tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31334762780725880952024-03-14T00:38:47.933+02:00wr3cKreationThe little darklinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964427466233629735noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3133476278072588095.post-70857092628393935292013-04-16T17:20:00.002+01:002013-04-16T17:50:32.593+01:00RamblingIts about that time of the year again when the wheels start turning, and change is coming. The time when you look back at the recent past one more time before you step across a new threshold, before you jump in head first.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQJWENv1X9NPawZQUOt2abRX1XF-xHXZ0pjCF942sl20h3BlB0yqEYBzpw-8dNbSWj9N-Yz_ctlgTzNVrKBkQfcHUyhkIDYwVWN8BnxU_7G0a7Xcg3uU3Gvdz30WzOiFFt5_2KBr6Ci1I/s1600/keep-calm-the-best-is-yet-to-come-53.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQJWENv1X9NPawZQUOt2abRX1XF-xHXZ0pjCF942sl20h3BlB0yqEYBzpw-8dNbSWj9N-Yz_ctlgTzNVrKBkQfcHUyhkIDYwVWN8BnxU_7G0a7Xcg3uU3Gvdz30WzOiFFt5_2KBr6Ci1I/s640/keep-calm-the-best-is-yet-to-come-53.png" width="557" /></a></div>
<br />
Only a third of the year has gone by and already I feel I have accomplished so much more than I'd hoped for. For lack of creativity, my new year's resolutions have always been to be a better person than I'd been the year before. It was never anything specific. Just general ideas like trying to be more patient and less angry at the world.<br />
<br />
But this year I actually put my goals into words. I decided I wanted to achieve more at school and try and get an 80% overall average. I decided I wanted to start actively taking care of myself from the inside out. I actually learned to wash and style my own hair after years of leaving it in the hands of the saloon women ( I dare not call them hairstyling professionals because they're definitely not that) and I cut down my daily skin care routine to just 3 products! That might not seem significant to some of you but for someone as self conscious as me, that is a major feat.<br />
<br />
Here's my list of accomplishments this year.<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Learned to let go sometimes and let things take their natural course.</li>
<li>Learned to recognise when to say no to certain situations</li>
<li>Learned to take care of my own hair</li>
<li>In the process of learning to make good meals.</li>
<li>Learned the value of simplicity and taking one's time</li>
<li>Reduced the quantity of artificial products I use overall</li>
</ol>
<br />
Now that I have put it into words, it doesn't seem like a big deal, but I'm sure you can picture the proud smirk on my face anyway.<br />
And you know that....The best is yet to come.The little darklinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964427466233629735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3133476278072588095.post-26930423054263736182013-04-06T21:28:00.001+02:002013-04-06T21:28:38.018+02:00Call me maybe<iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/video/embed?video_id=10152598205080506" width="720" height="400" frameborder="0"></iframe>
<br><center>Thought I'd share this just for the sake of it :-)</center>The little darklinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964427466233629735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3133476278072588095.post-50583043394996054232013-03-17T13:29:00.001+02:002013-03-17T13:29:39.047+02:00Sunday afternoons<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZIXOs1nHydDPh5xJZfq2jdrkWkjnQDyoExdBCvmnR3fX0I631R2BZJNFl4MHScx_sQ1QAHKiZtbQmVtbRjdBZ1BJzBHfTEBOLKvTjtqfD1drpZoiZWXkhYHcwu_G6ftaIYoCzzXA7e5k/s1600/Bike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZIXOs1nHydDPh5xJZfq2jdrkWkjnQDyoExdBCvmnR3fX0I631R2BZJNFl4MHScx_sQ1QAHKiZtbQmVtbRjdBZ1BJzBHfTEBOLKvTjtqfD1drpZoiZWXkhYHcwu_G6ftaIYoCzzXA7e5k/s640/Bike.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ceativity and execution of this idea just makes you stop and admire beauty in odd places</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When the world has slowed down to a less hectic pace, you are left alone with you wandering thoughts. For me, Sunday afternoons are just so full of contemplation and reminiscing that I often find myself returning time and again to <a href="http://www.iwrotethisforyou.me/search?updated-max=2013-01-08T08:00:00-08:00&max-results=7" target="_blank">I wrote this for you</a> and <a href="http://www.postsecret.com/" target="_blank">PostSecret</a> just to remind myself of the signficance and potency of hope, love, faith and honesty, and to gain a little sense of companionship.<br />
<br />
<em>Even from anonymous strangers</em>.<br />
<br />
The little darklinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964427466233629735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3133476278072588095.post-26306996223082271042013-03-15T11:43:00.002+02:002013-03-17T13:46:57.245+02:00Volte-face<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://g-ec2.apartmenttherapy.com/3789050/decorstyles2012_08_rect540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://g-ec2.apartmenttherapy.com/3789050/decorstyles2012_08_rect540.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/the-best-of-decor-styles-best-of-2012-181691?img_idx=2" target="_blank">www.apartmenttherapy.com/</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I am predictable, I know. And yes, I am very easily influenced by the people and events around me. I might try to deny it, and pretend to be diffrent. But the honest truth is; I am just as unique as everyone else. (oxymoron right there!)....<br />
And as usual, as everyone becomes a little disenchanted with fashion and all things sartorial towards the end of summer, so I have I found myself thinking about the vain and superficial obsessions with current trends and all the pretty clothes. Hence to save any sort of common sense and individuality I still have left, I have turned my attention to the space I live in. A much more sensible and less superficial preoccupation, don't you think?<br />
<a name='more'></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br />
So well here I go: into a downward spiral into all things <a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2011/03/weekly-wrap-up-paper-scrap-light.html" target="_blank">feng shui</a> and and interior deco. Stay tuned.... I just might give this diy a go.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://assets4.designsponge.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG_0498-500px.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://assets4.designsponge.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG_0498-500px.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from <a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2011/03/weekly-wrap-up-paper-scrap-light.html" target="_blank">www.designsponge.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Ps... You might want to take a look at these...<br />
<a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/" target="_blank">Apartmenttherapy.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.designsponge.com/" target="_blank">Design sponge</a><br />
<a href="http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/applying-feng-shui-principles-to-your-bed.html" target="_blank">Applying feng shui principles to your bed</a>The little darklinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964427466233629735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3133476278072588095.post-15259330698042285962013-02-15T16:11:00.000+02:002013-02-25T18:21:01.230+02:007 Days of Poetry: I Am - John Clare<b><u>I Am</u></b><br />
<br />
<div class="KonaBody" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">
<div style="font-size: 1.167em; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 21px; margin-top: 12px;">
I am: yet what I am none cares or knows,<br />
My friends forsake me like a memory lost;<br />
I am the self-consumer of my woes,<br />
They rise and vanish in oblivious host,<br />
Like shades in love and death's oblivion lost;<br />
And yet I am! and live with shadows tost<br />
<br />
Into the nothingness of scorn and noise,<br />
Into the living sea of waking dreams,<br />
Where there is neither sense of life nor joys,<br />
But the vast shipwreck of my life's esteems;<br />
And e'en the dearest--that I loved the best--<br />
Are strange--nay, rather stranger than the rest.<br />
<br />
I long for scenes where man has never trod;<br />
A place where woman never smil'd or wept;<br />
There to abide with my creator, God,<br />
And sleep as I in childhood sweetly slept:<br />
Untroubling and untroubled where I lie;<br />
The grass below--above the vaulted sky. </div>
</div>
<div class="poet" itemprop="author" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.417em; margin: 22px 0px 25px;">
<a href="http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/i-am/" target="_blank">John Clare</a></div>
The little darklinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964427466233629735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3133476278072588095.post-48898524481892560472013-02-14T15:15:00.000+02:002013-02-25T18:20:08.216+02:007 Days of Poetry: How do I love thee? - Elizabeth Barrett Browning<br />
<div class="KonaBody" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">
<div style="font-size: 1.167em; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 21px; margin-top: 12px;">
<b><u>How do I love thee?</u></b></div>
<div style="font-size: 1.167em; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 21px; margin-top: 12px;">
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.<br />
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height<br />
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight<br />
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.<br />
I love thee to the level of every day's<br />
Most quiet need, by sun and candlelight.<br />
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;<br />
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.<br />
I love with a passion put to use<br />
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.<br />
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose<br />
With my lost saints, -- I love thee with the breath,<br />
Smiles, tears, of all my life! -- and, if God choose,<br />
I shall but love thee better after death. </div>
</div>
<div class="poet" itemprop="author" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.417em; margin: 22px 0px 25px;">
<a href="http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/how-do-i-love-thee/" target="_blank">Elizabeth Barrett Browning</a></div>
The little darklinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964427466233629735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3133476278072588095.post-75220719806755807472013-02-13T15:24:00.000+02:002013-02-25T18:21:41.237+02:007 Days of Poetry: I know why the caged bird sings - Maya Angelou<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><b><u>I know why the caged bird sings</u></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">The free bird leaps</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">on the back of the wind</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">and floats downstream</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">till the current ends</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">and dips his wings</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">in the orange sun rays</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">and dares to claim the sky.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">But a bird that stalks</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">down his narrow cage</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">can seldom see through</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">his bars of rage</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">his wings are clipped and</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">his feet are tied</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">so he opens his throat to sing.</span><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">The caged bird sings</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">with fearful trill</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">of the things unknown</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">but longed for still</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">and is tune is heard</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">on the distant hillfor the caged bird</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">sings of freedom</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">The free bird thinks of another breeze</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">an the trade winds soft through the sighing trees</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">and the fat worms waiting on a dawn-bright lawn</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">and he names the sky his own.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">his wings are clipped and his feet are tied</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">so he opens his throat to sing</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">The caged bird sings</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">with a fearful trill</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">of things unknown</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">but longed for still</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">and his tune is heard</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">on the distant hill</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">for the caged bird</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">sings of freedom. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/i-know-why-the-caged-bird-sings/" target="_blank">Maya Angelou</a></span>The little darklinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964427466233629735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3133476278072588095.post-65259110036869537002013-02-11T16:25:00.000+02:002013-02-25T18:18:15.780+02:007 Days of Poetry: The highwayman - Alfred NoyesWe close this week of poetry off with one of my all time favourites.<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><b><u>The highwayman</u></b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="KonaBody" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">
<div style="font-size: 1.167em; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 21px; margin-top: 12px;">
PART ONE<br />
<br />
I<br />
<br />
THE wind was a torrent of darkness among the gusty trees,<br />
The moon was a ghostly galleon tossed upon cloudy seas,<br />
The road was a ribbon of moonlight over the purple moor,<br />
And the highwayman came riding—<br />
Riding—riding—<br />
The highwayman came riding, up to the old inn-door.<br />
<br />
II<br />
<br />
He'd a French cocked-hat on his forehead, a bunch of lace at his chin,<br />
A coat of the claret velvet, and breeches of brown doe-skin;<br />
They fitted with never a wrinkle: his boots were up to the thigh!<br />
And he rode with a jewelled twinkle,<br />
His pistol butts a-twinkle,<br />
His rapier hilt a-twinkle, under the jewelled sky.</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
III<br />
<br />
Over the cobbles he clattered and clashed in the dark inn-yard,<br />
And he tapped with his whip on the shutters, but all was locked and barred;<br />
He whistled a tune to the window, and who should be waiting there<br />
But the landlord's black-eyed daughter,<br />
Bess, the landlord's daughter,<br />
Plaiting a dark red love-knot into her long black hair.<br />
<br />
IV<br />
<br />
And dark in the dark old inn-yard a stable-wicket creaked<br />
Where Tim the ostler listened; his face was white and peaked;<br />
His eyes were hollows of madness, his hair like mouldy hay,<br />
But he loved the landlord's daughter,<br />
The landlord's red-lipped daughter,<br />
Dumb as a dog he listened, and he heard the robber say—<br />
<br />
V<br />
<br />
'One kiss, my bonny sweetheart, I'm after a prize to-night,<br />
But I shall be back with the yellow gold before the morning light;<br />
Yet, if they press me sharply, and harry me through the day,<br />
Then look for me by moonlight,<br />
Watch for me by moonlight,<br />
I'll come to thee by moonlight, though hell should bar the way.'<br />
<br />
VI<br />
<br />
He rose upright in the stirrups; he scarce could reach her hand,<br />
But she loosened her hair i' the casement! His face burnt like a brand<br />
As the black cascade of perfume came tumbling over his breast;<br />
And he kissed its waves in the moonlight,<br />
(Oh, sweet, black waves in the moonlight!)<br />
Then he tugged at his rein in the moonliglt, and galloped away to the West.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
PART TWO<br />
<br />
I<br />
<br />
He did not come in the dawning; he did not come at noon;<br />
And out o' the tawny sunset, before the rise o' the moon,<br />
When the road was a gypsy's ribbon, looping the purple moor,<br />
A red-coat troop came marching—<br />
Marching—marching—<br />
King George's men came matching, up to the old inn-door.<br />
<br />
II<br />
<br />
They said no word to the landlord, they drank his ale instead,<br />
But they gagged his daughter and bound her to the foot of her narrow bed;<br />
Two of them knelt at her casement, with muskets at their side!<br />
There was death at every window;<br />
And hell at one dark window;<br />
For Bess could see, through her casement, the road that he would ride.<br />
<br />
III<br />
<br />
They had tied her up to attention, with many a sniggering jest;<br />
They had bound a musket beside her, with the barrel beneath her breast!<br />
'Now, keep good watch!' and they kissed her.<br />
She heard the dead man say—<br />
Look for me by moonlight;<br />
Watch for me by moonlight;<br />
I'll come to thee by moonlight, though hell should bar the way!<br />
<br />
IV<br />
<br />
She twisted her hands behind her; but all the knots held good!<br />
She writhed her hands till her fingers were wet with sweat or blood!<br />
They stretched and strained in the darkness, and the hours crawled by like years,<br />
Till, now, on the stroke of midnight,<br />
Cold, on the stroke of midnight,<br />
The tip of one finger touched it! The trigger at least was hers!<br />
<br />
V<br />
<br />
The tip of one finger touched it; she strove no more for the rest!<br />
Up, she stood up to attention, with the barrel beneath her breast,<br />
She would not risk their hearing; she would not strive again;<br />
For the road lay bare in the moonlight;<br />
Blank and bare in the moonlight;<br />
And the blood of her veins in the moonlight throbbed to her love's refrain .<br />
<br />
VI<br />
<br />
Tlot-tlot; tlot-tlot! Had they heard it? The horse-hoofs ringing clear;<br />
Tlot-tlot, tlot-tlot, in the distance? Were they deaf that they did not hear?<br />
Down the ribbon of moonlight, over the brow of the hill,<br />
The highwayman came riding,<br />
Riding, riding!<br />
The red-coats looked to their priming! She stood up, straight and still!<br />
<br />
VII<br />
<br />
Tlot-tlot, in the frosty silence! Tlot-tlot, in the echoing night!<br />
Nearer he came and nearer! Her face was like a light!<br />
Her eyes grew wide for a moment; she drew one last deep breath,<br />
Then her finger moved in the moonlight,<br />
Her musket shattered the moonlight,<br />
Shattered her breast in the moonlight and warned him—with her death.<br />
<br />
VIII<br />
<br />
He turned; he spurred to the West; he did not know who stood<br />
Bowed, with her head o'er the musket, drenched with her own red blood!<br />
Not till the dawn he heard it, his face grew grey to hear<br />
How Bess, the landlord's daughter,<br />
The landlord's black-eyed daughter,<br />
Had watched for her love in the moonlight, and died in the darkness there.<br />
<br />
IX<br />
<br />
Back, he spurred like a madman, shrieking a curse to the sky,<br />
With the white road smoking behind him and his rapier brandished high!<br />
Blood-red were his spurs i' the golden noon; wine-red was his velvet coat,<br />
When they shot him down on the highway,<br />
Down like a dog on the highway,<br />
And he lay in his blood on the highway, with the bunch of lace at his throat.<br />
<br />
X<br />
<br />
And still of a winter's night, they say, when the wind is in the trees,<br />
When the moon is a ghostly galleon tossed upon cloudy seas,<br />
When the road is a ribbon of moonlight over the purple moor,<br />
A highwayman comes riding—<br />
Riding—riding—<br />
A highwayman comes riding, up to the old inn-door.<br />
<br />
XI<br />
<br />
Over the cobbles he clatters and clangs in the dark inn-yard;<br />
He taps with his whip on the shutters, but all is locked and barred;<br />
He whistles a tune to the window, and who should be waiting there<br />
But the landlord's black-eyed daughter,<br />
Bess, the landlord's daughter,<br />
Plaiting a dark red love-knot into her long black hair.</div>
<div class="poet" itemprop="author" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 22px 0px 25px;">
<a href="http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-highwayman/" target="_blank">Alfred Noyes</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
The little darklinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964427466233629735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3133476278072588095.post-16161952767478870602013-02-10T16:21:00.000+02:002013-02-25T18:17:28.601+02:007 Days of Poetry: All You Who Sleep Tonight - Vikram Seth<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><b><u>All you who sleep tonight</u></b></span><br />
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<div class="KonaBody" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">
<div style="font-size: 1.167em; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 21px; margin-top: 12px;">
All you who sleep tonight<br />
Far from the ones you love,<br />
No hand to left or right<br />
And emptiness above -<br />
<br />
Know that you aren't alone<br />
The whole world shares your tears,<br />
Some for two nights or one,<br />
And some for all their years. </div>
</div>
<div class="poet" itemprop="author" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.417em; margin: 22px 0px 25px;">
<a href="http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/all-you-who-sleep-tonight/" target="_blank">Vikram Seth</a></div>
The little darklinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964427466233629735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3133476278072588095.post-87696794209365624492013-02-09T16:02:00.000+02:002013-02-25T18:16:53.930+02:007 Days of Poetry: She walks in beauty - George Gordon Byron<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><b><u>She walks in beauty</u></b></span><br />
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<div class="KonaBody" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">
<div style="font-size: 1.167em; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 21px; margin-top: 12px;">
She walks in beauty like the night<br />
of cloudless climes and starry skies;<br />
And all that's best of dark and bright<br />
meets in her aspect and her eyes:<br />
Thus mellow'd to that tender light<br />
which heaven to gaudy day denies.<br />
<br />
One shade the more, one ray the less,<br />
had half impair'd the nameless grace<br />
which waves in every raven tress,<br />
or softly lightens o'er her face -<br />
where thoughts serenely sweet express<br />
how pure, how dear their dwelling - place.<br />
<br />
And on that cheek, and o'er that brow,<br />
so soft, so calm, yet eloquent,<br />
the smiles that win, the tints that glow,<br />
but tells in days of goodness spent,<br />
a mind at peace with all below,<br />
a heart whose love is innocent. </div>
</div>
<div class="poet" itemprop="author" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.417em; margin: 22px 0px 25px;">
<a href="http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/she-walks-in-beauty/" target="_blank">George Gordon Byron</a></div>
The little darklinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964427466233629735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3133476278072588095.post-42627785857935389292013-02-08T15:19:00.000+02:002013-02-08T15:32:35.110+02:007 Days of poetry: Synergy of love - Mark R SlaughterWe can't ignore the fact that Valentine's Day is coming up. It's everywhere you look. And although I'm not so big on the whole idea, I thought it would be a good idea to take this time to share some meaningful poetry. For the next seven days or so I'll share some poems that have struck a chord with me. Not all will be love poems but I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><b><u>Synergy of love</u></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">'Were you honed from poetry? '</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">I asked your saddened smile.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">For it seems to tell a longing tale -</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">One of words in oratory </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">That speaks in languid metaphors</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">From lips of mind in deep despair</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">And solitude from inner wars</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">That over time has rendered life so frail.</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">'Were you carved from doleful prose? '</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">I sought to ask your gaze, </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">For a pain lies deep within your eyes -</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">One of barren territory</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Where no fair heart could ever drift</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">And hope to venture back content</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">With grateful memories in a gift - </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">A land of your affectional demise.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">'Do I hear a mournful hum? '</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">I wondered of your cry, </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">For it sings a song of deep lament -</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">One of quiet soliloquy</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Recited on deserted strands</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">To waves that have no sense of song</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">And only wish to fight the sands -</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">A chant that cites emotional descent. </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Do you know your face portrays</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">The colours of your soul? </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">It tells me at a single glance </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Of how you burned your furnace whole</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">To stay the fire in our romance.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">And see the prismic hues they bore! </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">I cherished all I ever saw: </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Mauve of mystic; browns of rustic; </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Reddened tones to match your blush; </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Marine of passion, spending out your being, </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Leaving you for ashen embers, fleeing</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">The dying light in hush of night.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">And how you lay there empty.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">So let me help re-grow the flowers </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Once erect in fiery showers! </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">For now I've seen what love can do</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">When torn asunder - oh my catastrophic blunder! </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">But we must realise - </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Our flaming want is meant to be! </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">We are the ocean and the sea; </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">The earth and moon; the sturdy tree: </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">All that makes the 'You and Me.'</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">And this is why I ache. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">I wish to start again with thee, </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">In close and gripping </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Synergy of love.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/synergy-of-love/" target="_blank"> Mark R Slaughter 2009</a></span><br />
<br />The little darklinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964427466233629735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3133476278072588095.post-2482531304680524482013-01-30T21:15:00.001+02:002013-02-01T00:19:32.801+02:00Honey, Cinnamon and Coconut oil face wash<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is a DIY for a very simple face wash. I have acne prone skin, and when I say acne prone I mean white heads, black heads and even cystic pimples. I have tried different products over a considerable period of time but my skin always seems to adjust and then the product doesn't work anymore.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">After the significant success of using apple cider vinegar as a toner for over a year, I thought it might be worth a try to see what other beauty products might work for me right out of the kitchen cupboard. This is one that seems to be working so far.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv6sT3QIONdNNqudi1-feJJEnTnYL3RWZPcPyoUTPzBp81KEgVqY9iv9MrBPHIog0ulhFZeplp2mEvoYTE0N-UdYtspblrmLk5pZ46j-P213cAfJSPXL2LDPiX2-VL5Cxo2v_7OYHUnw0/s1600/face+wash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="385" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv6sT3QIONdNNqudi1-feJJEnTnYL3RWZPcPyoUTPzBp81KEgVqY9iv9MrBPHIog0ulhFZeplp2mEvoYTE0N-UdYtspblrmLk5pZ46j-P213cAfJSPXL2LDPiX2-VL5Cxo2v_7OYHUnw0/s640/face+wash.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
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<h4>
<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">You'll need:</span></u></b></h4>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Cinnamon</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Honey</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Pure coconut oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Empty container to store your concoction</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
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<h4>
<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">How to:</span></u></b></h4>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There are no precise measurements to this. That's the beauty of it. I put about a third of coconut oil into an empty container. Then I add about a heaped teaspoonful of cinnamon. The amount of cinnamon depends on whether you want a mildly exfoliating wash or a stronger scrub effect. Finally I make up the rest with honey. I use so much honey primarily because it is the main cleansing ingredient but also because I like my washes on the thicker side. It is pretty much up to you and I can tell you that every batch you make is going to be slightly different. This is a good thing because your skin never gets the chance to adapt to it and therefore it should work for as long as you need it.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<h4>
<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">WHY?</span></u></b></h4>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Cinnamon</b> <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 13px;">is included as an exfoliating agent. It is beneficial to the skin because it brings blood and nutrients to the skin surface and helps to dry out the skin. This helps rid your skin of acne but can be harsh on the skin. <a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/91597-benefits-ground-cinnamon-skin/" target="_blank">Read more here</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Honey</b> has antibacterial properties that speed the healing of acne. It also contains antioxidants, which neutralize free radicals to promote healthy skin. It improves the skin’s ability to maintain softness, suppleness and elasticity, and is suitable for most skin types. <a href="http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/food-nutrition/facts/the-benefits-of-honey.htm" target="_blank">Read more here</a></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><b>Coconut oil</b> is a moisturizing oil that locks in your skin's moisture that is often stripped by commercial cleansers. I know most people would be sceptical about using an oil in a face wash but it is necessary to counteract the harshness of the cinnamon. It is also suitable for most skin types and absorbs quite easily.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">I have done this face wash using olive oil instead of coconut oil but I didn't like the way it felt on my skin. My face feels more supple and soft with the coconut oil variation. You can also use this as a body wash and even though I am not keen on it as a body wash, it's worth a try.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><b>Note: </b>I am not qualified in any way to dispense professional advice. This recipe has worked for me so far but it might not be suitable for your skin, even if it doesn't contain chemical and processed products. Please take caution.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; line-height: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>The little darklinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964427466233629735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3133476278072588095.post-62134698268503429522013-01-28T13:00:00.000+02:002013-01-28T13:00:25.103+02:00All's well that ends wellI just got back my laptop after having it in repairs for a month. I'm so relieved everything seems to be working just fine now, and it's all in time for the new school year. I should really take this time to thank my friend John and acknowledge his expertise. I can't begin to imagine the work it took to fix it.<br />
<br />
I am excited to report that I am not as addicted to my technology as I thought I was. I was pretty calm when one morning my pc wouldn't switch on. Normally I would have had a cow AND a nervous breakdown! Same thing with when my phone stopped working, I just accepted it and dealt with it. I feel all grown up now :-)<br />
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<br />The little darklinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964427466233629735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3133476278072588095.post-57340542749582188872013-01-14T13:31:00.001+02:002013-01-14T13:32:28.914+02:00The beauty department<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp8qKJj9Jrd5NiRT7uKyOkLWA8-Zyjy9edVx5GgohRyFuEBk9mMtziOT9w_alD7mBmJmW6_NQZ-G8c9Cg5lGmbCCD6ocaaD5LELMurydk92KlkAX99V6tG2F_1PZG06wcZzx9-uJHC-SM/s1600/TBD1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp8qKJj9Jrd5NiRT7uKyOkLWA8-Zyjy9edVx5GgohRyFuEBk9mMtziOT9w_alD7mBmJmW6_NQZ-G8c9Cg5lGmbCCD6ocaaD5LELMurydk92KlkAX99V6tG2F_1PZG06wcZzx9-uJHC-SM/s640/TBD1.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thebeautydepartment.com/" target="_blank">the beauty department</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Having come across this heavenly real estate of webspace, I couldn't help but share. I found this <a href="http://thebeautydepartment.com/" target="_blank">website</a> almost a year ago while trying to determine the <a href="http://thebeautydepartment.com/2013/01/pick-a-color-any-color/" target="_blank">perfect foundation for my skin tone.</a> <br />
Even though I haven't yet accomplished that arduous task [I am almost convinced finding that perfect shade is like finding the fountain of youth, mythical] I have learned a lot from their tips, hints, tutorials and occasional educational posts. I am sure whatever your beauty issues are, they have something for you.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMRCEmzUxeSsEFbv3GRxA_e5MDKIgHBIEIgZJjz4Yb5n7F4K8pyY8vXgWelFpXRes8rhPhNcE-LYirPm3p7NNt8A5KKzQMcUidw_cZcZZx1YDvxcRzUr0UXfnMTA2v32FIUy31lmXapRo/s1600/TBD2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMRCEmzUxeSsEFbv3GRxA_e5MDKIgHBIEIgZJjz4Yb5n7F4K8pyY8vXgWelFpXRes8rhPhNcE-LYirPm3p7NNt8A5KKzQMcUidw_cZcZZx1YDvxcRzUr0UXfnMTA2v32FIUy31lmXapRo/s640/TBD2.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Its definitely worth a look.</div>
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<a href="http://thebeautydepartment.com/" target="_blank">http://thebeautydepartment.com/</a></div>
The little darklinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964427466233629735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3133476278072588095.post-70658805253854721842013-01-09T21:36:00.000+02:002013-01-11T12:32:04.728+02:00Hair-raising.<br />
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<strike><object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://2.gvt0.com/vi/E_5jIt0f5Z4/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/E_5jIt0f5Z4&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/E_5jIt0f5Z4&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></strike></div>
As more and more women fall into the natural hair movement, I find myself stuck at a crossroads, often questioning if I should follow suite. I have had natural hair before, twice, by my own free will. But both times I couldn't handle all the effort and work that went into maintaining it and getting it to look <i>decent. </i>I am much happier with my chemically treated hair. I find that its easier to manage, feels and looks healthier [because there isn't as much breakage] and is overall a joy to have.<br />
But fearing the judgement and prosecution that is gathering speed against women with straightened hair, [cue India Arie, I am not my hair], I have been prowling around the net, keeping myself updated on the natural hair blogs. So imagine my surprise when I came across this article;<br />
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<a href="http://www.xojane.com/beauty/why-i-stopped-blogging-about-natural-hair" target="_blank">WHY I STOPPED BLOGGING ABOUT NATURAL HAIR</a> by Veronica at <a href="http://www.xojane.com/">xojane.com</a><br />
<i>'<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em;">And while the mainstream narrative is that society isn’t always generally welcoming of the springy, coily texture of unaltered black hair (and it’s true, it isn’t), some naturals turned the table way too far in the other direction. There were more than a few discussions about whether certain women were “nappy” enough to be called natural -- the equivalent of questioning whether one can be “black” enough.</span></i><br />
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<i style="line-height: 1.5em;">There were so many unspoken rules: If you had natural hair straightened with heat, you weren’t really natural. If your coils had been colored, you weren’t really natural. One message board in particular gained a reputation for being unfriendly to members who didn’t have the most tightly coiled hair, effectively telling women with looser curls (think Corinne Bailey Rae) to “go somewhere else.” '</i></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;">read the full article <a href="http://www.xojane.com/beauty/why-i-stopped-blogging-about-natural-hair">here</a></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;">It gave me some much needed insight into the world of natural hair that not everyone gets to see. It seems that people are happiest when they have someone or something to attack. An outlet for all their pent-up frustrations.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;">I am sure there are some pretty good hair blogs out there that are true to the cause of appreciating one's natural state, but at the moment I am glad to stick to what works for me.</span></div>
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The little darklinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964427466233629735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3133476278072588095.post-81919503147987609112013-01-06T17:08:00.000+02:002013-01-06T17:37:41.697+02:00It's a wrap!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7_kyZjQH5MxIsy-9rKdnuSKbs7pCP-UVgtxrSFnnxS4ts8rBW9dlj2EvMQw0ny3Q_73aYM_5MgtUm_YspAElNdNhCWxPEv7fTxdQPegSYjrDlMnua39iHCQKdG2_UHkONOxYHYDXcw2A/s1600/no1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7_kyZjQH5MxIsy-9rKdnuSKbs7pCP-UVgtxrSFnnxS4ts8rBW9dlj2EvMQw0ny3Q_73aYM_5MgtUm_YspAElNdNhCWxPEv7fTxdQPegSYjrDlMnua39iHCQKdG2_UHkONOxYHYDXcw2A/s640/no1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I just couldn't help myself with that post title. After having been inspired, albeit after the fact, by <a href="http://apair-andaspare.blogspot.com/2011/05/diy-wrapped-jersey-skirt.html" target="_blank">this post</a>, I found myself falling in love with wrap skirts. They are so versatile and never look the same twice. And the bonus is, with me being so petite, I don't have to worry about sizes, its a perfect fit.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB4txnTVopwtRA_hoPUZe-Lev7GnR1jWUFF8mR6_hEFk1l3phzclA8fTuoNP_rkIRUFiQjUC65G9flgcXaXLq0G7ZtdH571BBG_BobkVhBOxt04zOtxQn4vnwoOYZ5VBbOA0KBjHNtXPU/s1600/black.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB4txnTVopwtRA_hoPUZe-Lev7GnR1jWUFF8mR6_hEFk1l3phzclA8fTuoNP_rkIRUFiQjUC65G9flgcXaXLq0G7ZtdH571BBG_BobkVhBOxt04zOtxQn4vnwoOYZ5VBbOA0KBjHNtXPU/s640/black.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forgive that unsightly bump in the middle. Forgot to smooth it out</td></tr>
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I usually buy a meter of fabric that comes off the roll as 2 m across[width] and I love to wear this black one higher on the waist, almost in a high-waisted fashion.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSnXFzhzIHTQLXjaN-CmHzjm_MQrp4mykoQYK6OiZXnr7Lgbzc_2Gd8mB04gpMUTOUgnNyrip-RJGMIg1kvDCMyB4T42OCJkK8sLK45sWoYGqiMY64hZwkcHRgy4HDXN0TuBnJTRmtQQM/s1600/green.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSnXFzhzIHTQLXjaN-CmHzjm_MQrp4mykoQYK6OiZXnr7Lgbzc_2Gd8mB04gpMUTOUgnNyrip-RJGMIg1kvDCMyB4T42OCJkK8sLK45sWoYGqiMY64hZwkcHRgy4HDXN0TuBnJTRmtQQM/s640/green.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lengths and styles are so easy to vary just by varying the wrapping style</td></tr>
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All the three skirts are of different fabrics and I don't think any of them are jersey. But they all have a little stretch, which means they work just fine. This green one is made of polyester I think.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPl9sFROmvX42QmhLhR5ad1PFGG14RXCKyrW8sK-hZ2PIOR_UuC9cF8DtoE5HuhJrsVZORJVaIjwJ7ncJD85rcZ85q9W4E3hDiy5v3PPwPOO8MH_fLdSt1APyl2yQjflZWOjA5NlfD28/s1600/red.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPl9sFROmvX42QmhLhR5ad1PFGG14RXCKyrW8sK-hZ2PIOR_UuC9cF8DtoE5HuhJrsVZORJVaIjwJ7ncJD85rcZ85q9W4E3hDiy5v3PPwPOO8MH_fLdSt1APyl2yQjflZWOjA5NlfD28/s640/red.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This red works just as well as a turban and feels must softer than the other skirts. It also stretches both across and parallel to the grain. I could say its my favourite.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The biggest issue I have come across is fastening the end securely. You can use a pretty brooch, a safety pin or even just tuck it under. I often get away with not using any fastenings but it can be quite risky. I just try to not wiggle around too much and most times I will make it to the end of the day without a wardrobe malfunction.</div>
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In the past I have paired these skirts with a tank top, a frilly semi formal top and a loose, slightly over-sized blouse. A pair of heels is just the cherry on the cake.</div>
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Are you inspired to get your own wrap skirt?</div>
<br />The little darklinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964427466233629735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3133476278072588095.post-43553433751868656642013-01-03T21:56:00.000+02:002013-01-03T21:56:05.390+02:002013<div style="text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Lqf4JhsQ2NpEQXQo9v9L1N3E2bDmFMYeQOBVT9g9Qz5SGZ53bHiQvxoMhKXEoWgSGkCnvOSE3r8PR2sRAHOT3D8XiY131ejgyZDVeGSp66vK-c2Cg-JPFHSOpA4fggxvkt51JJ9LGwQ/s1600/IMG_0597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Lqf4JhsQ2NpEQXQo9v9L1N3E2bDmFMYeQOBVT9g9Qz5SGZ53bHiQvxoMhKXEoWgSGkCnvOSE3r8PR2sRAHOT3D8XiY131ejgyZDVeGSp66vK-c2Cg-JPFHSOpA4fggxvkt51JJ9LGwQ/s640/IMG_0597.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from <a href="http://galaxyphotography.blogspot.com/?spref=fb" target="_blank">Galaxy Photography</a></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy New Year. </div>
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I hope the celebrations went very well and that you're looking forward to an already promising 2013. Wishing you a blissful and prosperous year.</div>
The little darklinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964427466233629735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3133476278072588095.post-21136426085776017382012-12-08T18:18:00.001+02:002012-12-08T18:18:52.579+02:00Pennies for thoughtsI get so easily distracted. And then it becomes a task to organize my thoughts into a working order. <br />
When I started this blog I thought I wanted it to be a DIY blog, or at the very least, a fashion blog. I did my research and knew what to do to make it work... But I didn't do it. What happened? You ask.<br />
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For a while I blamed a lack of inspiration and a dip in my creativity mojo juices, but the honest truth is, I got lazy. I lost the passion and gusto that initially inspired this project. Maybe I was over eager and underestimated the amount of work and dedication that goes into a blog, but here I am finally facing the consequential reality of my failing blog.<br />
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As of the new year, if I cannot consistently keep this blog updated and interactive for at least the first three months. I will definitely shut it down and express myself via more old school meansThe little darklinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964427466233629735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3133476278072588095.post-41053348153998551282012-11-17T18:33:00.000+02:002012-12-05T18:56:14.886+02:00Interlude<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQkdxBft_GbbuXyBCE6jEdHbTiDwWsM7XY2nNM_7i5AVZL88M3G-3Xf5571v17b2FAjAe3ZSkuiregyccESO0kKrBni0Gd0FjlU2kbm6oIM1yH3GFnJZ9OnlSp4oHRsDSbYZx225uOd4/s1600/IMG_0246%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQkdxBft_GbbuXyBCE6jEdHbTiDwWsM7XY2nNM_7i5AVZL88M3G-3Xf5571v17b2FAjAe3ZSkuiregyccESO0kKrBni0Gd0FjlU2kbm6oIM1yH3GFnJZ9OnlSp4oHRsDSbYZx225uOd4/s640/IMG_0246%5B1%5D.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
The little darklinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964427466233629735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3133476278072588095.post-19397734394765945202012-10-31T10:16:00.000+02:002012-10-31T10:28:48.068+02:00Rambling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLMv1SpoTxXQx5HuaU84oeH8wFkoCGJCNUebrVYRdZbCi_IqZDOqhO-wUWNbfBRSGOkfFZ93hsEbJwgtTXWk_R7EjwmfYIPBBaJ9tEI6rvP4EtVnVeDJ3bWvPO5_OdrIN-RROD0fFUcw/s1600/wallpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLMv1SpoTxXQx5HuaU84oeH8wFkoCGJCNUebrVYRdZbCi_IqZDOqhO-wUWNbfBRSGOkfFZ93hsEbJwgtTXWk_R7EjwmfYIPBBaJ9tEI6rvP4EtVnVeDJ3bWvPO5_OdrIN-RROD0fFUcw/s640/wallpaper.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dreams are the illustrations...from the book your soul is writing about you - Marsha Norman</td></tr>
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<br />
Here I am wondering out-loud again. Wondering where true inspiration comes from. So many say they are most inspired by the people around them... But it just so happens that sometimes the people around you are killing your inspiration instead. And you find yourself wanting to inspire <i>them...</i><br />
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It is not so often any more that I come across something new and I go: "Brilliant idea! How creative!" Nowadays, the reaction is more like: "Oh that looks familiar, can't people be more creative?"<br />
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So here I am, wondering whether I will ever have a moment of pure brilliance, a Eureka! moment; and feel like I have contributed something significant to the world I live in. All this DIYing and sewing often has me feeling like a perpetual copycat, so come on people.... <b>Inspire!</b>The little darklinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964427466233629735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3133476278072588095.post-33110294038835855012012-10-24T13:26:00.000+02:002012-10-24T13:26:27.860+02:00Lock Necklace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfmdIBn8bboTaq67qn1E4X5Ab03IDdd-5lU71MGveobHOLI2WkmajVoiMeAIk9fQ7FhnCRjNT_Sud7Lj8KWiugZthCra8lO2KhYe9v90oxgH8PA6dyZisoIJZB04gvHmd5-hbaVvgZnjA/s1600/Chainfinal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfmdIBn8bboTaq67qn1E4X5Ab03IDdd-5lU71MGveobHOLI2WkmajVoiMeAIk9fQ7FhnCRjNT_Sud7Lj8KWiugZthCra8lO2KhYe9v90oxgH8PA6dyZisoIJZB04gvHmd5-hbaVvgZnjA/s640/Chainfinal.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is a very simple necklace to make. I especially like how it looks with a plain white tee. </div>
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Adds a little bit of edge without doing too much.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgANcrpb2Xvq6nULhnJcaX6rJ7orjPZLEO7r23PA50O2Zxl4TzE_KYs77XbjQMft-ypvTPgWeLuv0qehApCNSsWo7Ylh7t8jIG0ys7G2bBaajGU3i-lDlG94tYnIxeruKZJHNWtY4VboDo/s1600/tools1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgANcrpb2Xvq6nULhnJcaX6rJ7orjPZLEO7r23PA50O2Zxl4TzE_KYs77XbjQMft-ypvTPgWeLuv0qehApCNSsWo7Ylh7t8jIG0ys7G2bBaajGU3i-lDlG94tYnIxeruKZJHNWtY4VboDo/s640/tools1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<u>You will need:</u></div>
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1.About 1 meter of a chunky chain. It needs to be chunky so that the lock can fit through the links.</div>
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2. Pliers</div>
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3. Nail polish of a colour of your choice</div>
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4. A lock, small enough to not be uncomfortable around the neck and to fit through the links on the chain.</div>
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5. 2/3 jump rings</div>
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6. A clasp</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOTW_hzhOjKOI5rNue0OhYq5dOCsdKVIgs_blnXRqHrqqOm6FlPW2pNWCyTitDJcniCL3NJ-Xw3PbQ9fmCBtEsOnJFRqlIWZDDyDHnuv_-kPps-PBC4PR7hO81NMxDzEFxdYQjWNx6KGg/s1600/Chain0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOTW_hzhOjKOI5rNue0OhYq5dOCsdKVIgs_blnXRqHrqqOm6FlPW2pNWCyTitDJcniCL3NJ-Xw3PbQ9fmCBtEsOnJFRqlIWZDDyDHnuv_-kPps-PBC4PR7hO81NMxDzEFxdYQjWNx6KGg/s640/Chain0.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Let the first coat dry completely before applying the next coat.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_nyNMxlPbpkEn9iC2uVIcA7Q1JXACUc6z6-CIReN-FTuU8uSmnVRcUWPhZSc_dyUNzvtftjKFwKX8W2rO6WXx3M4QEn2onJTncmZOn-gO0GjWv8RmQaJZN6Qv_SAC24er7Jqe9m4F4o/s1600/Chain1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_nyNMxlPbpkEn9iC2uVIcA7Q1JXACUc6z6-CIReN-FTuU8uSmnVRcUWPhZSc_dyUNzvtftjKFwKX8W2rO6WXx3M4QEn2onJTncmZOn-gO0GjWv8RmQaJZN6Qv_SAC24er7Jqe9m4F4o/s640/Chain1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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You can make the chains longer or shorter depending on what you think is more suitable for you. I don't like for necklaces to hang too low on my chest.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-UHCP1-YYfQsMcehckrSFHbLHHG5YV8MiIxHSGDn_FNpCpRdXDkpUj_GsN160mljVaOc6JQk016_Pk_zIropJdep6QaFVZWJ-KS_qeTqeNR0KXHxRJgfnAMPoqeIE_86ctd-mjEFXTs/s1600/Chain2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-UHCP1-YYfQsMcehckrSFHbLHHG5YV8MiIxHSGDn_FNpCpRdXDkpUj_GsN160mljVaOc6JQk016_Pk_zIropJdep6QaFVZWJ-KS_qeTqeNR0KXHxRJgfnAMPoqeIE_86ctd-mjEFXTs/s640/Chain2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And you're done! Have a little fun with your new piece of neckware...</div>
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The little darklinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964427466233629735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3133476278072588095.post-37433247397668851692012-10-01T16:46:00.000+02:002012-10-31T10:25:08.500+02:00Cat-eye SunglassesWarning: this is an impertinent<span id="hotword"></span> post!<br />
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<a href="http://www.omiru.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/damsel-cats-eye-sunglasses_080910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="http://www.omiru.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/damsel-cats-eye-sunglasses_080910.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I didn't know a pair of sunglasses could make all the difference. On my recent trip to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cape_Town" target="_blank">Cape town</a>, my sister and I stumbled upon a street vendor selling some not so average sunglasses and I bought myself a pair of cat-eye sunglasses. They weren't anything unique or expensive but I was pretty pleased with my purchase.<br />
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Now I live in a not-so-urban part of the country and I can barely, just barely speak the language (which is frustrating cause <em>everyone</em> refuses to speak English) but I get by. And yet for some reason, ever since I started sporting these new sunglasses even the usually stubborn taxi drivers automatically speak to me in English. I get a different vibe now. I could say there is an inflection of respect in their address but that would be stretching it a bit: Nothing else has changed. I still have my long old braids and my skin is as dark as ever.<br />
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Is there something special about these sunglasses?The little darklinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964427466233629735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3133476278072588095.post-25370914914479807042012-09-25T11:43:00.000+02:002012-09-25T11:48:37.968+02:00Path of Dreams - Eugene Woodbury<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.eugenewoodbury.com/image/path_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.eugenewoodbury.com/image/path_cover.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image sourced from http://www.eugenewoodbury.com/</td></tr>
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This is the first time (I think) that I'm writing about a book I've read. But something about this particular one caught my eye. It is a romantic story about a Japanese American young woman and an American man she glimpses at a train station. The story tells of how their lives become intertwined and how their love binds them together.<br />
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Even though it is centered around Mormonism, I personally feel that the concepts expressed could apply to all of Christianity. And for those who are not overly zealous believers, the storyline and the blending of the different cultures and the presentation of characters make it worth a read. </div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> My longing for you<br /> is too strong to bind<br /> So do not blame me<br /> when I go to you at night<br /> on the path of dreams</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> -Ono no Komachi</span></i></div>
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The little darklinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964427466233629735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3133476278072588095.post-51305959316086903932012-09-01T20:08:00.003+01:002012-09-01T20:34:30.292+01:00Exclusivity<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHVF_g_wXHarGD-_wHB2BQr65CmA-xwdGNEEU5NsLwwdfevhMw11BBPPitNPYz11nBPSU-iJjQ1-YEtoUIXlNzb5rwJl7JnWlNmv1J8FZKHE3o-zU1kVqao-iUagORj0OISKo_ajJtUu8/s1600/DIY+PURSE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHVF_g_wXHarGD-_wHB2BQr65CmA-xwdGNEEU5NsLwwdfevhMw11BBPPitNPYz11nBPSU-iJjQ1-YEtoUIXlNzb5rwJl7JnWlNmv1J8FZKHE3o-zU1kVqao-iUagORj0OISKo_ajJtUu8/s640/DIY+PURSE.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Ps. The best gift a lady can own is exclusivity.</em></strong></td></tr>
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I had a purse that was still pretty much functional but was faded and old. Here's me giving it a new lease on life.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivOGZjGgN4a67I_MicLDcE-QI_GBi5UTH35xlfFPufcEmjZsQgMkX5nAS8OVIoSQm_wfbgeZPgFd6hc71tcL0MIZ07orlQ5ScrW5ws9Oe0sIUqTflZhjrlEylh1nGXIRJWbiY0hH4bThU/s1600/Step1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivOGZjGgN4a67I_MicLDcE-QI_GBi5UTH35xlfFPufcEmjZsQgMkX5nAS8OVIoSQm_wfbgeZPgFd6hc71tcL0MIZ07orlQ5ScrW5ws9Oe0sIUqTflZhjrlEylh1nGXIRJWbiY0hH4bThU/s640/Step1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Materials:</div>
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An old purse/wallet</div>
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Old magazine that you're willing to cut up (<em>I had two copies of this October 2011 Glamour so I decided to use one)</em></div>
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Scissors</div>
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All purpose glue</div>
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Clear nail polish</div>
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Other nail polish <em>optional</em><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxyWBoIN_bgdXtnjdimpZyWJ3AZEHG3CWDu3_fHVxe2AZf2GRHPf4maYs40skHtz_wcKPWlJBT-0CCYaAPpTmlO2YIa79j61tBjzAXK8AACm14qjkmpMzlRsdpxiK_P6_sm89GHMrLaxE/s1600/Step2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxyWBoIN_bgdXtnjdimpZyWJ3AZEHG3CWDu3_fHVxe2AZf2GRHPf4maYs40skHtz_wcKPWlJBT-0CCYaAPpTmlO2YIa79j61tBjzAXK8AACm14qjkmpMzlRsdpxiK_P6_sm89GHMrLaxE/s640/Step2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I first painted the "bridge" of the purse since I did not want to glue images over it, and let the polish dry. (I added a second coat and clear nail polish later.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTLVvXinNcZyvpRo81DysHH5iKhGGayvuNwF-1TKUYHy7ISB774WifHR9U2TGJk5KzLlHORg-YbFKhme1uhF2oAU2eVy5YKZjAUpwHONVlW8DicMVpxP0VBDXep6-pp0foXQBqrHuw2N0/s1600/DIY+PURSE2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTLVvXinNcZyvpRo81DysHH5iKhGGayvuNwF-1TKUYHy7ISB774WifHR9U2TGJk5KzLlHORg-YbFKhme1uhF2oAU2eVy5YKZjAUpwHONVlW8DicMVpxP0VBDXep6-pp0foXQBqrHuw2N0/s640/DIY+PURSE2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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While the polish dried, I cut out pictures from the magazine that caught my eye. I especially liked the pinks and the greens together so I kind of went with that scheme.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFffPS0MW2ctlx6G58E04SDVvPeoWoErYiCuqyyJO-QEeG9CpoLCZ1JxtAmwe5VdHVp44s6LRRqE0kak3b0KB3z-E6Hmk6n7gOTOfAFPB2vnJuKpFXkFqu36YtxSLNVgSx_YnI7Oa2-XA/s1600/Step4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFffPS0MW2ctlx6G58E04SDVvPeoWoErYiCuqyyJO-QEeG9CpoLCZ1JxtAmwe5VdHVp44s6LRRqE0kak3b0KB3z-E6Hmk6n7gOTOfAFPB2vnJuKpFXkFqu36YtxSLNVgSx_YnI7Oa2-XA/s640/Step4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I glued the cut-out pictures onto the wallet. first in a random order, then layering them to get a more creative effect.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd2yrHaAj4lJ-WiIiV7yLZ5pnePg5dMHwacNWidz2WqRPTrMejPMdP0k2nfxqNBCtIdu5sprbawhPUWBdpwQGK8JUmrJyIZha9Sfvv2i31wA1M_B7Zy8KHMrcTWtNOEUC8_R6q-UDmma0/s1600/Step4.2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd2yrHaAj4lJ-WiIiV7yLZ5pnePg5dMHwacNWidz2WqRPTrMejPMdP0k2nfxqNBCtIdu5sprbawhPUWBdpwQGK8JUmrJyIZha9Sfvv2i31wA1M_B7Zy8KHMrcTWtNOEUC8_R6q-UDmma0/s640/Step4.2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2iQCC3G9NSOiPE_x6OoQpGK_aNXTe_NXjbY0oFTzbcIgIyjxAYjGrSi_hXn86jkwENOEhIZzpV2Ll_19C2NUyVx8jv41O1nHTDZ99n9s6G2sqmdxDk9wwb9mrkFMerRkdkiOfWU9NhTY/s1600/Step5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2iQCC3G9NSOiPE_x6OoQpGK_aNXTe_NXjbY0oFTzbcIgIyjxAYjGrSi_hXn86jkwENOEhIZzpV2Ll_19C2NUyVx8jv41O1nHTDZ99n9s6G2sqmdxDk9wwb9mrkFMerRkdkiOfWU9NhTY/s640/Step5.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Once the whole purse was covered, I trimmed around the edges and neatened any pics that were not "sitting" right.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMgjBsDSbkJHDzVoLIevLqM5SehvKDlWIWTUMLpCkweTNZh41_D5XwAtTTXFMZ5ozRe9b0_Jk5PytG-8mHBhSHo83q74dXTruY4y42g3YVsiY17bqDIPWTKrQKe026FfmmllJ5EjZUuA/s1600/Step6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMgjBsDSbkJHDzVoLIevLqM5SehvKDlWIWTUMLpCkweTNZh41_D5XwAtTTXFMZ5ozRe9b0_Jk5PytG-8mHBhSHo83q74dXTruY4y42g3YVsiY17bqDIPWTKrQKe026FfmmllJ5EjZUuA/s640/Step6.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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After the glue had dried, I went over the purse with clear nail polish to give it that shine. I let it dry. You can go over it a second time if you feel like it, but I didn't.</div>
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Et Voila!</div>
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<em>An exclusive work of art...</em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUsfmZy1WhqGDgkCjlk34-wQU0DjZHQUaQccQnOzqdAnxH9gtD4Kos0b1GblkuB2cd2vl0YdRtKmkbSaDGxVyDz51xjPoo3p03fk0DEr1YDL2JahssPUC3kt8tp_5l4wMU67P2RsC94T8/s1600/DIY+PURSE1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUsfmZy1WhqGDgkCjlk34-wQU0DjZHQUaQccQnOzqdAnxH9gtD4Kos0b1GblkuB2cd2vl0YdRtKmkbSaDGxVyDz51xjPoo3p03fk0DEr1YDL2JahssPUC3kt8tp_5l4wMU67P2RsC94T8/s640/DIY+PURSE1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The little darklinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964427466233629735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3133476278072588095.post-29044123574832512372012-07-26T15:26:00.000+01:002012-07-26T17:44:35.780+01:00Waiting on the world<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5q4_MCxlFj73S2Qc53nhqEPt0w8d82Bz5AuIdFaaNku1v4a8s6riRkVc3fdZPSHe7XdezjKORmMXTMfIRWZThX-tvRVHONKEFHp1IeJO27f1pXB1aP7nRnh5BxioS51Rm_zJvkPdmP1U/s1600/Himba+Shay+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5q4_MCxlFj73S2Qc53nhqEPt0w8d82Bz5AuIdFaaNku1v4a8s6riRkVc3fdZPSHe7XdezjKORmMXTMfIRWZThX-tvRVHONKEFHp1IeJO27f1pXB1aP7nRnh5BxioS51Rm_zJvkPdmP1U/s640/Himba+Shay+2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<br />
I was one of those kids...the over achievers.The ones who tried everything, read all the books, got the good marks and were on everyone's good side. And this kid grew into an over ambitious power hungry young lady. I could blame it on my small stature and always feeling the need to prove myself equal to anyone else, but deep down I always felt <strong><em>I was destined for greatness and the rest of the world just didn't know it yet.</em></strong><br />
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Well, through my past and very recent trouble with wr3ckreation, I have persevered because of this conviction. After having started and failed at a couple of things I felt like to give up once more was not an option. I had to work harder...and harder till I made something of it.<br />
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Eventually I hope I will get there.But in the meantime...I'm just <em>waiting on the world</em>.The little darklinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964427466233629735noreply@blogger.com0