. Each participant involved in the study suffered from coronary heart disease and at least one known risk factor for the disease. Researchers asked the participants to complete a survey regarding their lifestyles, including oral health habits, in addition to how many teeth they had remaining and how often they suffered from bleeding gums. Participants also underwent blood tests and a physical examination. Approximately 70 percent of participants were former or current smokers.
Of those surveyed, one-fourth reported experiencing bleeding gums after brushing; 41 percent reported having less than 15 teeth remaining, and 16 percent had lost all of their permanent teeth.

Researchers discovered an association between not only several risk factors for heart disease and periodontal disease, they also discovered increased levels of biomarkers for heart disease and periodontal disease.

The health community remains engaged in a debate on whether periodontal disease acts as an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease, as research has proven occasionally contradictory about links between these two diseases. However, based on the results of this latest study, researchers now feel confident that a connection does exist between these two chronic diseases.

Building a Case

While this latest study provided further evidence to support a connection between mouth and heart, other older studies have also shown surprising links. A 2011 study presented to the American Heart Association found that individuals who had their teeth professionally clean at least once in their lives successfully decreased their risk of stroke and heart disease. This connection was even stronger among individuals who received yearly cleanings.

Another study published in 2013 found that connection between obesity and gum disease, though researchers involved in that study did not specify which disease increased the risk for the other.

Poor oral health has also been shown in other studies to possibly increase an individual’s risk of pancreatic cancer and the contraction of HPV.

As additional research is released in the future, researchers hope a better understanding will emerge between how oral health can influence the rest of the body. Until that time, it becomes even more imperative that people of all ages continue to brush and floss daily, and receive regular dental care checkups. Failing to take oral health seriously could have far more serious consequences than just the loss of a few teeth.

Looking for a new dental practice in Beaverton for you or your family? Contact Barrett Family Dental today!

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text:
Wednesday, February 16, 2011

CTD #129 and MFTWSC #7

Happy Wednesday! It's time again for the Color Throwdown Challenge and My Favorite Things' Wednesday Sketch Challenge. Our Color Throwdown host for this week is Cathy Rulli and here are the colors she chose:
And here's the MFT sketch. I really love this sketch, too. I *know* this will become a go to sketch for me.
You can find the sketch on the MFT blog and also in the MFT forum on SCS, as well as in the weekly newsletter.  The Challenge and Design Teams will be on hand to provide plenty of inspiration to get you started.
And here's my card :) I'll admit that when I first saw these colors I was stumped. Two greens? And Ballet Blue? But, then I started looking through my patterned paper - which is what I do when I'm stumped. I came across this K & Co mat stack that I picked up recently at Michaels just because it had this gorgeous hydrangea paper (along with some other really pretty florals) and half my work was done. This paper and this sketch pretty much made the card for me, KWIM? I stamped the sentiment from Inspired by Butterflies on Sweet Tooth card stock and trimmed it to match the sketch. Then I made me some Ballet Blue flowers with the Flower and Leaf Trio Die-namics dies and layered them up. Finally, I added the tiny butterfly from the Butterfly Die-namics set and some pearls and it was done! And I love it :) Beautiful paper, a fabulous sketch, and awesome stamps and dies--what's not to love, right?

Remember, you do not have to have the exact colors to play. If you don't, just use the closest you have. So, c'mon over to the Color Throwdown blog and play along with us this week. Please use the link service to post your card and please link directly to your card so we can find it easily. And please include a link in your post to the Color Throwdown. If you upload your card to a public forum, please use the keyword CTD129 so we can see your beauty all in one place. Hope to see you there! Be sure to check out what the other team members have come up with this week!

LeAnne Pugliese - Wee Inklings
Broni Holcombe - Splashes of Watercolor
Danielle Kennedy - Wild Dragonfly Designs
Tammy Hershberger - Stamp Happy
Kristin Beuter - Mindless Creativity
Laura Pryor - Lil' Inker Designs
Cathy Indelicato - Crafty Thoughts...
Joan Ervin, February guest Designer - Stamping With a Passion
Thanks so much for stopping by today!
Stamps: Inspired By Butterflies (MFT)
Paper: Sweet Tooth (MFT); Old Olive, Certainly Celery, Ballet Blue (SU!); patterned paper (K & Co.)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories/tools: Cuttlebug (Provocraft); Flower and Leaf Trio and Butterflies Die-namics (MFT); flat back pearls, pop dots, ribbon (craft store)

  1. This card is gorgeous Barbara! Great way to use the Die-namics - your flowers are amazing! :-)

  2. This is beautiful, Barbara!! LOVE those gorgeous colors!

  3. Barbara, this is such a gorgeous card. Love that paper, so pretty.

  4. wauwwww barbara, i love your card the collors are sooo beautiful!!!
    xx petra

  5. Bar, this is so pretty! I love your papers and all your beautiful flowers. I will DEFINITELY be trying to work this sketch. I love it! Love your design!

  6. Gorgeous Barbara!!! You did a wonderful job with both the sketch and the colour challenge. I LOVE the blue layered flowers!!

  7. LOVE the cluster of blue flowers Bar!! GORGEOUS!!

  8. Barb, this is sooo pretty! In fact, I'll go so far to say it's one of the prettiest I've seen!! Those yummy colors...hmmmm

  9. This is SUCH a knock-out, Bar! That paper is GORGEOUS and I love the layers of flowers you added in your awesome way!

  10. Cute sketch and, WOW, gorgeous card! The flowers are so pretty!

  11. No way! Are we such twins or what - even using this paper on the same day! It's gorgeous hey?

    LOVE the card Barbara - you've used the paper and the embellishments beautifully!

  12. You really rocked these colors with this beauty! I've been hoarding these papers, but you've inspired me to pair these up and use them!

  13. Absolutely stunning!!!! Your papers are just perfect for the colors this week, the added blue flowers and the sketch is wonderful!!!!

  14. Oooh...LOVE these blooms! I don't remember seeing that die before...sooo pretty ♥ Your paper IS perfect for this card! The sketch is fab too...hope to play along with this one ;] BEAUTIFUL card, girlie!!

  15. Another great card! I really enjoy visiting your blog and seeing what you come up with - your cards are always so beautiful and inspirational. Wonderful choice of colours.
    Janine ;-)

  16. WOW Barb, this is absolutely gorgeous! What beautiful colors and the flowers are darling!

  17. Totally gorgeous, Barbara! Love those beautiful blue flowers with the pearl centers. Nice composition!

  18. This is fantastic, Barbara! What a perfect combination of papers and embellishments! I love it!

  19. WOW, Barbara, this is just stunning! Love the colors, the flowers and of course that little butterfly!

  20. I adore this card showing one of my fav flowers, hydrangea's.
    The sentiment is just as beautiful x
    Thanks for the inspiration x
    ((hugs))Suzie xoxo

  21. Wholy crap Barbara....this is stunning!!! I am in awe.....

Thank you for your kind comments--they make my day and I appreciate every one!

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