tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914774456820650362024-03-04T21:52:40.625-08:00Scribble Ink CafeStory Collection on wifeology, mommyhood and blowing bubbles.Amy Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00538755339506841656noreply@blogger.comBlogger76125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691477445682065036.post-62511052785692736312010-11-15T09:26:00.000-08:002010-11-15T09:48:57.540-08:00Coming Together<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCWq8vdbGLO4whTAZJSeJtBnSOCBu-uzs3r2M3XxorrDTiNIyHSY54bxgfBkI5Q7Qt029wgJrAtuJK38YX-_YmfhDqQna_dSm2wyEOdjhH_owGLu9M0a2wP3UtzKp2VrKP-zF9uyiZMng/s1600/fom002010SMALL.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 169px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCWq8vdbGLO4whTAZJSeJtBnSOCBu-uzs3r2M3XxorrDTiNIyHSY54bxgfBkI5Q7Qt029wgJrAtuJK38YX-_YmfhDqQna_dSm2wyEOdjhH_owGLu9M0a2wP3UtzKp2VrKP-zF9uyiZMng/s400/fom002010SMALL.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539833207211412834" /></a><br />Hello all you readers, wow it's been so long I'm not even sure if I have a voice anymore....but I'll try. So I've been in Real Estate for a year now...that flew by! Things are going well. <br /><br />I have to say, I feel like such a writing sell-out. But, I have to pay the bills. I had to put my dreams of publishing on a back burner for a while. Of course, I do have a new book idea that I soooo want to get started on! But I've decided to just write the pitch and see if it really inspires me. I love the story, and so does Hubby, but It's a huge undertaking to write just to have it sit in my Bookshelf file on my computer. <br /><br />Everytime I think of writing, I think of this blog. So naturally this morning, I was flipping through some old posts, and thinking that I would repost some of my favorites (and some of your favs too) just to re-introduce myself, but then I realized that I actually do have something to share.....and it's pretty darn cool.<br /><br />So, reprints are vetoed - for now. (But you are welcome to see the archived stories for some fun.) <br /><br />This weekend just ended with a total bang! <br /><br />My hubby who is an artist (<a href="http://www.arnelplaton.com">shameless blog pitch here</a>) just finished up with Disney's Festival of the Masters 2010. His art was the signature art and they made all kinds of AWESOME merchandise and marketing using it. <br /><br />The piece is here for you to see, and more pics are available at his <a href="http://www.arnelplaton.com">blog</a> if you want to see more. Swing on by, and post that you found him through Scribble Ink Cafe, he will be sooooo surprised! <br /><br />His original sold for $7500. I am so proud!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for subscribing to The Chronicles. Enjoy!</div>Amy Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00538755339506841656noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691477445682065036.post-61597317650397852332010-05-26T07:50:00.000-07:002010-05-27T06:01:49.180-07:00Fountain Of Youth<a href="http://www.vanpraagh.com/index.php?p=Store"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlmtV6shIkqlKqHzp8UlZ3Sg8zjpSwwii1RPRtWBibSBsOVNBfhctkT1MtqIgoQLiP9b9AT75cqNMkx39FM6ptPVI-ocUJyeE3rZHeSc70KVLYHrxoRHu7h5bUSNzPeQRjabed_Tk5X9E/s1600/books.jpeg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 49px; height: 80px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlmtV6shIkqlKqHzp8UlZ3Sg8zjpSwwii1RPRtWBibSBsOVNBfhctkT1MtqIgoQLiP9b9AT75cqNMkx39FM6ptPVI-ocUJyeE3rZHeSc70KVLYHrxoRHu7h5bUSNzPeQRjabed_Tk5X9E/s400/books.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475603675982219794" /></a></a><br />If you stop learning, you stop growing. If you stop growing, you start dying. That is something I know for sure. (I’ll tell you about that one some other time.) But that line “When you are not growing, you are dying” is my fountain of youth. <br /><br />So when I come across a passage or a thought that opens doors for me, I know that today, I will not die. I know that in my heart like I knew that I was going to marry my husband, and like I knew when I walked into my home that it was the one. <br /><br />Recently, I was reading “Talking to Heaven” by <a href="http://www.vanpraagh.com/">James Van Praagh</a>. I didn’t realize what I was reading until a quarter way through the book. <br /><br />My mom had gotten it for me like five years ago (maybe more) and it sat in a box in my garage until recently, when I was searching for something, anything, to read - so help me God. <br /><br />I pulled it out with two others, and it sat on my nightstand for weeks, until last weekend. I didn’t look at the author or read the jacket. I just dove in. <br /><br />The first few pages were talking about how the author discovered his abilities to speak to the “other side.” (He sees dead people) Then the book goes into specific random readings he did for people over the years and how those reading affected them later. <br /><br />Once it occurred to me, I knew who this man was. I flipped to the back jacket and realized this author is the guy from TV that does readings for people. Since I had seen every show the man did while I was home nursing my youngest child, I was ready to put the book down. I had soooo been there done that.<br /><br />But just as I start to skim through the last few pages to finish up the scene before I shoved the book into the donation pile, I ran across this...a passage that said if you wonder if your spirit guides are helping you, then remember this, when you meet a business partner to discuss a future endeavor, but on your way you make a wrong turn, get pulled over, park at the wrong lot, wait on a broken elevator before taking the stairs just to get to the door where the meeting is to take place only to find a note telling you to go to another door that the meeting was moved…..those are your spirit guides trying to warn you not make that deal. But you do it anyway, and your business fails, and your partner runs off with your money. <br /><br />Huh, I thought - I was raised to believe that walls were meant to be broken. Falling down teaches you how to get up. Roadblocks are just tests to see how badly you want it. But in reading that passage in the book, something rang true. That stuff about failure, never really felt right in my heart, but I ignored those feelings and I never gave up. <br /><br />In looking back, that was like climbing the rocky side of a mountain, when patients would have revealed the walking path. <br /><br />James also said in the book, your spirit guides would guide you toward your goal effortlessly. Doors open for you spontaneously. And that is so true. Just in the short time I have had to put those theories to the test, it has been right. Even in hindsight, I can see that those opportunities in my life that worked the best (my marriage, my home, my children, my career choice, my car purchase even) all have come effortlessly. But those things I work so hard at, take work just to keep them alive. They drain me every minute they stay in my life. <br /><br />So now, I believe in what James Van Praagh revealed to me, which is, I don’t have to charge after things in my life, the right things will come to me. Many people have said that many ways, but James was able to reach me at just the right time that I was ready to hear it. <br /><br />And so today, I will not die…..and today, I believe, I am saving lives just by sharing my fountain of youth, where the water is beautiful all year around. Hee hee, splash.<br /><br />Visit <a href="http://thediaperdiaries.net">Things I Love</a> at the Diaper Diaries Blog for more posts on stuff like this....<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for subscribing to The Chronicles. Enjoy!</div>Amy Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00538755339506841656noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691477445682065036.post-73474008554838056012010-04-09T11:57:00.000-07:002010-04-10T11:36:19.335-07:00Would You Read More?So I went with first person for the POV in my book CRACKED. Tell me if you would read on after reading this intro:<br /><br /><br />INTRODUCTION:<br /><br />Our minds are built with a Yin and Yang. I know this, because for every action I take, I receive an equal and opposite reaction. <br /><br />In my life, there were the stories I told others, and then there were the stories I told myself. The truth melted between the lines. For me, there was a day, actually a single moment in time, where the two stories revealed themselves like whales crashing from beneath the surface of a wild ocean. They seemed to be gasping, for air, for survival, life. That, for me, was a glimpse of the disconnection I had within myself. <br /><br />As we witness moments like that in our lives, it is what we do with those images that will define us. For some, the meaning of life becomes clear. For others it is the moment that takes them under.<br /><br />As travelers, we have many goals to achieve in a lifetime. And when I reached this goal, I realized I had always been walking toward it, only the wind was in my face. Those stories, holding me back. As I began to reveal myself, it was as if the wind had changed direction and suddenly, it blew at my back. Pushing me into the future. <br /><br />In retrospect, I realize that the wind had been the story I told, my mind. It was the thing that had me standing like a rock in rushing water. Water, that was not only rushing around me, it was rising...<br /><br />END<br /><br />Now, take the poll at the top right :)<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for subscribing to The Chronicles. Enjoy!</div>Amy Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00538755339506841656noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691477445682065036.post-18503266555107230972010-01-17T15:56:00.000-08:002010-01-25T08:52:26.257-08:00Fighting Rules?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrHkelvHUi4qU3o_OuRppPaEXPL8PuyjiQUOXnaMtxsrP1fNg3pJyqb0kBnFHilTjXA-EApgW14o91P8Zb6Hdyy46oFIjk69ZwAMWneT_JFappibcgWOMyuICak_t1XUibvRGJ87pe54c/s1600-h/images.jpeg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 128px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrHkelvHUi4qU3o_OuRppPaEXPL8PuyjiQUOXnaMtxsrP1fNg3pJyqb0kBnFHilTjXA-EApgW14o91P8Zb6Hdyy46oFIjk69ZwAMWneT_JFappibcgWOMyuICak_t1XUibvRGJ87pe54c/s400/images.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427864039651496274" /></a><br />by Amy Platon<br /><br />Hubby and I have a 7 year old boy. <br /><br />This weekend we “hit” on a topic that we don’t seem to agree on, and I want your opinion. <br /><br />It’s a question that we parents with boys have all asked ourselves. What do we tell our son to do when another boy hits him?<br /><br />My husband is of the “Hit him back” school of thinking. But he also went his whole adolescence without a single brawl.<br /><br />And if you all know me at all you’ve probably guessed, I totally disagree. However, in an effort to find the middle ground, I offered this as a solution:<br /><br />If our boy gets hit in the chest first, then it’s ok for our son to hit back, but only in the chest, equal to his punch. <br /><br />I was pretty proud of that solution actually. But my husband said that that too much for our son to consider when he’s in the heat of it all. My expectation would be too high of him. <br /><br />Of course, I’m thinking of the mom-to-mom aftermath. “My son hit your son in the chest, and your son hit him back in the nose and now it’s bleeding. That’s out of line!”<br /><br />I feel like if my son at least understood the rules of “fair fighting” then I could at least back him up as responsibly as possible, and not feel totally wrong.<br /><br />What are your thoughts? I would especially love it if you ask your husbands opinion and would love comments from dads who have been in school hood fights themselves. I’m looking forward to your thoughts!<br /><br /><br />Also visit this lovely blog for other "<a href="http://www.mycharmingkids.net">Not Me Monday</a>" sagas!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for subscribing to The Chronicles. Enjoy!</div>Amy Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00538755339506841656noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691477445682065036.post-16123671781109991362010-01-11T11:23:00.000-08:002010-05-27T06:04:32.004-07:00Eye Levelby Amy Platon<br /><br />My anniversary and New Years come hand in hand, like a gay couple gallivanting through a poppy field. They skip past me down the yellow brick road. I usually shout something like, “Hey, what are you, running in circles? I saw you two last year, and what are you always so happy about anyway?”<br /><br />There are a few things I know for sure. Like, the best thing about being married is that I have someone else to bounce ideas off of. Someone credible that when he says, “go for it,” I know he means it, having all the same things at stake. Ahh, that rocks! <br /><br />I’m so proud of my relationship because hubby and I are at such a beautiful and delicate place - that eight-year mark. Where I have seen in other relationships, the end or a departure of sorts. And although I would never be so naive to say that won’t happen to us, I can say with some confidence that it won't happen to us today. <br /><br />And I remember the moment that it all started for us. Again, I mean. And I’m amazed at how simple an accomplishment it was. <br /><br />We were often wrapped up in our routine, like workers in a factory, watching the clock, getting the work done - all of it serious business.<br /><br />Until it occurred to me that the boy in the 'work station' next to mine, was my husband. When his eyes wandered up and connected with mine, unexpected to him. I smiled. Not just at the thought of him, but because in that moment I saw him. Until then I realized that I had been looking <span style="font-style:italic;">at</span> him all these years. My smile, so genuine I guess, he couldn’t help but smile back. <br /><br />I tried again in the mirror that day. It took a few tries, because the first couple of smiles looked painfully like a school yearbook photo. But when I got it, I saw that I looked <span style="font-style:italic;">prettier</span> that way. <br /><br />It’s something about the meaningfulness in the lines around my mouth and the ones that shoot out from my eyes. So now I smile when I see my husband, not just for my marriage, but so that he can see the person I want him to see. The one, that is in love with him - for all he does for us, and for what he does to me. <br /><br />And those two (New Years & Anniversary), they can run right past me. Prancing in their popularity. But for me, there will be no running. I would just like to sit here and enjoy what I have right now, today. I’ll take it all in and let it resonate. I will live my life at eye level. That is my anniversary gift. That is my new year’s resolution.<br /><br />Want More?<br /><a href="http://writer4rent.blogspot.com/2009/03/throw-it-to-me.html">Another 'Smile' Story</a> by me :)<br /><a href="http://writer4rent.blogspot.com/2009/04/old-is-cute.html">Another one I know you'll like</a><br /><a href="http://writer4rent.blogspot.com/2009/01/still-learning.html">Also intrinsic about me and hubby</a><br /><a href="http://writer4rent.blogspot.com/2009/04/finding-my-stride.html">This one too!</a><br /><br />Read more at the lovely <a href="http://thediaperdiaries.net/">Diaper Diaries</a> Blog<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for subscribing to The Chronicles. Enjoy!</div>Amy Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00538755339506841656noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691477445682065036.post-60310523251334658862009-12-01T06:32:00.000-08:002009-12-01T06:57:08.319-08:00The Good Giftby Amy Platon<br /><br />If you have a little artist in your home, then you know that the fridge is the usual display spot. If you are looking for an inexpensive gift idea for a mom that you know, consider this…..<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8u3BUBNhjw0czxcptr4nVfEyEZ9S20BGM17NclzPPaTlBqIeCp0xyOXIdqY-YBNtbvHPEkar5YDDJ9iE6oc-tcT1xDDgYNjcHG-79WwUclUbUuFI8_wuzZsdnruO-62MgV-99m2WTcOI/s1600/PICT0108_7.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8u3BUBNhjw0czxcptr4nVfEyEZ9S20BGM17NclzPPaTlBqIeCp0xyOXIdqY-YBNtbvHPEkar5YDDJ9iE6oc-tcT1xDDgYNjcHG-79WwUclUbUuFI8_wuzZsdnruO-62MgV-99m2WTcOI/s400/PICT0108_7.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410278186852280514" /></a><br /><br />It’s a picture box and you can pick one up at any craft store or frame shop although an crafts store may have the better price. I picked this one up for $12.99. And I LOOOOVE it. My daughter comes home with all kinds of cute crafts from school, and they are at times too heavy for a magnet. That’s when I tried to look for a sophisticated solution that would blend with my homes décor. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3TXdwSO-vbNCxNFdaOYtoSRvlPx5Xk1tS4iIuD4HL-0_s78kBQDi3PdwxgI4ePPBMOB6O_bnZzdz5i8tbpem1rbDH3F9jy_tiuRmnjXp_DR2Qj5Q-del0hqb35cqrUoLJO2nlSu84F-c/s1600/PICT0113_7.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3TXdwSO-vbNCxNFdaOYtoSRvlPx5Xk1tS4iIuD4HL-0_s78kBQDi3PdwxgI4ePPBMOB6O_bnZzdz5i8tbpem1rbDH3F9jy_tiuRmnjXp_DR2Qj5Q-del0hqb35cqrUoLJO2nlSu84F-c/s400/PICT0113_7.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410278483267516450" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwcWKdSSwParA1qBcdJF3ChfqXSfPAmcbsZR6EzZgZDXrh6tloFUeb9M43PJhjQ75SgX-imgFyhOVpyO7GBWzHE9onypjRTeQPp-vOzR44tvU9Pee4e32jVk9ZfcrnN4-BKFOkhg3I0-c/s1600/PICT0112_4.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwcWKdSSwParA1qBcdJF3ChfqXSfPAmcbsZR6EzZgZDXrh6tloFUeb9M43PJhjQ75SgX-imgFyhOVpyO7GBWzHE9onypjRTeQPp-vOzR44tvU9Pee4e32jVk9ZfcrnN4-BKFOkhg3I0-c/s400/PICT0112_4.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410278759404894402" /></a><br /><br /><br />I printed her name in a pretty font from the computer, and pinned it in the box. Then when she comes home with a new masterpiece, I slip the old one out and into her scrapbook box, and the new one goes in. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZzqKfGshJgWmZdoMnx6xz-BlAsVURFg5IF2Cx2Cb1rdxXDLZSpke-JCFhypdKIh0GgNu0M2Q8A-8_Q38Rab0llUSjqljdWpu4j3mGX6_EKlpGl4YC4sXnyj0zpn_QgfONz7O6SIc8lHk/s1600/PICT0092_10.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZzqKfGshJgWmZdoMnx6xz-BlAsVURFg5IF2Cx2Cb1rdxXDLZSpke-JCFhypdKIh0GgNu0M2Q8A-8_Q38Rab0llUSjqljdWpu4j3mGX6_EKlpGl4YC4sXnyj0zpn_QgfONz7O6SIc8lHk/s400/PICT0092_10.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410279258096181170" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />She loves it, and so do our guests! <br /><br /><br />When I gift it, I plan to print out their child’s name and pin it in for them. Then I'll tie a thick fabric bow around it and fasten on a beautiful tag. <br /><br /><br />Also, watch for another gift idea that I’ll reveal that I’m doing for my children for Christmas. I think it’s safe to post, they don’t know Scribble Ink Café exists…..yet ☺<br /><br />Want some more inspiration? Click below:<br /><br /><a href="http://writer4rent.blogspot.com/2009/04/do-you-hear-that-in-case-you-cant-make.html">My Kitchen Renovation</a><br /><a href="http://writer4rent.blogspot.com/2009/06/kid-infusium.html">More Kid Design Ideas</a><br /><a href="http://writer4rent.blogspot.com/2009/06/patio-makeover.html">Patio Makeover</a><br /><br />Happy Holidays!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for subscribing to The Chronicles. Enjoy!</div>Amy Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00538755339506841656noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691477445682065036.post-91237111695758671182009-11-24T09:24:00.000-08:002009-11-24T10:35:35.958-08:00Festival of the Mastersby Amy Platon<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIUcnvo_9luylLqiyd6D3OczGmmSng7ivIRQtud0dGkFHVB2s04HreTXdomp0K43Uust3MPNnAFaj7fqjPUZv7erHuatsLRFgkrjHawpCteSip9Kn4lcHTslmo24kDKWfxgpfP1mCEXqg/s1600/PICT0053_15.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIUcnvo_9luylLqiyd6D3OczGmmSng7ivIRQtud0dGkFHVB2s04HreTXdomp0K43Uust3MPNnAFaj7fqjPUZv7erHuatsLRFgkrjHawpCteSip9Kn4lcHTslmo24kDKWfxgpfP1mCEXqg/s400/PICT0053_15.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407722867743454946" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Well hubby just completed this beautiful piece of digital art for Disney's Festival of the Masters. Disney liked it enough to make some limited merchandise out of it. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNu26QYrftWyw32YXb7TaoylZcjUr5actxiToV28S4nj7TsBn8bBvpEe-isw_NVwiFMbJbrvgAEL2L9lGMiLFbF2y26cFDAHyiTK9FTZPdKUaA-xNLixel9h46aGiRdxSnn5hgbuVeXJ8/s1600/PICT0049_13.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNu26QYrftWyw32YXb7TaoylZcjUr5actxiToV28S4nj7TsBn8bBvpEe-isw_NVwiFMbJbrvgAEL2L9lGMiLFbF2y26cFDAHyiTK9FTZPdKUaA-xNLixel9h46aGiRdxSnn5hgbuVeXJ8/s400/PICT0049_13.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407726819199551218" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Sharpie liked it too. They did a kids exhibit with it. The kiddos got to color their own tiles to make up the mural that was displayed for the event.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFb2jREPlmTLte5ehSwR9vb1oDCzPUvyIAtc0BfUID3PCAk2BTiXSeEd7L0CeRhW8uAXM-Lx063g3INXvjBP3K-6R0ZAkZNykA5IgEIz8_OWaB5pZVmUgA9nAOrGN60SKNETEOWoNO0ec/s1600/PICT0081_10.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFb2jREPlmTLte5ehSwR9vb1oDCzPUvyIAtc0BfUID3PCAk2BTiXSeEd7L0CeRhW8uAXM-Lx063g3INXvjBP3K-6R0ZAkZNykA5IgEIz8_OWaB5pZVmUgA9nAOrGN60SKNETEOWoNO0ec/s400/PICT0081_10.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407727101287720530" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSiQtvoTAxPM2MpVrKapxw0nMktdQTHOZmo3tPZuVFcNocYAYLFA6ML54ixaweYQ7I2gnSvaz3bINJEStyyOpHr-Rwo4e74qSef9cMKIrP_3LtkbBrgFk3Jq7RLi6cF4dQ1p-5lBGbHog/s1600/PICT0052_13.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSiQtvoTAxPM2MpVrKapxw0nMktdQTHOZmo3tPZuVFcNocYAYLFA6ML54ixaweYQ7I2gnSvaz3bINJEStyyOpHr-Rwo4e74qSef9cMKIrP_3LtkbBrgFk3Jq7RLi6cF4dQ1p-5lBGbHog/s400/PICT0052_13.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407727376256777186" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Hubby even signed his work for the adoring fans! Now the only place to land some of this fine merchandise is on <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ARTIST-SIGNED-DISNEY-PIN-FESTIVAL-OF-THE-MASTERS-2009--_W0QQitemZ370295317784QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxZ20091124?IMSfp=TL091124019009r35569">Ebay</a>. haha.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBjoP42qaELpiuf9YPYrTaZU0eV26yaD5GKYK8s-PbMMlOwak_JT9Qbo10Mmv6KQOetKZSPuvmsMDkmtSETkdSxBFy3V2AQ_J4-xIszF2QMfZHjZ49Q6UNiwo_BZTM1ndWFNX5QwiI8ig/s1600/PICT0056_10.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBjoP42qaELpiuf9YPYrTaZU0eV26yaD5GKYK8s-PbMMlOwak_JT9Qbo10Mmv6KQOetKZSPuvmsMDkmtSETkdSxBFy3V2AQ_J4-xIszF2QMfZHjZ49Q6UNiwo_BZTM1ndWFNX5QwiI8ig/s400/PICT0056_10.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407727660589740466" /></a><br /><br />If you like Arnel's work, I'll announce the launch of his artist site, just as soon as he gets it all ready. Here was his last piece for <a href="http://www.certain.com/system/profile/web/index.cfm?PKwebID=0x62321437a&varPage=info">FOM</a> <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR6dwQ-S4eYGXQefLY4wUPhu2jl54kKhTxmmZy3P_wT_Q6KxyhGe89KeVg8sm_Z45SEFejNm0c-I7Z3a797SS6Ye8PS49NgBeya27rdJHDF-NvWO6jieKG336EsHi5lJY6oUxaLIF4jus/s1600/FOM+PM.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR6dwQ-S4eYGXQefLY4wUPhu2jl54kKhTxmmZy3P_wT_Q6KxyhGe89KeVg8sm_Z45SEFejNm0c-I7Z3a797SS6Ye8PS49NgBeya27rdJHDF-NvWO6jieKG336EsHi5lJY6oUxaLIF4jus/s400/FOM+PM.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407726448369840162" /></a><br /><br />It was an especially beautiful day to be a family!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJsT2SXnrpHkuteLC_Su8AyaCkgJDzqTECJFdITIWM40bSmNdukD7Cn6cM9M2hnHHc7n16mo1uHv3_m83JgG-xtyfO98vfybTst9kfhiHNJJ-3OMbB7u-Tlmab3deFdKHtwbTPfae5EU/s1600/PICT0071_11.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 371px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJsT2SXnrpHkuteLC_Su8AyaCkgJDzqTECJFdITIWM40bSmNdukD7Cn6cM9M2hnHHc7n16mo1uHv3_m83JgG-xtyfO98vfybTst9kfhiHNJJ-3OMbB7u-Tlmab3deFdKHtwbTPfae5EU/s400/PICT0071_11.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407731584262142626" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for subscribing to The Chronicles. Enjoy!</div>Amy Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00538755339506841656noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691477445682065036.post-26725804124083816842009-11-08T06:23:00.000-08:002009-11-08T16:45:51.015-08:00Halloween Crossover<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJxm-vjn11Ii5uTc48qGL5msOkqk4Y0W4YP5S_weUP-vKusJrCf5764Hn0k4Awa0J8CxQ-Oo_Xxc2sxUr-x9RU7AlfplFf4m4hfaiRWLEsx7-QdRuFaqXG2VVApIRlGQd4V57zedcEX28/s1600-h/PICT0045_16.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJxm-vjn11Ii5uTc48qGL5msOkqk4Y0W4YP5S_weUP-vKusJrCf5764Hn0k4Awa0J8CxQ-Oo_Xxc2sxUr-x9RU7AlfplFf4m4hfaiRWLEsx7-QdRuFaqXG2VVApIRlGQd4V57zedcEX28/s400/PICT0045_16.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401846191153870706" /></a><br />by Amy Platon<br /><br />As homeowners who decorate for the holidays, the first weekend in November is a toss up. You know the Halloween décor needs to come down, or you’ll be that family… the one that leaves their stuff up just a little too long after the event has passed. <br /><br />If you are like us, you consider for a moment, to trade the Halloween stash for Christmas decorations. “That way,” I say, “We only have to open the attic once.” <br /><br />Hubby and I know it’s just too early for Christmas lights, and at 5:30 on Saturday night, neither of us are ready to get started on that project now or this weekend for that matter. (Besides, it’s not fair to put that kind of pressure on the neighbors this early in the season, haha) However, I convince my man to drag out a couple of lighted trees and a wreath. “The kids will love it.” I say.<br /><br />So he does. And this morning we woke up to extra greenery around the house, but just a touch of it. It was nice. Even husband was impressed. We stood at the top of our stairs staring at what we were able to accomplish so early in the season. He says, “You even had time to put fake snow on the wreath?” As he stepped in to take a closer look, I was forced to confess… “That’s insulation.”<br /><br />And the Santas had a jolly good laugh. Almost spilling coffee right down the <a href="http://writer4rent.blogspot.com/2009/10/diy-explosion.html">new stairs</a>. <br /><br />Happy Holidays!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for subscribing to The Chronicles. Enjoy!</div>Amy Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00538755339506841656noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691477445682065036.post-21336662712466758502009-11-03T11:45:00.000-08:002009-11-06T07:05:27.459-08:00If It’s Options You Want…..<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmRdn5IwtnvMrQjxsyxQYc0ijGJGD5AQEwT4Ep-pP-3ap6UG3qR8WY2b9_jY9MFoykMB5eKRYcAHZ-oRkFjalSaqJ43Zg6JXOU7Q9RL6Hyf3UzAbzHeRsm1ia-2bcX98IQW1WfiZQsbJo/s1600-h/images.jpeg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 126px; height: 119px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmRdn5IwtnvMrQjxsyxQYc0ijGJGD5AQEwT4Ep-pP-3ap6UG3qR8WY2b9_jY9MFoykMB5eKRYcAHZ-oRkFjalSaqJ43Zg6JXOU7Q9RL6Hyf3UzAbzHeRsm1ia-2bcX98IQW1WfiZQsbJo/s400/images.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399967634330459346" /></a><br />A word from your REALTOR/Bartender/Writer/Mom/Head of Household.<br /><br />I’ll just say it. This housing market is a total drag. <br /><br />I have some friends who bought at the top of their price range, anticipating raises and employment to continue on it’s upward trend. I mean we all did. Our job market was too promising for too long. We all but forgot that there could be a slump in the economy. <br /><br />The more I walk into abandoned homes and trudge through over grown front yards, the more I think how some of this could be avoided. That’s right, I said avoided!<br /><br />Look here, if you don’t like your house, you’re not trapped in it, even though the market sucks. You have options. First, ask yourself, can you renovate to make it the beautiful home you’ve always wanted? No? It’s not beauty that stops you from loving your home? It’s the sheer expense of it? Then consider renting it out. <br /><br />Stay with me now. <br /><br />If you rent your home out, and you can cover your expenses or at least come close, you can then rent, for yourself, a place that better suits your needs (whether you are trading up or down.) Renting may not sound like a “good” idea to you, but if you can’t stay in your home and you can’t sell without shorting the bank then RENT IT! <br /><br />Who cares if they spill on your lovely carpet or if they break a tile, or get the walls dirty. That’s all fixable (and comes right out of the security deposit, by the way). Don’t get hung up on the fact that your precious home won’t be kept up, cause you can fix that later (with their money.)<br /><br />Just because you are a home owner, doesn’t mean you can’t be a renter. So once you get your home rented out, you go find a place that fits your needs and rent it for yourself. If you are able to rent for less than you are paying now, then you can lower your expenses. <br /><br />Here’s an example, if you currently pay $2000 a month for your 5 bedroom home, but you are willing to go down to a 3 bed room rental that costs $1100 per month. You rent your place for say $1800, then your expenses go from $2000 per month to $1300 per month ($200 your not getting to cover your mortgage plus the $1100 in new rent expenses.) <br /><br />You lower your cost of living exponentially (including lowering your utilities) and you still keep your investment. If you rent in the town where you own, then if worse comes to worse, and you can’t find a renter the following year, you can leave your rental and reoccupy your home. But come in close, because I’m about to tell you a secret: The rental market is doing great. There are more renters looking for homes than there are buyers. Just be prepared to prove to your new tenant that you are up to date on all your house payments and be prepared to have their security deposit in a separate escrow account for their protection in case you default. <br /><br />Don’t be a victim to a downward financial spiral. Pilot yourself out of it! We need to quit jumping ship!<br /><br />And now back to your regularly scheduled programming.<br /><br />Cheap Renovations - See My Home:<br /><a href="http://writer4rent.blogspot.com/2009/10/diy-explosion.html">Update Your Stairs</a><br /><a href="http://writer4rent.blogspot.com/2009/06/kid-infusium.html">Decorating for Children and Adults</a><br /><a href="http://writer4rent.blogspot.com/2009/04/do-you-hear-that-in-case-you-cant-make.html">Kitchen Facelift</a><br /><a href="http://writer4rent.blogspot.com/2009/06/patio-makeover.html">Patio Magic</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for subscribing to The Chronicles. Enjoy!</div>Amy Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00538755339506841656noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691477445682065036.post-90014005741746397422009-10-15T07:07:00.000-07:002009-10-16T09:21:11.142-07:00Back To Basics<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcRs54G6rUohBxsOqjsjrZcfS3nM-yCbdStnFXvxDYW66Sh8N0OC578cD7zfsYMpgFtsqV3QHIKTenxxgXRaUgWy0BH8t-mYaOmhVKtGJYl9IT34IAjyWIWU-3DMJxeLergcbgSUzZRjk/s1600-h/5677.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 263px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcRs54G6rUohBxsOqjsjrZcfS3nM-yCbdStnFXvxDYW66Sh8N0OC578cD7zfsYMpgFtsqV3QHIKTenxxgXRaUgWy0BH8t-mYaOmhVKtGJYl9IT34IAjyWIWU-3DMJxeLergcbgSUzZRjk/s400/5677.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392828255136953410" /></a><br /><br />I'm sooo excited! Remember this? I've been looking for this thing (for my daughter) for about a year now. I just remember playing with it for hours when I was a kid (okay maybe I really want to play with it again). You pick a skirt or pants and pick a top and rub a crayon over the paper sideways so the image is drawn on the page. <br /><br />I didn't remember the name of it, but as it turns out, there is no actual name for it (they call it "Fashion Designer"). <br /><br />Once I stumbled on this site, I decided, that from now on, I'm only going to <a href="http://www.backtobasicstoys.com/item/productid/5677/txt/Fashion_Designer">Back To Basics Toys</a> when I want nostalgic toys. They really do have it all. It's the perfect site to shop for birthday gifts, especially for kids who have it "all" already. (No they didn't pay me to say that.) After all, sleigh bells are ringing in the distance.<br /><br />Anyway, I just thought I'd share, in case any of you moms couldn't think of the name of this thing either. LOL.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for subscribing to The Chronicles. Enjoy!</div>Amy Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00538755339506841656noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691477445682065036.post-75175411208081947832009-10-08T05:30:00.000-07:002009-10-08T05:50:11.689-07:00DIY Explosion!by Amy Platon<br /><br />Well folks, it's done! Hubby and I (mostly Hubby) just converted our stairs. Here's the "before." As you can see behind me, we had traditional carpet covered steps.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbFHgZ0IZgQWV-NGRjLmQ2HipqNNdx623UmV-Vx__P0H_V3UGPhBzHvaKeP1ZHSuOoqQYGueg5TQjXPmmtw5YhUCWJom4oC21XWuo7l5L3o3Nd7bHxPeAfuCHXikt3ZKWCaS1jRqOd9s/s1600-h/P4118729.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbFHgZ0IZgQWV-NGRjLmQ2HipqNNdx623UmV-Vx__P0H_V3UGPhBzHvaKeP1ZHSuOoqQYGueg5TQjXPmmtw5YhUCWJom4oC21XWuo7l5L3o3Nd7bHxPeAfuCHXikt3ZKWCaS1jRqOd9s/s400/P4118729.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390207698515014354" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Now see the finished product.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBvyEPpbb_52Z_b0gEANL8Zsuy_ouVl71UOpUrm-6SCow67Kka8QL1b91TSV4HF6nt3-MOA7dif5vw__0bnPuAR_nN-IE0rkOInfG67AvXaPlZIZEoI3cqwfimg1lWywY-7kbhyG_OgvQ/s1600-h/IMG_0011.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBvyEPpbb_52Z_b0gEANL8Zsuy_ouVl71UOpUrm-6SCow67Kka8QL1b91TSV4HF6nt3-MOA7dif5vw__0bnPuAR_nN-IE0rkOInfG67AvXaPlZIZEoI3cqwfimg1lWywY-7kbhyG_OgvQ/s400/IMG_0011.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390207987783038610" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh24R99NH7KkO5O8L0W38j88WPrtr7qq0mXqwIRKA1rpDtB5FtowqWkYAUf2LNapA0yeIVMClWTe_7wbuiMYsVqapwwP7zujoyIMhybmjH2w4pnIjANhLTyqBrW4c9vUmCF1O412_espMo/s1600-h/IMG_0012.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh24R99NH7KkO5O8L0W38j88WPrtr7qq0mXqwIRKA1rpDtB5FtowqWkYAUf2LNapA0yeIVMClWTe_7wbuiMYsVqapwwP7zujoyIMhybmjH2w4pnIjANhLTyqBrW4c9vUmCF1O412_espMo/s400/IMG_0012.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390208260638554258" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDbiuCCDW2DzmdnnIGwnEZZ9OGWXLTvnnzruRBT0XWJo3_txZWc8wiI2rmFIn8vrwQB1PFNncc9AcXVgg6UuMQ3glPjxmcqIEXrd4sCB4g2kHNAYmTHqYRhygXPk-ZhtzaSN6dfp3ttLg/s1600-h/IMG_0013.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDbiuCCDW2DzmdnnIGwnEZZ9OGWXLTvnnzruRBT0XWJo3_txZWc8wiI2rmFIn8vrwQB1PFNncc9AcXVgg6UuMQ3glPjxmcqIEXrd4sCB4g2kHNAYmTHqYRhygXPk-ZhtzaSN6dfp3ttLg/s400/IMG_0013.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390208486484315362" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We had this project priced by several professionals and the lowest figure was $1500 (and that was just labor). We completed this project ourselves for right around $400. <br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3aSPrYM1i5LLtKP3KTCapyXsUQiDW5IwrZGsLkINEckcAyG9nGHlQPUYZn4pMwX1TK098o_1BpQIO559vy_3awutpxIWKBBGvzoFS1LxMa41ocoT3Fj_Jgop1A0_215NhPbhkhgK8Lro/s1600-h/IMG_0014.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3aSPrYM1i5LLtKP3KTCapyXsUQiDW5IwrZGsLkINEckcAyG9nGHlQPUYZn4pMwX1TK098o_1BpQIO559vy_3awutpxIWKBBGvzoFS1LxMa41ocoT3Fj_Jgop1A0_215NhPbhkhgK8Lro/s400/IMG_0014.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390208797500507426" /></a><br /><br /><br />Can you see the fear in his eyes? Yes, he totally ice skates down the stairs. He's only slipped on the bottom two steps. Now he's much more careful!<br /><br />We're so happy with the result! it only took 3 weekends! We did the landing first then took it 3 steps per day from there! Ahhhh I love the sound of DIY success under my feet!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for subscribing to The Chronicles. Enjoy!</div>Amy Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00538755339506841656noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691477445682065036.post-37342977169272865902009-09-17T15:40:00.000-07:002009-09-23T21:50:41.080-07:00Pickin' Peppers again! HA HA!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7AiPIaZgLAKOusp10nyiPXjrWfmRadwdJhI5TsiCrJG0iGPf-ptvCgh2k8X7Rl-HoUY3GFowjr0ZU3vfmMljcjKBXkHofllVy9E755tdbZHBQukFrdSMXeFsDqqR_A2NNKlmnemXqz7A/s1600-h/FwdPicka.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7AiPIaZgLAKOusp10nyiPXjrWfmRadwdJhI5TsiCrJG0iGPf-ptvCgh2k8X7Rl-HoUY3GFowjr0ZU3vfmMljcjKBXkHofllVy9E755tdbZHBQukFrdSMXeFsDqqR_A2NNKlmnemXqz7A/s400/FwdPicka.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382570099112477858" /></a><br /><br />WOW! I just got this email forward from a friend, and I had to post it for the blogosphere. Sorry if you've seen this already. The above pictures are actual peppers! The email reads that the farmer says these can grow up to 18" long....That just brings tears to your eyes, doesn't it?<br /><br />Ha, ha! Too funny. This pic wasn't posted on the email I got once that showed how each <a href="http://www.wellsphere.com/vitamins-supplements-article/fruits-and-veggies-look-like-body-parts/440013">vegetable that resembles an organ benefits the organ</a>. I guess the peppers don't do much for <span style="font-style:italic;">that</span> organ! <br /><br />Cheers! Have a great weekend. <br /><br />PS I hope to have some exciting pictures to share on Monday! But you'll have to wait and see.......hint, "Todo" is gonna kill me!<br /><br />UPDATE: I found that hot peppers cause prostate cancer cells to fight themselves! <a href="http://www.streetdirectory.com/food_editorials/cooking/herbs_and_spices/hot_peppers_have_multiple_health_benefits.html">Here's the link for that article!</a> Too Cool!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for subscribing to The Chronicles. Enjoy!</div>Amy Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00538755339506841656noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691477445682065036.post-71673775624268464202009-09-14T08:51:00.000-07:002009-09-14T09:12:22.573-07:00Craz-y-ness!by Amy Platon<br /><br />No, I haven’t forgotten about my blog. I could never ever do that. In fact, if you only knew how much I thought about this blog, then it would be killing you too that you couldn’t find the time to sit down and tend to it. Well, I’ve forced myself to do it. And did I say crazy? <br /><br />Ready for the news?<br /><br />I’ve just started a new “mom” career! Writing is still in the plan, but honestly, it’s slow going. And since I can’t really bartend till I’m 60 (or at least I don’t really want to be that lady) then I better start deciding what my back-up plan is going to be.<br /><br />The mission: to set out and find a career that 1. Interests me. 2. Can provide me at least $30,000 a year. 3. Have the potential for growth. 3. And the clincher – it has to be flexible so I can still make time for mom stuff. Hmmmm. <br /><br />A little about me: I love my home, I love my family, I love talking to people, I love my community. No, I didn’t become a politician, where’s the flexibility in that?<br /><br />I became a Real Estate Agent. The only variable is the “income” part. But I will keep my day job, so to speak, until business starts picking up. But since passing the class then the state exam I have been in training for about a week now. And it has consumed me. But now I’m ready to get going making some money (if there is any to be made, only time will tell). I’ll keep you posted! Promise!<br /><br />PS. The little ones are loving school. As my 6 year old son gets older, his electronics are advancing. We are now into Wii, Itouch, and Nintendo DS. The problem is, that lately when his buddies come over, they sit around and play their own electronics. So, new rule in our house. People First! <br /><br />If there is a friend at the house, then play with your toys, not with your video games. I think it has helped to draw the line for him early. I know some adults who are still taking calls and checking emails while out to eat with their friends. Even when I’m an ultra successful Realtor (wink) I won’t be that lady! And if I can help it, he won’t be that guy!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for subscribing to The Chronicles. Enjoy!</div>Amy Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00538755339506841656noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691477445682065036.post-36372764979814092512009-08-31T07:14:00.000-07:002009-08-31T11:39:29.492-07:00Hope is Not a Plan<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV0AXhFaLXO01jmbGjIT9G_h_OAQQ_OIBAla6J06tRqA9zzlFdkpj_JFb-ZWk92qYUGRNXyRro0DAPjLOUkckZMnuPrj9zhbOnqWHqtllDEGNUoU3fzn-UAWL_sSbxdDoffFb6XLhwOhA/s1600-h/images.jpeg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 118px; height: 118px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV0AXhFaLXO01jmbGjIT9G_h_OAQQ_OIBAla6J06tRqA9zzlFdkpj_JFb-ZWk92qYUGRNXyRro0DAPjLOUkckZMnuPrj9zhbOnqWHqtllDEGNUoU3fzn-UAWL_sSbxdDoffFb6XLhwOhA/s320/images.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376133121731659378" /></a>by Amy Platon<br /><br />How does it go? Never underestimate the power of a back-up plan? <br /><br />Well I would totally buy that. Especially with the little things. For instance this weekend, hubby and I re-touched our walls around the house. But of course, once you get started in a “little” project like that, before you know it you’ve painted everything in the house. <br /><br />I gathered the children. “Family, the entire house is wet. Don’t touch the railing on the stairs, any wall, any closet or room door. In fact don’t touch anything white anywhere.” As my kids blinked at my directions, I could see their little minds taking themselves through the house on what would become a complete obstacle course. “You’re right. Let me try that again. <span style="font-style:italic;">Try</span> not to touch anything white in the house, you will get paint on you.”<br /><br />Anyway, once I said that, ineviatabley someone NEEDED to go potty. Someone else HAD to go downstairs to eat. And though both of those things went well, we all know wet paint never goes untouched. <br /><br />Enter: the back-up plan. “When you do touch the paint that I’ve just told you not to touch, do not wipe it on your shirt. Hold your hand up, come find me and we will wash it off.” It ended up we only had a minor incident. The paint dried fast and we were back climbing the doorframes and using the walls as brakes in no time.<br /><br />Having a plan for the failed first plan was just what the kids needed to limit residual damage. Because hope, as they say, is not a plan.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for subscribing to The Chronicles. Enjoy!</div>Amy Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00538755339506841656noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691477445682065036.post-55532179561245427452009-08-26T08:45:00.000-07:002009-08-26T08:55:43.280-07:00Do You Hear That?by Amy Platon<br /><br />I thought it might have been something in the air. I started to think it, could have been that football season was coming around. One thing I knew for sure was that it was nowhere near Christmas. But the parents in my group of friends were especially happy - giddy even. I had never seen so many hi-fives and fist bumps as I did last weekend when we got together. Smiles were contagious and the off and on whines from the children went utterly unnoticed. Patience saturated every moment.<br /><br />Then I realized what it was. It was the last weekend of summer break. And as happy as we all are for summer to roll around, we are just as happy to see it go – Or should I say, just as happy to see fall arrive. <br /><br />My enthusiasm for Monday morning came as inevitably as the school bus did around the corner. I waved a vigorous goodbye and boasted an energetic smile. Of course, I was just trying to help my boy feel excited for his first day of first grade. My son and all of his neighborhood friends peered out the windows smiling back at me only because it was expected. <br /><br />No, he didn’t want summer to end. And we did have a ton of fun! But I have to tell you, going back into a quiet house that stayed clean almost all day was a beautiful thing. <br /><br />The tissue train made no stops at my house. I did have friends who mourned for a moment, or two. It is hard when all your kids are out of the house for the first time. I remember constantly checking the back seat for my daughter the first time she went to school. Then when I <span style="font-style:italic;">did</span> have them with me, I would second guess who I <span style="font-style:italic;">should</span> have with me. It is an adjustment. I get that, but I’m not gonna lie – I am enjoying the silence. <br /><br />I love my children, but even moms need a little personal time. I needed a little time from them and they need their time away from me. Hooray for school. High five! And God bless those teachers!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVSBTRg2hvZCBx16Accs8v71nIvx1RujYzfubu5o9ggFrx6-Jmpf-ZZLjZOttqrpKVljE-Q1sAgSHqwNb-gLh6GRRyES1Hu8f5XN78jCoI2TzDEnC1tunJAvsgCybCFfSB6o98DN_2CIU/s1600-h/PICT0026_8.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:right;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVSBTRg2hvZCBx16Accs8v71nIvx1RujYzfubu5o9ggFrx6-Jmpf-ZZLjZOttqrpKVljE-Q1sAgSHqwNb-gLh6GRRyES1Hu8f5XN78jCoI2TzDEnC1tunJAvsgCybCFfSB6o98DN_2CIU/s320/PICT0026_8.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374301225770324514" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for subscribing to The Chronicles. Enjoy!</div>Amy Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00538755339506841656noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691477445682065036.post-65473105133644258642009-08-20T12:03:00.000-07:002009-08-20T13:07:03.421-07:00AND...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-CqTv5wUARqTR6LMidEgJP3Eol-TDJYlm9P6oj1L1QoMfAe3vGdVDPG95Adccg6RmeFMSD2pynklzurbRFEmUolH3KTvxkwewHpdfITWnNAGA0v_bF7epyZ8CUfFsnFGUfSryz3Ttuy4/s1600-h/PICT0051_11.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 297px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-CqTv5wUARqTR6LMidEgJP3Eol-TDJYlm9P6oj1L1QoMfAe3vGdVDPG95Adccg6RmeFMSD2pynklzurbRFEmUolH3KTvxkwewHpdfITWnNAGA0v_bF7epyZ8CUfFsnFGUfSryz3Ttuy4/s400/PICT0051_11.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372124780609210322" /></a>by Amy Platon<br /><br />“Mommy, I want to be a ballerina when I grow up.”<br /><br />As a Mom, I guess I’m supposed to have faith that she’ll grow out of that. Not that I’m opposed to ballerinas. It’s just that I’m one of those Moms…princess stories don’t scare me. That is, when I watch a performance or a movie that spotlights a female in need of rescue, I’m not the kind of Mom that worries if my daughter will reenact that behavior in her real life.<br /><br />How can I be so sure? Because, she’s got me for a Mom.<br /><br />When my daughter said, “Mommy, I want to be a ballerina when I grow up.” I said, “Oh, honey. I think you would make a fabulous ballerina. And did you know you can be a ballerina, AND something else?”<br /><br />“I can?”<br /><br />“Yup. You can be as many things as you want to be. Say your brother wants to be a football player when he grows up. Well, there are football teams for dads to play on when they are home from work or on the weekends. Just like there are mommy ballerina classes. When you grow up, and have a job, you can be a ballerina after work and on the weekends.”<br /><br />“Oh.” She says. “So, I can be a Mommy and a ballerina?”<br /><br />“And what ever else you want to be. You don’t have to choose just one, you can be them all, if you want.”<br /><br />Poof! Just like that, her fantasy becomes a workable reality. She doesn’t have to be the best ballerina in her class. She just has to love it. <br /><br />I wasn't born this way. I was that dreamer. I didn’t have someone helping me move the pieces of this puzzle we call life. Showing me how they fit together. In fact, I'm pretty sure someone took a few of the pieces from my box. But I’m the kind of Mom who is going to give every secret to my children. Everything I’ve learned I will give to them, so they can be a step ahead of me when I was their age.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for subscribing to The Chronicles. Enjoy!</div>Amy Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00538755339506841656noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691477445682065036.post-65700044268092366262009-08-09T20:17:00.000-07:002009-08-12T07:11:43.369-07:00The Dr. Is In<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZzNAFmTvKUxeWJyMFj8SNbY-a5dcJPrMg3iKsihj9zcDtUNBFxIzghwgv8MzuviD63XsPeUSKp4ZqGS60hNNsb29nnwXEvgKPnEFAJUw48h31nZdgYR3d_p65fQzKaRp6guMn6bvCrM/s1600-h/images-1.jpeg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 105px; height: 120px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZzNAFmTvKUxeWJyMFj8SNbY-a5dcJPrMg3iKsihj9zcDtUNBFxIzghwgv8MzuviD63XsPeUSKp4ZqGS60hNNsb29nnwXEvgKPnEFAJUw48h31nZdgYR3d_p65fQzKaRp6guMn6bvCrM/s400/images-1.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369079739783179922" /></a><br />by Amy Platon<br /><br />Advice on stitches removal. Hand the tweezers to your six-year old son. <br /><br />I see that look of horror on your face. But I mean it.<br /><br />Lots of good things come out of empowering your kids with real responsibility. The beautiful thing about stitches is that they look so medically important. They look complicated, painful, and even a little gross. But the reality is, that at the end of their term, there are virtually painless. They’re also super simple to extract… only the kids have no idea about that. Let’s face it, my kids think rice crispy treats require culinary skills, and I’m nowhere near bursting that bubble! <br /><br />So, on to some good ol' fashioned Mommy Magic. I called the whole family into the bathroom. I cut the knot off and I pulled the first two stitches out to show them how it’s done. Then I handed the tweezers off. My son pulled out the next two and my daughter (not enough coordination to use the tweezers) pulled her two out with her fingers. <br /><br />They were so absorbed in the experience that 1. I trusted them with not just my body but with my boo-boo. 2. It made them feel like doctors (no harm in that). 3. It Dissolved any potential fear about getting stitches, should they need them in the future. And 4. I had them “fix” something on me, that I didn’t scream and cry about. <br /><br />And believe me, I made that point clear. “See Mommy doesn’t mind letting you help me with my boo-boo. Just like you let me help you with yours.” Ahh yes, I do believe the lights came on about that one! <br /><br />Don't have any stitches to share? Well next time you get blood drawn, have the kids watch - if you don't scream and cry that is. Or let them put your eye drops in for you. Still not that brave? Let them administer your band-aid then. They'll totally love you for it!<br /><br />I guess I need some sort of disclosure about this post, just to cover any potential issues, so here goes: I’m no doctor, despite the title. These are merely suggestions from a crazy mom who just wants to take any opportunity to open her children’s eyes a little wider to the world around them. Her stories are for entertainment use only! <br /><br />But they are true.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for subscribing to The Chronicles. Enjoy!</div>Amy Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00538755339506841656noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691477445682065036.post-67282188738762705332009-08-07T12:39:00.000-07:002009-08-11T13:45:13.548-07:00Gift of the Magi<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0cyqKp8DbPzTR9V46W_O6ZLzkytrFtPmLWPReH6l62lMCGqmBXGhRIAyv3oT6djqJAhrlUOnOG_S_IVbQVc8sxn2DxXM76twcSWGqv9dpWtualrRON-HoJPHZQSPdKt7CVR8gH5BeHs/s1600-h/GetAttachment.aspx.jpeg"><img style="float:center; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0cyqKp8DbPzTR9V46W_O6ZLzkytrFtPmLWPReH6l62lMCGqmBXGhRIAyv3oT6djqJAhrlUOnOG_S_IVbQVc8sxn2DxXM76twcSWGqv9dpWtualrRON-HoJPHZQSPdKt7CVR8gH5BeHs/s400/GetAttachment.aspx.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368809450363007010" /></a><br />by Amy Platon<br /><br />So remember that <a href="http://writer4rent.blogspot.com/2009/07/vans-skate-park.html">skate camp</a> I sent my son to? Well I thought I’d share a beautiful piece of advice that his instructor shared with him. His instructor’s skate name is Magi, hence the title. Wink.<br /><br />Well Magi told my son that when he tries to learn a new trick, try not to get frustrated. Which is a big expectation for a six year old. But then Magi said this: “You know what I do when I’m not getting a trick? I just go back to a trick that I can do, and do that one for a while so I start feeling good about myself again. Then when I feel good, I try the new trick again.”<br /><br />Bri-hill-iant!<br /><br />So, later that day we were at home. My son came downstairs to whine about how he wasn’t getting to the next level of the game he was playing. <br /><br />I evoked my inner Magi and asked him, “What would Magi do?”<br /><br />“I don’t know.”<br /><br />“Magi says to try a different game until you start feeling better about yourself then go back to this game and try again.”<br /><br />“That’s for skateboarding.”<br /><br />“No, it’s for everything you do. If you get frustrated, take a break from it and do something you are good at, then try again.”<br /><br />Pretty good advice for just about anyone, don't you think?<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for subscribing to The Chronicles. Enjoy!</div>Amy Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00538755339506841656noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691477445682065036.post-31448839216550609422009-07-29T11:42:00.000-07:002009-07-29T12:13:34.852-07:00Van's Skate Park<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqXhZRZu7-m_bGMCdc-ILmpWoAl12z9nt9z1yQ5M_JU_r_LBkdWdF9NzaLU-Jx67dI1BKGiuoRQs5b8wIgo3Nh2KaNrYXZvS9kwWXD2Olb44RME5bMDNaD0L5Az7D4iBilgoMFujH-Ij8/s1600-h/images.jpeg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 137px; height: 92px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqXhZRZu7-m_bGMCdc-ILmpWoAl12z9nt9z1yQ5M_JU_r_LBkdWdF9NzaLU-Jx67dI1BKGiuoRQs5b8wIgo3Nh2KaNrYXZvS9kwWXD2Olb44RME5bMDNaD0L5Az7D4iBilgoMFujH-Ij8/s400/images.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363961475094702546" /></a><br />Helloooooooo,<br /><br />Anyone here? Well I'll just assume you can hear me. <br /><br />Here go the updates:<br /><br />My <a href="http://writer4rent.blogspot.com/2009/07/jalapeno-attack.html">gun shot wound</a> is healing right on time. I'm planning to take out my own stitches, so look for that exciting post on or about August 10th!<br /><br />I think I might replace the stitches with six bar bell earrings, just cause I think it might work. I don't know. We'll see. <br /><br />So, I sent my boy off to Skate Camp this week. We are so lucky to have an indoor <a href="http://www.vans.com/vans/skateparks.asp?sp=orlando">Van's Skate Park</a> here. He's learning lots of cool tricks. He attempted the vert ramp (half-pipe) and at six years old that thing must look crazy big. For the rest of us it's 13 feet tall. Today they learned about having a good skate attitude. <br /><br />And here I thought I had to send my kid to karate for good moral values, but we never did karate cause I couldn't get past the irony. Then there's always church, but somehow if you're a kid, it's way cooler getting the good attitude talk from a full grown skate rat aka x-pro skater turned instructor. Dreads, tattoos, and an herb pipe somewhere (totally kidding), he has my sons full an complete respect. <br /><br />The Van's employees are just so nice. They are so great with the kids (young and older). If you're ever in Orlando, and you like to skate, do check out the park! Even if you don't skate you will enjoy watching from the top deck. It's a bridge style walkway that lets you observe all areas of the park without even touching a board!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for subscribing to The Chronicles. Enjoy!</div>Amy Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00538755339506841656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691477445682065036.post-24352654977793511742009-07-22T22:03:00.000-07:002009-07-22T22:13:33.318-07:00Jalapeno Attack<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDcixkMmgKZaMeVw0JVqzCr8tmAAZwgl8jKmA6EyCB_pd61B5MfpgnYCmf2bkgD3Tw7oa57fkqGAPiFrqpjAiuhV2-Olq_5L4tgN8etkzf5t2TCqzdybVNHg6rCp2RxHJK5zv87QWTyS8/s1600-h/images-1.jpeg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 91px; height: 118px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDcixkMmgKZaMeVw0JVqzCr8tmAAZwgl8jKmA6EyCB_pd61B5MfpgnYCmf2bkgD3Tw7oa57fkqGAPiFrqpjAiuhV2-Olq_5L4tgN8etkzf5t2TCqzdybVNHg6rCp2RxHJK5zv87QWTyS8/s400/images-1.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361517667023064610" /></a>by Amy Platon<br /><br />So, I haven’t been the same since that jalapeno seed attacked the back of my throat at lunch yesterday. It lodged itself at the top back part and no matter how much I coughed it didn’t help. It burned me and choked me all at the same time. It was awful, and I’m pretty sure I nearly died. <br /><br />I mean, that jalapeno had my number. I suppose it could have been the anesthesia from the mole I had had removed from my stomach earlier that day. But either way, I was delirious…from something….not self-inflicted.<br /><br />And, I even asked the nurse if it was ok to work that night. She said it was fine. But unless it was in my chart, I don’t think she knew what I did for a living. Because she didn’t even ask me. What if I was in construction? What if I was a belly dancer? Would I have been able to complete my work duties with a two inch gaping whole in my abdomen that took six stitches to tie back together? I don’t think so! …Fortunately, I’m a bartender. And, I went to work.<br /><br />But once I got there, my little excision turned into a gun shot wound. As in, when people asked me why I made a squinting face when I bent over or over reached, or bumped the damn thing, (I say it that way cause that’s what sucked the most. When I hit it. Which happened three times.), I said it was my gun shot wound. Why? Because a gun shot wound sounds way more exciting than the real story. And I’m not going to see these people again. They are all traveling business men. And it’s not something I normally do. Lie that is. But, since I am really good with the serious face, and since I totally don’t fit the part of a gun shot wound victim, those business men laughed it off, “Really?” <br /><br />*<span style="font-style:italic;">Serious Face</span>*<br /><br />“How’d it happen?”<br /><br />“Still under investigation.”<br /><br />“What happened?”<br /><br />“Can’t talk about it. Don’t want to blow my cover.”<br /><br />Where did I come up with that one? It may be because ever since the TV show Alias with Jennifer Garner, I’ve secretly wanted to be an under cover special op agent. But I’m blaming it on the jalapeno. Because my throat still hurts a little and because I thought we were friends. Most people hate jalapenos. I never minded them tagging along on my Publix sub. But it’s totally over between us now.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for subscribing to The Chronicles. Enjoy!</div>Amy Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00538755339506841656noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691477445682065036.post-42752768333583303772009-07-20T09:05:00.000-07:002009-07-20T09:38:32.946-07:00Rejection With Referral<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRsF732LZ4XQHliy_H2e5YCU-YDCtA6Z1CYrLEK2n-HgvPHxVGsRU8U8Uqj1xB3Kq0XjsOkdAOLnIjPDc9nQg1j60gM2pkH21709Z7YuNt1WT786awlIRm35U4wjX6CExC_91LlxBbbKk/s1600-h/images-2.jpeg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 127px; height: 108px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRsF732LZ4XQHliy_H2e5YCU-YDCtA6Z1CYrLEK2n-HgvPHxVGsRU8U8Uqj1xB3Kq0XjsOkdAOLnIjPDc9nQg1j60gM2pkH21709Z7YuNt1WT786awlIRm35U4wjX6CExC_91LlxBbbKk/s320/images-2.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360579430380877410" /></a><br />I have received a rejection <span style="font-style:italic;">with referral</span> by Janet Reid! Yipppeeee! See her breakdown <a href="http://jetreidliterary.blogspot.com/2009/07/more-informative-query-tally.html">here</a>. I really never thought I'd be so happy to get a rejection. I'm totally honored. I'm not sure what this says about my standards. <br /><br />Thanks anyway Janet Reid. I'm off to search again! <a href="http://writer4rent.blogspot.com/2009/05/cracked-jacket.html">Query letter here</a>. Janet got a modified version of the top one. <br /><br />Oh, and I found a secret little blogspot, if you're a writer and you're looking for a view of the "inside" then do skip over to the the <a href="http://internspills.blogspot.com/">INTERN</a>. It's yummy hardcore advice! Hurry, The intern won't be small time for long. Janet outed her! Lol. I love a good hook-up!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for subscribing to The Chronicles. Enjoy!</div>Amy Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00538755339506841656noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691477445682065036.post-84533785033856765632009-07-20T07:20:00.000-07:002009-07-22T13:36:15.177-07:00And In Other News: Why Frosted Flakes Rock<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBe6hSSmmLKMVcIcfN3z9ksxomNUlgncp910fgxU31elwPjQC8crhmqAiwh71XaHsOjax6uF7WGXQH8KXh4knXCp5qHCIP5F-rmS9i0MxaUawpzgYQfPJ2bQevOBv_-fQiQbrVn0PAK3o/s1600-h/images-1.jpeg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 111px; height: 147px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBe6hSSmmLKMVcIcfN3z9ksxomNUlgncp910fgxU31elwPjQC8crhmqAiwh71XaHsOjax6uF7WGXQH8KXh4knXCp5qHCIP5F-rmS9i0MxaUawpzgYQfPJ2bQevOBv_-fQiQbrVn0PAK3o/s320/images-1.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360548458633791778" /></a>by Amy Platon<br /><br />First and foremost, they’re always there for me - mainly, because it’s the last box of cereal that my kids go for. (Sorry Tony!)<br /><br />They never complain about the slightly bruised banana that I put on top of them. <br /><br />They’re always crispy, mainly because the kids don’t eat them. The bag stays nice and folded within the box just the way I left them before!<br /><br />They work as a breakfast food <span style="font-style:italic;">and</span> as a late night dessert.<br /><br />AND they are almost always on sale at the grocery store.<br /><br />Frosted Flakes are totally my MOM fuel!!! They’re Grrrrrreat!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for subscribing to The Chronicles. Enjoy!</div>Amy Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00538755339506841656noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691477445682065036.post-15970117100196309932009-07-13T12:08:00.000-07:002009-07-14T07:49:18.977-07:00Come Undone<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpopwvGJZYeDaV55EE4KH6l0dp2mFe9LQJTwqJ4AMYh8FHen1bBMzQ7ujMXHWUu7U0roQixArSg5-DVkeP64qs8L_JStlnmbvew5zEUlwqCY582gfSFF61hveNlwo71V2bqepULbmPf0U/s1600-h/images-1.jpeg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 131px; height: 88px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpopwvGJZYeDaV55EE4KH6l0dp2mFe9LQJTwqJ4AMYh8FHen1bBMzQ7ujMXHWUu7U0roQixArSg5-DVkeP64qs8L_JStlnmbvew5zEUlwqCY582gfSFF61hveNlwo71V2bqepULbmPf0U/s320/images-1.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358036877988992178" /></a>by Amy Platon<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">They have taken you beyond agony. <br />There is nothing more they can do. <br />Come to me. <br /></span><br />Mind, go. You need a holiday.<br />You have carried him so far. Take this time to yourself. <br />Go somewhere – hide away.<br /><br />Heart, I will bring you with me, where for the moment you can survive.<br />We can spend some time together and beg the healing of my eyes.<br />We can rest beneath the Weeping Willow, though he knows nothing of what we pray. <br />He’ll offer a communion place for our withering way.<br /><br />Eyes, you can stare across the lucidity of this lake <br />just after rain.<br />Where the ripples hold their breath, like you, motionless, mundane.<br /><br />Arms, go, escape with the dragonflies that take to flight.<br />Dream of carrying yourselves away from this sick body into the night.<br /><br />Feet, warm yourselves in the setting sun. <br />Lungs, be drunk once more with sweet moist air, <br />before you come undone. <br /><br />Faith, hold your strength for the stars that will brighten as they appear.<br />Hope, you will find a friend in the dandelion that loses her breath in the docile air.<br />Love, time will not penetrate this place and it too has mastered years of loss.<br />Body, live for this moment, and be free of fear… <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">My fingertips race to memorize your skin, as the blood beneath it runs cold. My hands do nothing to warm you… <br /></span><br />I trust the moss - will weave you a blanket, above an earth that takes you in…<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">I will think of you when rain soaks the ground, the way my tears are soaking your hospital gown.<br /><br />I’m sorry to have to let you go, and with so much more to do…<br /></span><br />I melt with you, from this burning wick, as the sun drips beneath the horizon. <span style="font-style:italic;">It is a flat line that deafens me, pulls me back to our reality.</span><br /><br />Remember us, as I remember you. <span style="font-style:italic;">Remember the lake, that Willow, that time those hours my loveyourepeacemyhope – Don’t go. </span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for subscribing to The Chronicles. Enjoy!</div>Amy Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00538755339506841656noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691477445682065036.post-58710369441182114562009-06-29T12:22:00.000-07:002009-07-01T07:18:37.101-07:00Patio Magicby Amy Platon<br /><br />Well, since we all like home makeovers, I thought I’d share my newest creation. Behold, our new and improved back porch. This little 10x10 space needed some sprucing up this summer. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpaL5PzXjixv91LdSxwKUtk09q0iWSaQTH3AuCsJ5v5bnk_xjjb0UFJN359-8vmMKIljJaUqnXMYd_NgUb7NUfp_WQdcheMXH7sys_0mlKQnXblrKF9Pdnt8Ap0OS9uWdFdVVRlk3lfnU/s1600-h/PICT0008_15.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpaL5PzXjixv91LdSxwKUtk09q0iWSaQTH3AuCsJ5v5bnk_xjjb0UFJN359-8vmMKIljJaUqnXMYd_NgUb7NUfp_WQdcheMXH7sys_0mlKQnXblrKF9Pdnt8Ap0OS9uWdFdVVRlk3lfnU/s320/PICT0008_15.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352833344865578882" /></a><br />I started with ordering some new JCP cushions that were half-off. The bench cushion they offered was too big for my loveseat, so I opted for two cushions to take advantage of the deal. Then I was off to installing my ultra cheap painter’s drop cloth curtains. Thanks to <a href="http://www.theletteredcottage.blogspot.com/">Layla Palmer</a> over at Lettered Cottage for this fabuloso idea. Cost: $20 for two 8ft drop cloths. Bonus: they are water resistant so perfect for outdoor use. I bought the rods at Target as well as simple black clip rings to hang them with. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0BqlDwCEkSfG1Nk8aIRLGj5h5nmq5h45uUqpmZoNJjx8D2PQB-6wE4Sm3ooAhL_HWYcEVxB44tZHas09pbjfXwxWqq67bpsQW3bXbZ6qd6M_GKkn84oQKA4ZoaoKoyiHB-0q2IZSo3og/s1600-h/PICT0014_16.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0BqlDwCEkSfG1Nk8aIRLGj5h5nmq5h45uUqpmZoNJjx8D2PQB-6wE4Sm3ooAhL_HWYcEVxB44tZHas09pbjfXwxWqq67bpsQW3bXbZ6qd6M_GKkn84oQKA4ZoaoKoyiHB-0q2IZSo3og/s320/PICT0014_16.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352834319801285458" /></a><br /><br /><br />And how do you like the pillows? Hmmmm? <br /><br /><br />Well, this is gonna make you gasp (out loud even). I bought 2 short table runners from Old Time Pottery @ 6.99 each. They were double sided. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZRQKrpmk52MxmhSFQd2bjKYyvlxRRCPA1uNRgTwWNioPNa9uzJuy1O_Iy-QDk2z9tsbE86B_sHgKnbO8b3XIo-DLIj_VfcNplgKLXe9BSjDPmJAGusNGV2VRBGF9VYxdJyTGmb80W8I/s1600-h/PICT0011_18.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZRQKrpmk52MxmhSFQd2bjKYyvlxRRCPA1uNRgTwWNioPNa9uzJuy1O_Iy-QDk2z9tsbE86B_sHgKnbO8b3XIo-DLIj_VfcNplgKLXe9BSjDPmJAGusNGV2VRBGF9VYxdJyTGmb80W8I/s320/PICT0011_18.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352834644285668114" /></a><br /><br /><br />I just opened the seam at one end for the lumbar pillow and stuffed it with the stuffing from a pillow I hated. Then, for the chair cushions, I cut the runner in half and stuffed two pillows. With only minimal sewing skills, I had three pillows for less than $15. The table runner fabric is like a canvas material, and seems to be water repellant, but I bring them in at night to preserve them. I also bought two more runners for back up since they were such a bargain. <br /><br />The potted plants are from Home Depot at $12.99 each and voila! Cozy summer back porch in full swing. There, now I’m all ready for the 4th of July family get together I’m hosting this year.<br /><br />Wanna see the before photos:<br /><a href="http://writer4rent.blogspot.com/2009/03/home-sweet-home.html">Home Sweet Home</a><br /><br />Other home ideas:<br /><a href="http://writer4rent.blogspot.com/2009/06/kid-infusium.html">Kid Infusium</a><br /><br />Our "in progress" kitchen makeover:<br /><a href="http://writer4rent.blogspot.com/2009/04/do-you-hear-that-in-case-you-cant-make.html">Kitchen Inspiration</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for subscribing to The Chronicles. Enjoy!</div>Amy Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00538755339506841656noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691477445682065036.post-60857029570133578122009-06-26T10:01:00.000-07:002009-06-26T10:12:19.416-07:00Chugging Along<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvLBnBzW4QBhEAFxt94hl-LHiH2Zfn37JQUnR34_56yHgHvNif7vZ7fRJiXXSe0BJhRdDror4HnzryFxveyRbNwRPi66W3HJzuYsOlVpuZk3GOsExya-q6zWnJq9lq5l3x4ARbZK14iI/s1600-h/images.jpeg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 106px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvLBnBzW4QBhEAFxt94hl-LHiH2Zfn37JQUnR34_56yHgHvNif7vZ7fRJiXXSe0BJhRdDror4HnzryFxveyRbNwRPi66W3HJzuYsOlVpuZk3GOsExya-q6zWnJq9lq5l3x4ARbZK14iI/s320/images.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351685122027094658" /></a><br />Here's an article I wrote for a our local Senior Center. It just ran in the Nona Vista View. It's so nice to add things like this to my portfolio of work. Super motivating, because it would be so easy to get sucked into what I'm not accomplishing instead of focusing on what I am accomplishing. <br /><br />Thanks for reading!<br /><br />________________________________________<br /><br />Sunset Years Worth Waking Up To<br />by Amy Platon<br /><br />If you are a senior and you haven’t been by to check out the activities offered at Renaissance Senior Center, then consider this your strategy guide to getting involved with this state of the art, parks and recreation facility. <br /><br />First thing’s first. The guidelines are a little more specific than say, McDonald’s coffee discount for seniors. Even if you have received a discount coffee or senior discount of any kind, it may not be enough to qualify you as a senior. Officially, a senior, as defined by the Center, is a person of age 55 or “better” as Carrie Flood, Recreation Leader would say. (Although, the center does occasionally offer intergenerational classes. Check <a href="http://www.OrangeCountyParks.net">www.OrangeCountyParks.net</a> for a listing.)<br /><br />So, once you’ve determined that you are in fact a senior, it may help for you to consider your motivation for participating in this recreation facility. Maybe you are looking to meet some new people or perhaps looking to improve your health. And yes, it can be both, in which case what are you waiting for?<br /><br />MAKE SOME FRIENDS:<br />If you feel like you could use a forum to make some new friends, this is just the place to do it. Try starting off with Walking with Friends. It’s the centers number one activity with about 35-40 people per class. Don’t like the heat? Well, this class is indoors to keep everyone cool. Hmm, does it still sound a little too sweaty for you? Maybe Scrap Booking, Bingo, Karaoke, and Movie of the Week are a little more your speed. And if cooking is your thing, you should consider attending the Recipe Exchange. Participants are encouraged to bring all of their recipes (well the ones you’re willing to part with anyway) to exchange with others. It’s one of the Center’s newest programs.<br /><br />GET HEALTHY:<br />If socializing isn’t your target, but staying healthy is, then the open-hours workout room might be just the soft entry you want. You can work out on your terms and during the hours that work best for your schedule. If you prefer a class setting, Tai Chi, Yoga and Spinning are available, and all without the intimidations of a traditional gym. Who needs that kind of pressure? This is supposed to be fun.<br /><br />GET INVOLVED:<br />Still not sure what works for you? How about getting a feel for the activities by becoming a volunteer. They are currently looking for fitness room monitors. Weekly and weekend hours are available. Additional new programs include Self Defense and BRITE both free and specializing in self-reliability and self-management. Call <br />407-254-9070 for all the info you need to get started.<br /><br />So if your days feel long, or if you can tell time by what episode is on TV. Then come make some friends, get healthier, and get involved with Renaissance Senior Center. Whatever your goals may be, they offer something for everyone. Take part in making your sunset years worth waking up to.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for subscribing to The Chronicles. Enjoy!</div>Amy Platonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00538755339506841656noreply@blogger.com2