Lifestyle
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The Bent Gate and the Beautiful Tree
Stanley Britsh Primary School All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well. Julian of Norwich One person will look at this photograph and notice the bent post in the wrought-iron gate. Another will be captivated by the brilliant colors of the tree beyond it. Is it…
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Happy Birthday USA
Where liberty dwells, there is my country. Benjamin Franklin This photo was taken a few years ago at a Fourth of July party. To me, it captures the true spirit of the holiday. The Fourth of July is, above all else, a birthday celebration for our country. It isn’t about politics, military strength, or choosing…
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A Corner of Peace in a Busy Life
Within you, there is a stillness and a sanctuary to which you can retreat at any time. Herman Hesse A few years ago, I placed a comfortable chair and reading lamp beside a window in our bedroom. The window catches the morning sun and looks out onto a large flowering tree that changes with the…
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My Heart Recognized It as Home
What is handed down by tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire. Gustav Mahler When I read this quote, I thought about my ancestry. I did not grow up with my French heritage as a strong influence in my life. My parents divorced when I was very young, and I…
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The Quite Grace of Walking
An early morning walk is a blessing for the whole day. Henry David Thoreau Walking is my one concession to exercise. I’ve tried various classes and gym workouts, but I find them exhausting. Perhaps it’s my French heritage; I’ve heard the French aren’t particularly fond of organized exercise. I do attend a weekly Tai Chi…