tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81757669621482148422024-03-05T10:45:33.077+00:00re-ravellingSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07953334708365738152noreply@blogger.comBlogger370125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8175766962148214842.post-91912109662352170542017-04-18T19:00:00.000+01:002017-04-18T19:00:11.844+01:00still writing my own version of "happy ever after..."I never thought I would add anything else to this blog but just in
case there is still anyone out there still following me I thought I
would sign post you to a new blog I've just created about the girl in
the yellow dress.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://daffodildress.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/welcome-to-daffodil-dress.html" target="_blank">Daffodil Dress </a></div>
<br />
She is NOT me, she is a complete work of fiction! Any similarities to me are completely coincidental!<br />
<br />
It's me letting my hair down and writing some romantic fiction - feel free to follow if you like that sort of thing.<br />
<br />
Sarah xSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07953334708365738152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8175766962148214842.post-69481258514109723882014-07-19T17:40:00.000+01:002014-07-19T17:40:19.988+01:00Time to say goodbyeThis morning I had someone round to look at the house. It's too early to tell if they will be my eventual buyers, it's a huge decision to make and somethng I wouldn't want anyone to get wrong. Time will tell and once more I can do nothing but WAIT! <br />
<br />
Then I spent the afternoon watching Back to the Future 2 with youngest son, a great thing to do on a wet Saturday afternoon.<br />
<br />
Because it is a film I have seen countless times I decided to "do" something constructive while half watching.<br />
<br />
It was perhaps an unlikely choice of occupation but I decided to read through the sympathy cards sent to me when Andrew died.<br />
<br />
There are two shoe boxes full, not all sympathy ones, some from the first Christmas and birthdays without him.<br />
<br />
I have read the tender words bequethed to me and been filled with an overwhelming sense of love that people care so deeply but without exception I have thrown each one away.<br />
<br />
It is time to move on, the kind words will live on in my heart.<br />
<br />
Unlike Marty McFly in Back to the Futiure I don't have a time machine, I have no way back to the past to fix things there.<br />
<br />
But I can change the future.<br />
<br />
And on that note I have decided this will be my final re-ravelling blog post. <br />
<br />
For a while it has lost direction and focus as have I.<br />
<br />
I have unravelled, re-ravelled as best as I can but now it it time for the next stage of my journey and I have set up a new blog called <a href="http://insearchoflostglitter.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">in search of lost glitter...</a> <br />
<br />
I explain my title in the very first post but otherwise it will be a blog of just stories and poems, or at least that is my intention.<br />
<br />
I hope you will follow me there, re-ravelling has been fun but it's time to move on continuing my search for sparkle and lost glitter that I began here...Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07953334708365738152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8175766962148214842.post-30113267855788423192014-07-09T19:31:00.000+01:002014-07-09T19:31:16.166+01:00A new Twitter writing dare...<span style="font-family: inherit;">Oh dear I've found some new writing challenges on Twitter from <a href="https://twitter.com/storybandit" target="_blank">@storybandit</a>, including this one </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">We dare you to write a 199-word story that includes the following words:
scream
toddler
metallic
glazed
failure
<a class="twitter-hashtag pretty-link js-nav" data-query-source="hashtag_click" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/writingdare?src=hash"><s>#</s><b>writingdare</b></a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">well obviously now I am back in a writing mood I can't resist, so here's what I came up with. It didn't quite go the way I thought it would but it was interesting to write ...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">There was a
time she would have screamed in outrage, thrown herself on the floor and had a
full <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">toddler </b>tantrum fit.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">But now the
medication gave her face a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">glazed</b>
countenance. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">She was revered as one of the success stories here at Sunny Brooke. An oh so cheery
establishment where problems were dismissed and swept away by the popping of
pills that kept the residents numb.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Her eyes
unfocussed and the world passed by. It was easier that way.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Only she’d
been getting restless for a little while, surreptitiously hiding the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">metallic</b> tasting tablets in the pot
plant behind where she sat for dinner.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">With
fascination she monitored her own little science experiment. For weeks the
plant showed little ill effect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However
there was a renewed spark growing within her, a sense of something stirring. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Then one day
she discovered a dead leaf lying like crumpled brown paper by her chair. Stooping
she bent down to retrieve it, turning it casually to dust between her quivering
fingers.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It was time
once again to embrace the idea of being a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">failure</b>.
It was time to see if she could still <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">scream</b>
and put a voice to her growing disenchantment.</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";}
</style>
<![endif]--><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><b> </b></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07953334708365738152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8175766962148214842.post-31509062482235894372014-07-07T20:30:00.000+01:002014-07-07T20:30:12.993+01:00#VisDare - Precarious<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Recently I’ve been writing Twitter poems, mostly inspired by
some excellent poetry prompts. A mere 140 characters – give or take – I’ve
found there are many ways to stretch your word limit when a single tweet is not
quite enough!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However today I have returned to a more substantial writing
prompt and I have up to 150 words to play with thanks to <a href="http://anonymouslegacy1.wordpress.com/2014/07/01/visdare-68-precarious/" target="_blank">Angela Goff’s surreal #visdare picture prompt with the optional title Precarious…</a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3lED3DCn0qfb3GMwPC9-pSfUtLoIZ-h8PJiSsnQ7exGY1eb5oYWtvsByCyprzQEnUh9OTTvuzvPwLetmPfuRPpe8kP-7j-yMJaxz6XhZvqq83od0gzyib2Cw98V4FI1VZ7ZrUnbDWO0/s1600/visdare+precarious.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3lED3DCn0qfb3GMwPC9-pSfUtLoIZ-h8PJiSsnQ7exGY1eb5oYWtvsByCyprzQEnUh9OTTvuzvPwLetmPfuRPpe8kP-7j-yMJaxz6XhZvqq83od0gzyib2Cw98V4FI1VZ7ZrUnbDWO0/s1600/visdare+precarious.jpg" height="320" width="242" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #6600ff; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">When my
world turned upside down I felt as if the “game” was being played without me.</span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #6600ff; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">It
continued and I watched as if in a dream unsure of what my “moves” should be.</span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #6600ff; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">I no
longer knew the rules but as time passed I realised I could make up my own this
side.</span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #6600ff; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Forwards,
backwards, sideways, jumping - I concocted my own intricate dance steps.</span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #6600ff; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">But there
is no one to watch, no challenge playing on my own, I have to find my way home.</span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #6600ff; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">This
means taking a leap of faith, over the edge, into the abyss, hoping gravity
will pull my back to earth and return my feet to solid ground.</span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #6600ff; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Now here I
stand finally ready to jump.</span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #6600ff; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Unclenching
my fingers from all I hold onto here in my upside down world, I let go.</span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #6600ff; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">I tumble,
wondering what I will meet on the other side!</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don’t know if my words make any sense but I throw them out
there hoping they reach someone who understands or someone who needs to hear
them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For me “letting go” always means giving everything back to
God.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once again on my own I have constructed a tangled knotted mess. It is
such a jumble I’m not sure any more what I was trying to create in the first
place.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But once more I drag the tattered unravelled and reravelled
remnants to the cross and offer a heartfelt apology knowing that God will
graciously smooth out each tangled thread. He will give me back what I need
piece by piece, if I let Him and don’t snatch everything back!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s precarious standing on the edge when you know that’s
the only way down but this morning I found this on Twitter…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Sometimes you have to jump first, </i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and build your wings on the way down”</i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I guess that’s a good description of faith.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God’s never really let me down; I think it might just be
time to trust Him once more…</div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07953334708365738152noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8175766962148214842.post-26492178298365274412014-06-30T22:38:00.002+01:002014-06-30T22:42:25.603+01:00Who do you see when you look at me?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the weekend I went to a school reunion – it’s been 30 years
since we did our O levels (as they were in those days) and went our separate ways.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course some people never wandered far and most of us
have one or two close friends we have tried to keep in contact with over the
years.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The advent of Facebook has been a great way to keep in touch
with a larger contingent and it was through Facebook that most of this reunion
got organised.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some of us last met at our 20 year reunion and so much seems
to have happened since then, especially on a personal level for me…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
…and yet we are all still very much the same people as we
were all those years ago at school.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Each of us finds comfort in the groups we hung around with
at school. Old cliques reform very quickly as we giggle and reminisce. There is nothing better than catching up with old friends who you shared an important part of your life with.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are some people I don’t ever remember talking to at
school so I struggle to think of what to say, I can’t recollect their names or
faces, I smile politely instead. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Talking to boys is especially a problem both then
and now, I get tongue tied, tripping over my words. I don’t suppose I’ll ever
really change.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then I blurt out that my husband died and quickly wish I
hadn’t but I kind of need people to know, it’s the biggest thing that has
happened to me in the last ten years, it’s not pleasant to talk about and it
kills the conversation. The conventional “I’m sorry” seems such a trivial thing
to people say in return.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then I over compensate, get a little louder and finally end
up retreating to the dance floor lost in the 80s music – no I haven’t changed a bit
since school.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However I’m told more than once I look happy and the truth
is I really am.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The reunion isn’t totally as I expect it to be but nothing
ever is.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve worked out that as a would be writer and teller of
stories I make so much up, whole conversations go on in my head that will never
take place in real life because no one else knows the script except me!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Suddenly the music stops, the lights come back on and the night is
over far too quickly. We agree we should meet more often, some will, some won’t.
I wish I lived nearer sometimes and could join in the fun.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the end I wonder what people think of me? What they
thought of me all those years ago and if they think I’ve changed at all?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The next day photos appear on Facebook – happy smiling
faces and there are one or two of me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I like what I see very much and as my friends “like” my
picture too I feel loved and know that’s all that matters in the end.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07953334708365738152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8175766962148214842.post-70976489473808883912014-06-26T10:00:00.000+01:002014-06-26T10:00:10.591+01:00Do you know where you’re going to…?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I went to the tip a few weeks ago with Andrew’s records
suddenly I heard this song on the radio</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/P1t6bvY1aWY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I cried my eyes out saddened by the thought I was letting
something go that was so precious to us both but also aware I have to let go to
move forward.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But I don’t know where I am going anymore. At the moment I feel as if I am making such
a mess of everything on my own and today once more for no apparent reason I am
in floods of tears.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I miss Andrew so much and wish he would just walk through
the front door with his cheery “honey I’m home” said in jest, a take-off of American
sitcoms.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I wish he would look at the accumulated mess and resolve to sort it out
together. Because together we could do this</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cue another Diana Ross song </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/j1J-cAYjaFY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On my own I fill my days up with nonsense but every now and
again a bitterly cold wind blows away the fairydust and I can see what’s underneath, just me, lost, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>alone and in a muddle.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I push on each and every door I come across hoping one will open, but when
one gives I fall flat on my face and it hurts!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I reach for bits of glitter but however far I stretch it soon
becomes clear they are merely pinpricks of light in the night sky beyond my
grasp.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I used to be able to write myself happy, somehow turn the
sad thoughts around, today I think I’ve lost the knack.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But every day some small things do make me laugh out loud and I am
using them as stepping stones to cross this river of tears.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have no idea where they will lead me, or if they will have me spinning in circles, but smiles and
laughter are always good.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And one thing always leads to another like a "chain reaction"...</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/UaYHRx9-v2M?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
... now that's a song that will always make me laugh and cry... but that's another story!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07953334708365738152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8175766962148214842.post-78461916647376489362014-06-20T10:09:00.001+01:002014-06-20T10:09:55.603+01:00An Angel's Tears (a story)<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">((A story because so often
I make mistakes and say things I shouldn’t say … and sometimes there’s no way
to take them back and edit them to make them sound better, or explain what I really meant.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And because this picture from Facebook made a good writing prompt!))</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL2Wzw-bOhyzOl0AFa45ik39fzjcJxOESAgNHYLdVQExg_mUp0IluK0jQuWRAWsqU7_v0rhQvJCbKNe12ObLi0QYcv0d5zYVw-f4gukchXY7A7BL9xj2zEPRULdCqs0WHiS0W_TmwIBug/s1600/guardian+angel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL2Wzw-bOhyzOl0AFa45ik39fzjcJxOESAgNHYLdVQExg_mUp0IluK0jQuWRAWsqU7_v0rhQvJCbKNe12ObLi0QYcv0d5zYVw-f4gukchXY7A7BL9xj2zEPRULdCqs0WHiS0W_TmwIBug/s1600/guardian+angel.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0b5394;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">My guardian angel hangs her head in shame. She despairs of
me and weeps silent precious tears. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Meanwhile I look down at the ground shuffling dead leaves at
my feet. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">It is always autumn when I am brought here, with a chill in
the air, a foreboding sense of imminent winter bringing death and decay.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">I shudder, aware that once again I have mucked up.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">In my own mind on a grand scale and merely saying “I’m
sorry!” doesn’t begin to cover it.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">I strongly believe in the power and magic of words yet I
misinterpret the wisdom of others and in return speak the cruellest words to
the kindest of people seemingly without a second thought.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">“Do I get another go? “ I ask tentatively, longing to make
amends.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">I’ve lost track of the number of chances I’ve used up but
while my angel still weeps over me I know all is not lost.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">As she lifts her head I look deeply into her eyes filled
with compassion and love.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">She nods smiling weakly. Leaning forward I catch a few
perfect teardrops as they fall.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">My chance of redemption captured in their sorrow.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">I can try again, somewhere new, a different place and
perhaps this time no one will get hurt. I will keep my sharp words hidden and
sprinkle all my comments with love.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Perhaps next time I won’t get hurt – although that might be one
wish too much to ask for.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Swallowing my tears I start again.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">(250 words )</span></span></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07953334708365738152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8175766962148214842.post-9394367535085323512014-06-16T22:02:00.002+01:002014-06-16T22:02:40.617+01:00There will always be hurdles<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The thing with grief is there will always be hurdles to jump
and big fences to negotiate. Do I go round or attempt to leap over, all the
while hoping I don’t spectacularly trip and fall flat on my face!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yesterday was Fathers’ Day, a day which creeps up and I am
only slightly aware of, out of the corner of my eye, just there in my
peripheral vision.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You can’t avoid the displays in the supermarkets but I walk
past quickly. Although I still have a dad to buy for my boys don’t and I feel at
odds with that fact. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
The bottom line is it’s just not fair.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
((I’m reminded at this point of an old blog post I wrote
about a year after Andrew died for my <a href="http://unravelling-edges.blogspot.co.uk/2011/11/when-there-are-no-words.html" target="_blank">unravelling-edges blog - “When There are no Words”</a>))</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My dad and I, without even a word will quietly acknowledge
these kinds of days, neither of us wanting to upset the boys unduly.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However the truth is this year I really thought Fathers’ Day was
next Sunday.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So when I texted my brother on Saturday to give him an idea
of what to buy as a gift for dad for the following Sunday he send a message back…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
“Fathers’ day is
tomorrow!”</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
“Oh shit!” I texted
back!</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
(sorry for the
language but that was my honest reply and I can't lie!)</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You see the thing is I had spoken to dad just that morning,
only briefly because I really needed to wish mum a belated happy birthday for the day
before – I am failing as a daughter on all counts here!!!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had just about managed to get a card to her on the right
date and I am so grateful to Amazon who delivered a parcel to her door on the
actual day too!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The order for my dad I had sent to me with the intention of wrapping and posting it
next week along with the card that sat in the drawer.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So the thought was always there and to be honest dad didn’t
mind in the slightest. He told me with a chuckle when we did speak yesterday, “I thought it was next week
too!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I sometimes think they make far too many allowances for me,
their little girl who lost her husband. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Life is cruel and in an ideal world
these things should never happen this way round.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I will always remember that hug my dad gave me after we had
seen Andrew laid out in the coffin. All I needed was my dad to kiss it better
and make the overwhelming pain go away. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
From having my own boys I know just how helpless you feel as
a parent when there is absolutely nothing you can do and circumstances are way beyond your
control.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
All he could do that day was hold me tight.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ever since Andrew died my dad and I have grown a lot closer,
not that we were ever distant but there has been a subtle shift in our
relationship which moved again earlier this year when he was diagnosed with
bowel cancer.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thankfully it was operable and after major surgery he has
been given the all clear.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Both of us took the pragmatic viewpoint that everything was
always going to be OK from the start – we leave the worrying in the family to
be done by my mum and brother!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But our phone conversations are noticeably longer these days, we
talk more and say “I love you” far more frequently than ever before.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My dad is my hero but we will never be soppy about it, this
is the Fathers’ Day card I sent him today.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvNSV9u6K07GLUjZ95wUuc7XTMPn1HSnwvxrFzpwBOxWrbobIlmtopFXqlEEele7WtaBwXd4nGg8IptAooGpioaTxoLz1JwOJE5OMHiH6TdbjS_Fl4-tNQVsIZnbj0Ov8XJFpcgZWnyLo/s1600/20140615_181224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvNSV9u6K07GLUjZ95wUuc7XTMPn1HSnwvxrFzpwBOxWrbobIlmtopFXqlEEele7WtaBwXd4nGg8IptAooGpioaTxoLz1JwOJE5OMHiH6TdbjS_Fl4-tNQVsIZnbj0Ov8XJFpcgZWnyLo/s1600/20140615_181224.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I said he had bowel cancer and “farting” after having
half your bowel removed is a big deal! I was actually there visiting him in the
hospital when he let the first one out and even the nurses cheered!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There will always be hurdles to face on this journey but
hopefully my dad will be around for a long time yet to hold my hand as I
negotiate them. And maybe on occasion I can hold his too.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the grand scheme of things forgetting to send him a card
on the correct day is immaterial because he truly understands better than anyone that
he is special to me today, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>any day,
every day and always.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>xx</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07953334708365738152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8175766962148214842.post-20547633867521430162014-06-13T12:41:00.001+01:002014-06-13T12:43:09.778+01:00The truth behind the waterfall<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I wanted to write some more about the <a href="http://re-ravelling.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/twitter-poems_6.html" target="_blank">waterfall poem</a> I
posted the other day.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It seems like such a romantic poem standing under the
cascading torrent together, embraced by the water, but the truth is quite
different.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have never stood under a waterfall with anyone.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Life doesn’t always
work out the way you plan.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While some of the memory is real I was actually standing
there alone while my friends and my boys watched and laughed. But it was a hot
day, the water looked so inviting and I wanted to cool off.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>I wished Andrew was
there but to be honest he’d have probably been a little way off laughing at me
too!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We were on holiday visiting friends near Chicago but “we”
was just me and the boys.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Andrew suffered from badly from depression and hated
travelling, especially airports.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I hated never going anywhere, never doing things together,
things had reached crisis point. Our friends had asked us to visit and Andrew
agreed if that’s what I wanted to do I should take the boys on my own.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was never what I really wanted.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Life doesn’t always
work out the way you plan.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The thing is he was meant to be working away the week we
left but his ankles had swollen and the doctors were investigating the cause.
We only found out afterward that he’d been quite seriously ill. He never did
anything by halves!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However I, seemingly with very little concern, got on a
plane and left. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No not really! He was well enough to take us to the airport
for our adventure and as ever I hated saying goodbye.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Inside I was torn in two, why couldn’t he just jump on the
plane and come with us? Why couldn’t he “do” holidays like a normal person? Why
couldn’t we be a “normal” family?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Life doesn’t always
work out the way you plan.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yet another part of me was desperate to leave, maybe we
shouldn’t be together at all. Neither of us expressed it in words but looking
back I can see that this holiday was almost a trial separation. We needed the
time apart. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s so hard being with someone who is depressed, walking on
egg shells around them and carrying on as best you can for the kids, trying to
find some stability. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Life doesn’t always
work out the way you plan.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So there I was a few days later under the waterfall,
laughing, enjoying myself, feeling happier than I had felt for a long time.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The water was refreshing, I was doing exactly what I wanted,
no responsibilities, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>no one to stop me
or hold me back or say I was just being silly. Andrew would perhaps have been
that voice of “reason” in my head. Or just maybe he would have joined me and we
could have shared a carefree romantic moment…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I missed him terribly, I was going to write I ached but I
know it was nothing near how I miss him now.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One day in a giftshop I found a stone with the word “soulmate”
on it so I bought it for him as a gift to prove he was. It is still stuck by
blutack to the side the draws by his side of the bed, the first thing he saw in
the morning when he woke up! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW-dRp7fRPDCIzVqbI-ayje83Yv5WqM_gTzLPPLlV_dgpQ60DrRaWUyVJR8RiK36834ka1vZpGBB1CjUlS0NiLJ_mF3bpMGCKQvKwz2rgmxemDG9knSOzhul4T9b07dwTiLguGEXpoNQg/s1600/IMG_0301_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW-dRp7fRPDCIzVqbI-ayje83Yv5WqM_gTzLPPLlV_dgpQ60DrRaWUyVJR8RiK36834ka1vZpGBB1CjUlS0NiLJ_mF3bpMGCKQvKwz2rgmxemDG9knSOzhul4T9b07dwTiLguGEXpoNQg/s1600/IMG_0301_1.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The time apart reinforced the knowledge that we were meant
to be together – forever.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Life doesn’t always
work out the way you plan.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We still had lots to work on, the road ahead got rockier for
a time but we clung on together and things were coming good right up to the
point he died.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Life doesn’t always
work out the way you plan.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So in my head I wrote another plan…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With our separation now enforced maybe there was a chance to
embark on something new.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I plotted and planned – I’d sell the house.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
I’m still here.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I plotted and planned – I’d find someone new.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
I’m still on my own.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I plotted and planned – I’d write a book.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
I’m still writing, it’s hard work
and I am nowhere near finished.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sometimes I could just cry.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Life doesn’t always
work out the way you plan.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the beginning of this year when everything around me was
crumbling I made a new plan to NOT plan anything ever again! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For someone who likes to know exactly what’s happening and when
it’s been hard to let go. I’ve not always managed it but every once in while
things happen that I haven’t planned. Good things, surprising things and suddenly
I am not quite the same person as I was at the beginning of the year.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The seemingly big things haven’t changed a bit but I think I
have changed a lot inside. I might write more about that another day…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was quite by chance and serendipitous Twitter conversation that I discovered the waterfall again and
remembered those feelings, a mixture of happy and sad thoughts, love and loss,
brokenness and joy intermingled.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once again I feel like I am standing underneath letting the water
surround me, wash over me just going with the flow. Enjoying all the good things that sparkle brightly in the sunshine. Laughing loudly.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Meanwhile the memories tumble and I am letting the good ones fall now.
For so long I desperately tried to change things because I would only allow myself to
remember the pain and the hurt. It is far easier to remember the difficulties
of being married to Andrew then I could convince myself that I am better
without him and plan how to change my life for the better.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But life is not better just different and just as I was
reminded once before so I remember now.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Andrew really was my soulmate – will I ever find
another?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t honestly know if anyone
gets two chances.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Will I move house? One day I hope so but I have so much clutter to clear before that can happen.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Will I write a book? Well only with a lot of hard work and I need to give it much more of a priority that is has had of late. ((sorry Twitter TL but I may need to leave you for a while!))</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Can I plan any of it?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Life doesn’t always
work out the way you plan.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then I found this quote on Twitter ((OK so I won't wander far from the TL - I love my new found Twitter friends too much! x))</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">We must be willing to
let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us. -
E. M. Forester</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So I’m sticking with the idea of making no more plans and
let’s just see where the water falls. So far it seems to be working out fine!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07953334708365738152noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8175766962148214842.post-966300398749471922014-06-06T17:12:00.000+01:002014-08-10T16:28:34.076+01:00Twitter PoemsOver the last week there has been a lot of poetry written on my Twitter time line and I really need somewhere to store them and keep them safe.<br />
<br />
Obviously because I like to share my writing with all of you, this is where they truly belong... <br />
<br />
It started when a friend wrote a poem for me <a href="http://re-ravelling.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/has-anyone-ever-written-anything-for-you.html" target="_blank">- Has anyone written anything for you?</a><br />
<br />
And I wrote him a reply... <br />
<br />
I just have to explain that our friendship has grown in a virtual world where we spend a lot of time pretending and play flirting. He is Role Play character but I have discovered a little bit about the writer underneath. Meanwhile I am a daydreamer who loves to write fairystories. So hopefully my poem reflects this ethereal fictional realm we inhabit.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
((As my son keeps reminding me - Twitter is NOT real - but it really is fun especially when you find others who love playing with words as much as you do!))</div>
<br />
<br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Handwriting";">The Princess' Reply</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Handwriting";">Knights in
shining armour</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #741b47;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Handwriting";">Come in all
sorts of shapes and sizes</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #741b47;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Handwriting";">And an
unexpected rescue</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #741b47;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Handwriting";">Can take on
many guises</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #741b47;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Handwriting";">For girls who
want to live in fairytales</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #741b47;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Handwriting";">And long to
be the princess</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #741b47;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Handwriting";">A poem from a
handsome prince</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #741b47;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Handwriting";">Has to be, </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Handwriting";">by
far, </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Handwriting";">the very best<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Handwriting";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
And then there is another Role Play character I wanted to write a poem for but this poem I'm kind of sharing. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
It fits a storyline he has been writing but the words were also inspired by a memory of a real waterfall I once stood under and the emotions I was feeling at the time. I'm glad I got the chance to remember that day and finally write about it in such a way.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Handwriting";">Waterfall </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Handwriting";">Underneath the waterfall </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Handwriting";">Where
cascading droplets do caress</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #0b5394;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Handwriting";">Cool water on
a summer’s day</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #0b5394;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Handwriting";">Sun soaked
skin with joy refresh</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #0b5394;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Handwriting";">Washing
clean, revitalising</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #0b5394;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Handwriting";">Filling up
the deepest parts</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #0b5394;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Handwriting";">Making new
what’s been forgotten</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #0b5394;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Handwriting";">Healing jagged
broken hearts</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #0b5394;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Handwriting";">Memories
tumble like the water</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #0b5394;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Handwriting";">Sunlight sparkles
on each drop</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #0b5394;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Handwriting";">Rainbow
crystals dancing round us</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #0b5394;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Handwriting";">Don’t let
these feelings ever stop</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRDJsXBhWwiiJMtP0BahYbHNucksGxvD2MqPhNAg7pokAEECexy5TKGk8-Dw6wSTYX52Tb7yXRxVWgfAi5h9uHG0JcWdcfwCzo-gk1JJFDVnZLUDx7sfP17qsk3nDV71E5KDBaQySzSGY/s1600/IMG_0213_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRDJsXBhWwiiJMtP0BahYbHNucksGxvD2MqPhNAg7pokAEECexy5TKGk8-Dw6wSTYX52Tb7yXRxVWgfAi5h9uHG0JcWdcfwCzo-gk1JJFDVnZLUDx7sfP17qsk3nDV71E5KDBaQySzSGY/s1600/IMG_0213_1.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07953334708365738152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8175766962148214842.post-52757172412032565252014-06-04T17:11:00.001+01:002014-08-10T16:24:01.674+01:00Has anyone ever written anything for you?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
There was a saying often quoted to me as a child that </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
“Sticks and stones
may break my bones </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
but words will never hurt me”</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thankfully we recognise all too well these days that some words
can be very damaging. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have had plenty of things said to me in the past that
on a bad day can still weigh my down and I can trace back a lot of my own
insecurities to a few key spoken words and phrases which have left the deepest
of scars.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve been very aware over the past week how many other
people out there have been stung by a misplaced and careless word too. Some of
which I will admit have probably fallen from my own lips and I am truly sorry.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But I don’t really want to dwell on the bad, sad words any
more than necessary, instead I want to delight in the happy words and
compliments I have been given, especially recently.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It started two days ago when out of the blue I received a
compliment on Twitter about my hair!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Without boasting I have to say that my hair has always been
one of my best features, long, luxurious and now the colour comes from a bottle
probably even more striking!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now I’m the type of girl who gives compliments to strangers
all the time when I meet them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
“I love your
dress/coat/hair colour/shoes /nail varnish etc etc!”</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But these are compliments from one girl to another and my
kind words the other day were from a man I’d never met, just a follower of a
friend and our paths crossed for the briefest of moments.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He just made a comment in a Tweet that my hair was AWESOME
in capital letters just like that! WOW!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don’t know how I’m supposed to react in these situations;
I usually blush, get tongue tied and feel like I am fourteen again! My finger
hovers precariously over the send button wondering if I should tweet back. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However for once I just responded politely saying thank you while
quietly smiling to myself. I am beginning to learn how to graciously accept
kind words when they are given. It is something we all seem to need to learn.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But then yesterday I had a whole string of words written for
me, actually an entire poem.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have always, desperately wanted someone to write something
for me, the nearest I got to Andrew writing anything was a shopping list of
what we needed from B & Q!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My special poem is not a romantic love poem in the
traditional sense. It is about my love for Andrew and the boys, words about
loss, finding the strength to carry on, dry my tears and laugh again.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The man who wrote my poem for me also suffered an
unexpected bereavement around the same time I did, because of this I know his kind words are written
straight from the heart and are therefore extra special. I am truly flattered
he took the time out to write this for me, I know it wasn't easy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However it really doesn’t take much to make people feel
loved. A poem is not always required and you are stuck for words to say; a smile, even the smallest compliment, a
“like” on Facebook or “favourite” on Twitter will often do the trick and let
people know you care.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But if perchance you do decide to write or speak just be sure you always use the kindest of words in all
situations because words somehow last forever, buried deep and lasting long in
our memories when all else is faded.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Kind words rescue us from the saddest days, make us bolder
and somehow fortify us for what lies ahead.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Honestly I haven’t stopped smiling since I watched my poem appearing on the Twitter time line and in preparation for that day when my smile slowly
begins to diminish I have printed out a copy ready to read those beautiful words once more and just smile! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Or if I cry it will be those happy kind of tears, the ones that fall when you realise you are loved and someone out there really cares...</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07953334708365738152noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8175766962148214842.post-76697983583737136972014-05-29T10:58:00.000+01:002014-05-29T10:58:55.361+01:00De-clutter<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s half term and I came up with a cunning plan. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I told the boys in advance before the holiday even began,
“we are going to have a sort out! If anyone wants to buy this house we really
have to clear out some of the clutter. I am not taking it with us to a new home.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Youngest son has done quite well, admittedly he hasn’t thrown much away
as yet but he has managed to sort out some of his Lego shelves, find a few
missing pieces along the way and I have managed to wipe away a very thick layer
of dust – yuck!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oldest son has a large cupboard full of stuff I want him to go
through – I must nag him tomorrow because he’s not even made a start yet. His
half term has so far comprised of revision, going to the gym, watching tennis
and writing his blog.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Meanwhile I’ve begun but not got very far, I’ve set myself
quite a challenge as I have lots of rooms to go through however as I have
started in the guest room where the laptop usually lives I have been distracted
all too often by the lure of Twitter!!!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However I have made the momentous decision to finally chuck
out ALL of my card making paraphernalia. I am going to pass some onto a friend
who’s just taken it up as a hobby. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
((Never ever tell anyone you have started a new hobby or a
collection you will always get inundated with stuff. It’s why I have accumulated
so much in the first place!))</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But I am only passing on the very best and most useful stuff; it’s not fair to
give her the crap as well!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It has been surprisingly liberating to throw out and let go
of scraps of paper and card I will never use! The more I threw away the easier
it became; I have gathered momentum and become completely ruthless!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In a lot of ways it is easy, I have no emotional attachment
to the pretty scraps torn from magazines and packaging but I need to move on
next to cards I have received and kept and that could be trickier. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You see I still have every single wedding acceptance card,
every wedding and engagement card, all my 40<sup>th</sup> birthday cards and probably
the largest pile of all – about a hundred condolence cards.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To be honest they don’t take up a huge amount of space,
perhaps I could keep them all, but why? Do I really NEED them ALL?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was my dad who has been the most helpful, “Just keep a
few, the special ones.” He said to me the other night on the phone.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And I know that’s the right answer and they were the words I
needed to hear. I’ve heard them before but coming from my dad, just at
that moment was particularly timely.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I just can’t keep everything and I’m realising more and
more that part of grieving is letting go and moving on and if I don’t let go I
can’t move forward and I have felt stuck for far too long.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I want to sell the house but I need to prepare for the day I
get a phone call that sets that chain of events in motion. I hate waiting for
things to happen so much but I think it’s finally hit me there are lots of
things I can do to get ready. Sitting around moping is no longer an option!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So we are making progress with the boys’ stuff, my things and some shared possessions but then we move on to the most challenging items of all –
what do I do with Andrew’s belongings? The things he cherished and horded and
collected.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some items I disposed of quickly but others have been
lingering as I decide my best course of action. In the back of your mind you always
wonder at an objects worth, if I throw this out will I regret it in a few
years’ time when I discover it is valuable!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Finally I got hold of someone to come and look at Andrew’s
record collection (<a href="http://re-ravelling.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/dead-ends.html" target="_blank">I made a bit of a mess trying to dispose of them before</a>) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>his opinion is that most of them are worthless
on the open market. Most are too scratched and the picture sleeves are missing, like a lot
of DJs Andrew filed them away in plain cases and stuck number stickers
on them to keep them filed away neatly and that devalues them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Out of six boxes he only took a handful of vinyl away to
try and sell on eBay. I might make £30 from the transaction if I am lucky. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s not about the money, that’s irrelevant in this instance, but I need the
space in my life and I can’t hold onto these things any longer. With some
regret and a deep breath I think I need to take a trip to the tip. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s a bold step but I need to de-clutter, get rid of objects
and emotions to move on and after three and a half year I am just about ready to do that.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know there will be comments; youngest son has started
already this morning saying I shouldn’t. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I just burst into tears but I can’t hold onto all these things
any longer, they weigh my down and I want to be free.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So please DON’T judge me, DON’T tell me I am foolish and
NEVER tell me I am throwing away something valuable. Once these things were
pure treasure but only I know their true worth now.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course some I will keep, “just the special ones,” as my dad would
say and feeling less burdened I am more ready to begin a new adventure…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHCEpwCD0qTtZRgm2xZWOdtEFvqpOQAGKK1fWNP6eMD3QO46yuMsARjslNKI9e2y6xLEBSxz2GueUTS2JxTdgs0Bddk5NF0h6MrRgym-skuimPXbQMP29O7F7lOifWY2FZdfFVeuTLilA/s1600/junk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHCEpwCD0qTtZRgm2xZWOdtEFvqpOQAGKK1fWNP6eMD3QO46yuMsARjslNKI9e2y6xLEBSxz2GueUTS2JxTdgs0Bddk5NF0h6MrRgym-skuimPXbQMP29O7F7lOifWY2FZdfFVeuTLilA/s1600/junk.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07953334708365738152noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8175766962148214842.post-75220070457793976762014-05-21T23:26:00.004+01:002014-05-21T23:26:52.412+01:00The Mysterious Disappearance of Cardinal Richelieu (#Musketeers/Dr Who Fan Fiction)<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><i>For my second ever piece of fan fiction I decided to combine the Musketeers with Dr Who - well with Peter Capaldi leaving one show for another with very little explanation as to why the Cardinal vanished I decided it was fitting to make up my own reasons.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>I hope I haven't ruined two of my favourite programmes by doing this, I had a lot of fun writing it and I hope you enjoy it too - would love to hear your comments!</i><br />
<br />
It was a hot afternoon and only a thin breeze reached Queen
Anne as she reclined on the sofa by the open window. Her belly had grown into a
neat round bump and her baby seemed extra lively today.
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
A playful smile crossed her face as she felt the shape of a
foot, or was it an elbow dig into her side. She would never tire of the
sensation of a new life growing inside her.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There wasn’t much longer to wait now to see what the child
looked like, which parent would he favour. Would he have his father’s twinkling
eyes? The baby was certainly just as restless as he was. He would grow up to be
a strong, brave man of action she just knew it. Just as she was convinced it
would be a boy, an heir to the throne of France.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At that moment the King walked in unannounced just because
he was the King!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anne lifted her head and prepared to rise.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Don’t trouble yourself my love.” He took her hand and gave
it the softest kiss, his lips barely skimming the surface of her skin. “How are
we both today?” He spoke to the bump and giggled in his usual excited manner.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anne’s smile was bittersweet. Although King Louis was not
the man she would have chosen she was certain he would make an excellent
father. He had proved himself to be good with children when his nephew had
visited and he had been so attentive since she had fallen pregnant. He indulged
her every whim to make her happy and provided her with the protection of his
finest Musketeers.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I am expecting the court physician to pay a visit shortly.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“There’s nothing wrong with you or the baby is there?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I sincerely hope not sire. I am feeling well if a little
more tired than usual. But the doctor is keeping a close watch on me as you
yourself instructed.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Oh yes I did,” He chuckled to himself remembering. “Well we
can’t be too careful with our miracle child.” His hand rested over her stomach,
hovering as if he dared not touch the precious bump.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“But there is something wrong with you. You look troubled my
Lord.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ve been looking for the Cardinal. I’ve not seen him for
days and it’s not like him to leave me to my own devices for such a long time.
I almost think it’s worth doing something foolish just to see if he appears.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He skipped over to the window, “I could just imagine him popping
out from somewhere and surprising me.” He flicked the curtain back with a
flourish just to make sure the Cardinal wasn’t hiding in the queen’s chambers. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Disappointment showed on his face when he wasn’t there, he really
was beginning to miss him.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Perhaps you should send a message to Captain Treville,
maybe he knows of his whereabouts?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Now why didn’t I think of that? I shall send the Musketeers
out to look for him. A grand game of hide and seek. Oh Anne you are always so
wise. I hope our child will inherit your great wisdom.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He kissed her hand again and she blushed, not at his touch
but at the thought of the Musketeers, at least one in particular and the secret
kisses they had exchanged. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I shall send a message at once to the Captain and leave you
to your rest.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Full of contentment King Louis left to resolve the pressing
matter of Cardinal Richelieu’s disappearance.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He had never had any doubts the child was his and the queen
kept her own counsel on such matters and prayed her indiscretion would never be
found out.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Meanwhile in a quiet corner of the palace something most
peculiar was happening. There was a whirring noise and an intermittent flash of
blue light which cast strange and eerie shadows on the wall. Anyone watching
would have sworn they’d been drinking too much wine but there was no one around
to see the spectacle apart from a spider that scuttled back through a tiny hole
in the brickwork.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Tardis arrived and out stepped Clara Oswald followed by
the Doctor, a man of many faces.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He had recently regenerated and Clara was having trouble
getting used to the new man in her life. He looked much older than before, more
like a father figure. Although in reality he was over a thousand years old so this
made him old enough to be her great great grandfather several times over!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“So where are we then?” she asked him.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He took his sonic screwdriver out of his pocket and tapped
the wall with it listening to the resonance of the echo.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She eyed his actions suspiciously.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Seventeenth century France. Around 1630.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Half past four then – time for tea?” she said brightly.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was his turn to look at her with a quizzical look. “Would
the old me have found that funny?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She considered the question. “Maybe. Yes I think he would
have laughed.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Ha ha.” He said with little conviction and slightly
distracted. “Come on this way.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He took long strides and Clara walked quickly to keep up.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As they turned a corner they almost bumped into a man
dressed very regally.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Who are you?” the Doctor enquired rather rudely.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“King Louis the thirteenth.” He replied. “May I ask who you
are wandering about the palace unannounced? I must say you do look rather
familiar. Have we met somewhere before?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I am the Doctor.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Good. Well Anne is expecting you. And you must be…?” He
looked Clara up and down, she was strangely attired for the period, showing off
a slender pair of legs he noted.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Clara is the nursemaid.” Said the Doctor quickly.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Oh, very well. You’ll find the queen through there.” He
waved them on as he walked away.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Nursemaid?” Clara hissed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You’ve been a governess before and looked after children.
It’s not that far removed.” The Doctor actually smiled at her.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“So the queen is pregnant?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“And it would appear she is expecting a visit from the
Doctor.” He knocked boldly on the door.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You are not the usual physician.” Said Anne as the Doctor
approached.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m a bit of a specialist and after all this is a very
special baby.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Reaching in his pocket he pulled out his sonic screwdriver.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Clara raised an eyebrow at him and shook her head,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“A bit too specialist?” He whispered to her.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Just a tiny bit.” Replied Clara as she looked across at the
queen who regarded their exchange with a bemused expression.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Instead the Doctor rubbed his hands together, then lifting
them to his lips he blew a warm breath on them. He offered a hand to Clara,
“Warm enough?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There was a spark of lingering regeneration energy which
caused a tingling like static electricity as their fingertips met.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With a sigh she wondered about this strange new man she was
travelling with. He was quirky and slightly out of place with the world.
Definitely still “her” Doctor underneath this new facade. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Smiling to herself she bounced on her feet, partly from
excitement at their new adventure but also prepared to run if necessary. Because
what if this ended badly and the real physician arrived? They were here in
seventeenth century France, had the guillotine been invented yet? She didn’t
really want to find out.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However Anne remained regal and serene. She lay very still
as the Doctor placed a hand firmly on her stomach over the top of her dress.
The baby let out an almighty kick.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Oh my, he’s a lively little fellow isn’t he?” He smiled
down at the patient.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Can you tell if it is a boy?” Anne craved an answer.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Oh most definitely! He’s a miraculous baby and will be a
most marvellous king one day. Let me tell you…”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Spoilers!” muttered Clara under her breath.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Oh yes, maybe I shouldn’t have said that.” He frowned, deep
lines crossing his forehead.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“But please assure me doctor that everything is well. Your
countenance just changed as if a dark cloud passed over it. There is something
that concerns you greatly? In fact have we met before? That worried expression
is so familiar, as if you are hiding some unpalatable truth. I will not have
you keeping secrets from me.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Your majesty there really is nothing you should worry
about.” He bowed down low before her, taking a few steps backward as he did so.
“But Clara we have to go.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Are we running?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Oh yes!” He said with a beaming grin.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“So is it alien then?” asked Clara. After running down a few
corridors the Doctor had stopped as if deciding where to run next.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“The baby?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No don’t be so ridiculous.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“But you said he was a miracle baby.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Ah yes, you see the queen has had trouble conceiving and
she has suffered a great many miscarriages over the years. There has been a
concern for a long time that she would not produce an heir to King Louis’s
throne.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It’s not always the woman’s fault. When we met the king he
did seem sort of effeminate, so maybe he has the problem. Perhaps he’s not the
dad? Is there some royal scandal? These things happen even in these times.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Doctor shrugged not unduly concerned by trivial earthly
affairs, all the while still figuring out which way to go next, tapping on the
walls again.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> “There’s something
going on though.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Oh yes, well unborn babies can communicate to Time Lords and
we had quite a little chat.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Now you’re just making things up and teasing me.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He looked at her with a glint in his eye. “You may never
know, come on this way.” And he was off running again. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although Clara was totally exasperated by the man there was
nothing more she wanted to do but follow.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Doctor wasn’t the only one concerned by strange goings
on.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“So explain this to me again,” said Captain Treville. He had
his four best men in front of him and their story was unbelievable. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He would have sworn they had spent the afternoon in the
tavern rather than on duty but he couldn’t smell a drop of alcohol on their
breath. Besides even when drunk Athos made more sense than this!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“There was a party of Red Guards preventing Musketeers from
entering the palace,” Athos spoke in his usual understated manner but was
agitated that he had to repeat the story to the Captain once more. “They
declared they had orders from the Cardinal to kill all the Musketeers who were
ruining France. Then they raised their swords and fire flew from the tips. Our
men fell as if shot and then their bodies disappeared in front of us. Not a
trace remained.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I know it sounds weird Captain but that’s exactly what
happened.” Added Porthos. “The red guards saw us but their weapons seemed to
only have a limited range. We were far enough away to escape.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Aramis nervously rolled the edge of his hat in his hands. “All
this talk isn’t helping; we need to get back to check on the Queen.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Athos glared over at him. It was becoming far too obvious he
was distressed at not being able to protect the woman he loved.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“…and the King of course!” Aramis traded Athos’s black look
with one of his own.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We need to work out what we are dealing with first and come
up with a plan. We will be no use to anyone if we evaporate in the same way as
the others. They have orders to kill the Musketeers not the Royal Family.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Athos you don’t know that for certain. The King and Queen
could have already…,” He struggled to find the right word, “…disappeared.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just then there was a knock at the door and a messenger
arrived. He handed the note to the Captain.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Aramis couldn’t help noticing the Royal Seal and eagerly leant
forward to discover more.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I am to wait for a reply.” The messenger said.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Then wait outside.” Snapped Treville, trying to make sense
of things as he broke the seal and read the contents quickly.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It would appear from this missive written in his own hand that
the King is alive and well, so we can assume this is true of the Queen. “ He
looked straight at Aramis as he said this, why did that man always lust after
the most inappropriate women? “ But he has an urgent task for us, to find
Cardinal Richlieu. In fact he invites us to take part in a grand game of Hide
and Seek.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It’s some kind of trap. Richlieu is behind it controlling
the Red Guards getting them to kill Musketeers with some kind of sorcery.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Dangerous words Porthos, witchcraft and the church don’t
mix.” Said Athos.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“An uneasy alliance but I’ve always suspected that man to be
in league with the devil!” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Porthos
grinned.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Treville ignored Porthos’s remarks. “D’Artagnan, you’ve not
said much.” The youngest recruit looked thoughtful and the Captain was keen to
hear his contribution.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Well I was thinking, the messenger got out past the guards,
the Royal Family appear to be safe inside what if we went to the palace disguised
as something other than Musketeers to see if we can get in and try to find out
what’s really going on?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It sounds like the best plan we’ve got.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A little while later a cart entered the palace gates. They
were stopped by the Red Guards who scanned them quizzically their heads moved mechanically
from side to side never uttering a word.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We are the Royal Vintners.” Said d’Artagnan, who was
driving. He tried to look the guard in the eye but failed to catch his gaze. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We have a delivery of wine for the King.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Satisfied the guards stepped aside allowing them to pass and
they proceeded along the track to the kitchen entrance. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“They are not human.” Said Porthos letting out a breath he
hadn’t realised he was holding. He was certain he could hear his own heartbeat
like the ticking of a clock but as they moved further from the guards the noise
subsided, drowned out by birdsong. D’Artagnan had to agree there was something
incredibly strange going on.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When they stopped at the palace, Athos and Aramis jumped out
from the back of the cart.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That wine is a good vintage.” Athos remarked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Well maybe if we rescue the King he will let you have some
when this is all over.” Said Aramis. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Athos barely smiled and instead led his men through the back
door and into the kitchen. It was hot and steamy, with the heady scent of a
royal feast, succulent venison, aromatic herbs and mouth-watering fresh fruit.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Oi you can’t just leave your cart there! Aren’t you going
to unload it?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ignoring the commotion they were causing Athos walked on
determined, but Aramis picked a strawberry from the top of a cake as he passed
and popped it whole in his mouth.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Delicious!” He exclaimed, crimson juice dribbling into his
beard.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That’s for the queen that is!” said one of the cooks with
her hands on her hips, “You can’t just walk in here and take that.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He raised his hat at the girl, “Oh Monsieur Aramis, I didn’t
recognise you out of uniform.” She bobbed as if to curtsey while her hand
unconsciously reached for a strand of hair that had escaped from her hat and twisted
it about her finger.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Shush!” he said with his own finger raised to his lips and
then he blew her a kiss. She blushed profusely, her face as red as the
strawberry he had stolen.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Come on!” said Porthos, shaking his head at his friend’s
antics.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
D’Artagnan tried his luck as he passed but as he went to
grab a strawberry the girl slapped his hand.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Gentlemen please remember why we here. And remember we are
supposed to be in disguise.” Admonished Athos as they left the heat and noise
of the kitchen behind them. “Now we all stick together. If those Red Guards
attack we need to keep our wits about us. This will be no ordinary fight.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“And we start by checking on the Queen.” Said Aramis defiantly,
heading for the grand staircase and taking them two steps at a time, knowing
the others would have to follow.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Hello again.” Said Clara as she and the Doctor turned a
corner and almost crashed into King Louis. Then remembering he was the King she
curtseyed with her birdlike legs clumsily crossing beneath her.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It’s the Doctor isn’t it? How was the Queen?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Doing very well your majesty,” answered the Doctor. ”But
you look as if you’ve lost something.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Someone actually. I’m looking for Cardinal Richlieu, he’s about
your height with a similar build, wears black leather robes. Usually struts
around the palace telling me what to do but he’s gone missing.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“And when did this happen?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Well thinking about it now I didn’t see him at all yesterday
but it was quite fun not being told what to do, being a maverick for a day. Sometimes
being King is so boring. But I feel a bit lost without him now and wish he
would come back.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Cardinal Richelieu is now complete and no longer in the
service of the King.” A mechanical voice came out of the ether and suddenly the
Doctor and his companions were surrounded by the rogue Red Guards.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Where did you come from?” Asked the King looking round
puzzled by their unexpected appearance.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That is not important!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Doctor do those soldiers have clockwork faces?” Clara
whispered.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes beautiful faces.” Agreed the Doctor getting closer to
inspect. “A work of art. Now I’ve seen something like this before just can’t
quite remember in which lifetime.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“But the King hasn’t noticed anything odd about them.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Very low level perception filter, all too often you humans see
exactly what you want to see, what you expect, but,” the Doctor knocked off the
helmet of the nearest guard and it clattered to the floor.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The King let out a shriek of surprise when suddenly
confronted with the thing in front of him. It had the body of a Red Guard but
an elongated glass head with ticking clogs inside.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What strange creature is this?” The King eventually asked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Alien, from another planet, from another time.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Doctor was still fascinated by the
intricate workings of the clockwork head in front of him. “Now if only I could
remember where I’ve seen you lot before I could remember how to deal with you. That’s
the problem with regenerating some of my memories get a bit muddled up in the
process and they haven’t all caught up with themselves. A bit like Twitter
downloading notifications that go missing on your timeline!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“And what business do you have here?” Demanded the King
ignoring the Doctor’s incomprehensible ramblings.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We are looking for
Musketeers.” Came the measured reply.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Well we are not Musketeers merely travellers in time and
space. And he is the King of France,” said the Doctor indicating towards King
Louis standing beside him. “What do you want the Musketeers for anyway?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“They will be the ruin of France. We have orders from
Cardinal Richelieu that they should be destroyed.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Cardinal Richelieu has no authority to destroy my Musketeers.”
The King stamped his foot at this like a petulant child; he was standing for no
more nonsense from these clockwork soldiers. “Just where is the Cardinal? Do
you know where he is? Take me to him now!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the King’s command the corridor they were standing in
seemed to disappear and the three companions found themselves in the centre of
a spaceship. Not the most elegant part of the craft but the engine room, the
unseen nerve centre where everything came together for the smooth running of
the vessel.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Oh it’s coming back to me now. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have seen this before, all I needed was a
bit of teleporting to help trigger off my memories. Rose, can you smell roses?
No not roses,” He clicked his fingers, “Roast dinner, that smell in the air,
rich meaty cooking smell.” The Doctor twirled about as he rambled, it was all
utter drivel to Clara but she could almost see his brain ticking in the same
way the clockwork soldiers’ inner workings could be seen. Piece by piece it was
clicking into place, cogs spinning, wheels revolving, springs wound tight
until…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Suddenly he stopped turning, “No, not roast dinner at all,
human flesh burnt into your circuits. You are a fifty-first century space ship
linked to France and I’ve just realised where I’ve seen your sort before. Tell
me just what is your fascination with the French aristocracy? First this happens
to Madame de Pompadour and now Cardinal Richelieu.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Our ship is the SS Cardinal Richelieu, Madame de Pompadour
is our sister ship.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Madame de Pompadour?” The King repeated to himself with
glee liking the sound of her name on his tongue. “She sounds delightful, can I
meet her?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No you’d really better not your majesty, could be slightly
complicated.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Spoilers?” asked Clara.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You could say that Madame de Pompadour is the mistress of King
Louis’s grandson!” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Awkward!” agreed Clara with a grin, time travel had opened
up such endless possibilities to her but she wasn’t sure the King could handle
such knowledge. Although to be fair apart from screaming like a girl when the
Doctor revealed the soldiers to be clockwork he seemed to have kept a cool
head.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“So obviously you have used the real Cardinal Richelieu as
spare parts to fix your ailing craft, that is his brain in there I take it?”
The Doctor pointed to gelatinous mound of red goo wired into the circuits.
Clara wrinkled her nose and didn’t venture any closer. “So you could just fly
away, there is nothing wrong with the ship.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That is correct we are now complete but we have a new
mission – to rid France of the Musketeers. We have access to the Cardinal’s
thoughts and it is his express wish that the Musketeers must be terminated or
France will be ruined.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Aramis barged into the queen’s chamber without even
knocking.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Aramis.” Queen Anne was delighted to see him if a little
surprised. Her eyes sparkled and her cheeks coloured behind her fan.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In only a few strides he reached her but the arrival of
Athos, Portos and d’Artagnan immediately behind him prevented him from taking
her in his arms as he desired to do.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Instead he bowed low, drinking in the wondrous sight before
him, “Your majesty, there have been some strange goings on and we have come to
protect you.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It has been quiet here all day but I am always glad to see all
of you Musketeers and I feel especially safe in your presence.” She tried not to
look directly at Aramis as she spoke but found it hard to do so when his eyes
were fixed on her.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the mere mention of the name Musketeers within the palace
walls the drones surrounding the Doctor, Clara and the King relocated,
teleporting straight into the Queen’s chamber.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Where did they go?” The King looked around puzzled at their
absence.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then they heard a woman scream.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That’s Anne. Someone’s attacking the queen!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Doctor how do we get back?” Asked Clara. “Can we teleport?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Doctor flicked a few switches on a console. “Not without
those clockwork soldiers with us. We are going to have to find a time portal, there’s
a physical link somewhere between the space ship and the palace. We just have
follow the noise of the screaming and that will be the way between our world
and this one. I just hope I don’t have to smash a mirror this time, made a
right mess before and I have no horse. Arthur, oh I miss Arthur but Rose
wouldn’t let me keep him.” He said cryptically before turning to Louis with a
sweeping bow, “Your majesty I believe it is time to run!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In other circumstances the King was sure this fellow would
be fun to keep around court. He was fond of talking in riddles and he could probably
liven up any gathering. But for now he was concerned for his Queen and perhaps
more importantly his future heir she was carrying.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When Anne screamed Aramis drew his sword in a fluid action.
As he raised it to defend the Queen he knocked the arm of the Red Guard and a flash
of fire emitted from its tip just missing Athos’s ear.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Remember Aramis these soldiers carry strange weapons. “ He
said as he jabbed his own sword to meet the solid chest of the soldier he was
facing. “They appear to be covered in armour as well.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“They must have a weak spot somewhere.” Said Porthos as he
deflected another blow.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“They don’t move so well.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Guards moved in such a slow methodical fashion that they
had all realised there was some advantage to be gained. They were definitely more
agile than their opponents and fit from their daily training sessions.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was d’Artagnan who used his efforts to strike one about
the head and as he did so the helmet flew off. Suddenly they were all aware
that what they were facing was certainly not human.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just for a second time seemed to stop even though a sound
like a hundred ticking clocks filled the air, a countdown to the imminent destruction
of the Musketeers.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What are these strange creatures?” Asked Porthos filled
with curiosity.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Never mind what they are or where they are from, they are
trying to kill us and we have to stop them.” Athos replied.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anne whimpered curling herself up as tight as she could on
the sofa with her arms protectively about her bump. Aramis caught sight of her
from the corner of his eye as he ducked to avoid a fatal shot. His emotions
were torn he needed to draw them away from her but longed to stay close. She shouldn’t
be here in this battle. Had they placed her in mortal danger?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Athos meanwhile thought he had found a slight chink in the
armour where the neck and head joined, he deftly sidestepped the next attack
and forced his sword upwards into the gap. There was a grating sound of metal
on metal as the blade ripped apart the cogs. He twisted his weapon to inflict
maximum damage and the clockwork soldier wound down slowly unable to fight
back.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Go for just under the neck.” He screamed his advice to the
others. “That’s the weak spot.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The fight got more intense after that as they dodged the
alien weapons that shot sparks of flame. They knew only too well what would
happen if they were hit, they would disappear forever like the Musketeers they
had seen earlier.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Porthos suddenly found himself near the open window as he
moved to avoid a shot he leant backwards and toppled through.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Porthos!” D’Artagnan cried but as he looked down below his
brother in arms had vanished. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There was a smell like burnt flesh, I’ve landed in hell,
Porthos thought, for this surely isn’t heaven. His artificial surroundings were
made from metal and it was unlike anything he had even encountered before in
his travels. He hit the wall with his sword producing a clanging echo all
around.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Far in the distance he could hear the fighting still taking
place without him. There was no time for sentiment in battle, he knew his
friends would fight valiantly on without him but he hoped they would raise a
glass to him at the tavern later in his memory. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It saddened him to think he would never see his friends
again, loyal Athos with his stern looks, mischievous Aramis and his wild wicked
ways and d’Artagnan, still so young but learning fast.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It had been a good life really, he mused but his
reminiscences were cut short when he heard the sound of footsteps running
towards him.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Porthos!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You majesty.” He bowed before his King. “Are you dead too?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No, I don’t think so. Am I dead Doctor?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No, no one is dead, not today. Did you come through this
way?” He indicated to a red velvet curtain fluttering in the breeze.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I don’t know, it was all a blur. Where am I?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“This is a spaceship,“ explained the young girl who accompanied the strange man and the King, “It flies
through time and space among the stars.” Her voice was bright and pretty. To
Porthos she was an angel.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Well sort of, something like that.” Said the Doctor. “Now
Allons-y! I always liked saying that, kind of appropriate now don’t you think?”
And with that he held the curtain to one side and they all walked through, with
Clara grabbing hold of Portos’s hand leading him back to the world he had come
from.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just who was most surprised by their appearance in the
Queen’s chambers from behind the curtain is hard to say. It was the very same
curtain Louis had looked behind earlier in the day when searching for the
Cardinal unaware at the time of its great significance.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now he had seen enough to make a stand and it was he who
addressed the clockwork aliens. This would be his finest hour although sadly
the history books do not record it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“If I understand this correctly, your ship that sails
through the stars is now captained by Cardinal Richelieu. But it appears to me we
are still in France and the Cardinal still takes his orders from me. I am the King
and I forbid this folly to persist any longer. Your ship is mended and able to
fly. So I order you to go. Leave my Musketeers alone, leave France, leave this
world in peace by my royal command.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Louis spoke with such authority that the rogue Red Guards
disappeared at once. There was a slight shaking in the palace as the SS
Cardinal Richelieu severed all links with 1630 and left for good.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Louis it seems to have worked,” the queen rushed to her
husband’s side and warmly hugged him. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>“You were so brave to face such beasts,” she
was overcome with admiration at his courage.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Such displays of public affection were rare and the
Musketeers all turned their heads out of respect looking away discretely, all
except one who seethed furiously under his hat!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Oh Anne I would do anything to protect you and our baby.”
He held her close as she collapsed into him feeling his arms embrace her more
assured and confident than ever before.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He stroked her hair tenderly, “It must have been so
frightening for you. Come and sit down my love.” Leading her back to the sofa
he helped her get settled. “Someone fetch the Queen some water.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
By chance Aramis was closest to the table and he lifted the jug shaking
with rage as he watched the devoted couple before him knowing there was nothing
he could do but wishing more than anything else that he was the one comforting
his beloved.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Clara watched as water splashed haphazardly over the edge of
the glass and came alongside him to steady his hand.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Let me take that.” She said with a pleasant smile. Their
fingers touched and as their eyes met she was sure she saw a teardrop just
about to fall but then he regained his composure and conjured up smile in
return accompanied with a heartfelt sigh. It was for the best he didn’t let his
emotions show, Athos was watching after all!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I think it is time we all left the King and Queen to have
some rest. Doctor’s orders.” The Doctor lifted his arms like a mother hen gathering
everyone up and shooing them from the room.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As his dark coat fell open the King caught sight of the red
lining and he imagined another man stood there swishing a red cloak in exactly
the same manner.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve got it, I know who
you look like. If you grew a beard and moustache you would look just like
Cardinal Richelieu!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“A beard? A moustache? Hmm, I suppose I could grow them.” He
rubbed his face with his hand pondering his features.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No, don’t change again so soon, I’m just getting used to
you like this.” Said Clara as she slipped her arm in his and they walked out of
the room following the four Musketeers.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQMuC9lJ9Trij6ce70ujefwc1Pj_CQ0p3Jh-N48jDvqMq70anwTqyVI4F9HuPM3MAq75EfLRZ0Np-6xxzw0_26HJ__TmfPOeuXCjsLPZ1sCfZaAnf8Mp0ZgmEFHRRqcM0TkUUwsFogFZE/s1600/dr+who.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQMuC9lJ9Trij6ce70ujefwc1Pj_CQ0p3Jh-N48jDvqMq70anwTqyVI4F9HuPM3MAq75EfLRZ0Np-6xxzw0_26HJ__TmfPOeuXCjsLPZ1sCfZaAnf8Mp0ZgmEFHRRqcM0TkUUwsFogFZE/s1600/dr+who.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i> (Now I could have ended the story here, the alien threat has
diminished and all is right with the world but there is one last scene I want
to write and it would be such a shame having Clara here in this time and space and
not give her a bit of romance… after all Musketeers have a habit of falling for
impossible girls!)</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Alright where and when would you like to travel to next?”
asked the Doctor once they had returned to the Tardis.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We don’t have to leave right now do we?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Why? Do you have other plans?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Actually I have a date.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Oh.” The Doctor raised an eyebrow.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What do I have to
ask your permission now, like you’re my dad or something?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No,” he answered huffily and started flicking
indiscriminate switches on the control panel.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She disappeared into the heart of the Tardis and returned a
few minutes later wearing a different dress with a fresh coat of lip gloss. As
she walked towards the door, the Doctor looked up from his tinkering.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“He does have honourable intentions I assume?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Aren’t Musketeers always honourable? It’s just a date, a
picnic under the stars. You really are like my dad now aren’t you?” She kissed
his cheek and skipped off. “Don’t wait up!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ve never been taken on a date on horseback before!” said
Clara as Porthos helped her down. “First day I met the Doctor we went on a
motorbike.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Mademoiselle Clara, you do say the strangest of things.
Explain the word date to me and motorbike and the Doctor.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Clara giggled, “I don’t believe anyone could ever explain
the Doctor!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Porthos shook his head maybe there were some things a man
from the seventeenth century shouldn’t know. Instead he led her to a quiet
clearing in the wood where they could picnic and watch the stars. “All I’m interested
in really is to know more about you. And I want to eat!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She sat down beside him and watched as he tucked into a
chicken leg with obvious relish. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Oh this is so good. I really thought I had died.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Oh I know, when we first saw you, you looked as white as
the moon above!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He roared at that, a big hearty laugh of a man glad to just
be alive.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Every day is like that for you isn’t it?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Some days are quieter than others,” Clara confessed. “But I
love the adventure and the running.” Her eyes sparkled as she remembered her
adventures. “You could always come with us.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Might get a bit crowded in that blue box of yours. I’m a
big man, I need my space.”</div>
“You need your friends too.” It was half a question, half a
statement.
<div class="MsoNormal">
He nodded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The
thought of not seeing their ugly faces again… well they are my family and you
don’t run out on family do you. Just like you and the Doctor really. I think we
both know something about being different, trying to fit in and find our place
in the world. Now tell me about the stars.” He lay down looking up the sky.
“Show me where you’ve been.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She lay down close beside him and pointed, it didn’t really
matter which one she pointed to she reasoned, somewhere up there were all her
adventures. Pinpricks of sparkle in the night sky. The same in seventeenth
century France as they were back home.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Here I want to give you a present.” Clara said when they
arrived back outside the Tardis, “Something to remember me by.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Oh I don’t think I could ever forget you. Every time I look
up at the stars I will remember.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Clara fiddled with her ear and handed over one of her
earrings. “They’re not real diamonds or anything special but I thought you
might like it.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Porthos put the earring in his own ear, “how does it look?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Just like a twinkling star in the sky.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He hugged her close to say thank you; she could feel his
heartbeat speed up a little. It was always hard to say goodbye but she had
another man who needed her, at least she hoped he still did…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You had a good time?”
The Doctor asked without looking up.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes thank you. Have you been tinkering all evening? Boys
and their toys.” She sighed with a laugh.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No I went and helped deliver the royal baby. All the
excitement brought on the labour. Mother and baby are doing well and I
discovered King Louis is quite fond of gas and air, makes him even more
giggly.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Isn’t that modern pain relief?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Technically yes but after the day they’ve all had it was
only fair.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“So go on then tell me, is it a boy or a girl?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I already told you it was a boy.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Just checking!” She paused almost wondering if she should
ask her next question. “It’s Aramis isn’t it. The baby’s father. I watched the
way he looked at her.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Oh Clara you can’t expect me to answer that one.” He said.
“Spoilers dear girl! Now would you like to do the honours?” He pointed to a
large switch on the Tardis console.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Her eyes widened, he nodded, she flicked the switch and the
Tardis whirred back into life off on a new adventure.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Meanwhile Porthos stood outside watching in awe, he felt a
sharp cold breeze on his face as the blue box disappeared. He shook his head, turned
on his heel and walked away resigned to a Musketeer’s life without love but
with honour. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In his ear the diamond earring sparkled, forever a reminder
of the girl he could have loved. The girl who travelled amongst the stars.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>If you enjoyed this story and want to read another click on title for my first <a href="http://re-ravelling.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/trevilles-secret-musketeers-fan-fiction.html" target="_blank">#Musketeers Fan Fic Treville's Secret </a></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07953334708365738152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8175766962148214842.post-82573038764743368762014-05-18T00:39:00.000+01:002014-08-10T16:21:40.534+01:00The land of make believe where the little blue birds tweet…<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I admitted a while back that been extra distracted of late and
my mood has altered very little since. I’m still here in a house I can’t sell feeling
stuck, thinking my life will never change for the better!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To that end I’ve been avoiding the real world, hiding my
paperwork and trying to escape the overwhelming grief that is so stubborn it won’t
go! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However I know from past experience that my moods are
subject to change very quickly and this can’t last much longer can it? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And while I wait for some excitement in my life there is
always Twitter, my latest favourite waste of time!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Only a few months ago I decided to give up Twitter altogether
just because I was getting bored with it and couldn’t see the point of
following the people I did.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My timeline then was filled mostly with two sorts of people</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Writers promoting their latest blogs posts/
books/stories and I don’t feel like a “writer” anymore. Was I ever? Isn’t it
all just hype spinning out of control?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>And Christians expounding lots of wisdom that I
didn’t always want to hear. God may have a plan for me but he is keeping it so
secret I am totally frustrated to the point of falling out with him on a daily
basis!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the end I didn’t delete my account, somehow I knew I’d
have a change of heart and in the last few months I have added a third group of
people I follow and who follow me - my #Musketeer friends. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And I hold my hands
up and admit I now spend so much time on Twitter my best friend has to tweet me
to get my attention because I don’t always answer her texts!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It all started with conversations about which musketeer/actor
we fancied most – we are like a bunch of giggly schoolgirls sometimes and it is so
good to laugh and daydream – I’ve reverted to being a teenager again!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s crazy to think they would be too old for me if I were
still a teenager and they are far too young now I am somewhere in my forties (let’s
just leave my exact age out of this - I've told you before anyway!)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But over the last few weeks I’ve discovered something else new
to me on Twitter that I never knew existed – Role Play.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some people have special Role Play accounts and pretend to
actually be the Musketeers and other assorted historical characters.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now one of my friends sternly raises her eyebrows at this,
concerned that I am chatting to the wrong kind of men! She always has been
suspicious whereas I am probably too naïve and trusting. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I promise her I will be careful and not get carried away…too
far! It’s a bit of harmless flirting and quite honestly I could use the
practice! Most are university students, some are older and a few have admitted
being single but you never know for sure what's true and what's not (inside or outside the brackets)!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is fun, reading Musketeer storylines played out, the writing is usually excellent and has you on the edge of your seat as you wait for the next tweet to appear. Meanwhile
another thread weaves in and out of the timeline made up of those of us reading
and making comments.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sometimes us “real” people even get to join in and it gets confusing,
it’s sad, it’s funny, sometimes poignant and often very sexy *blushes* - I am
learning lots. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m not sure I can explain it all very well without if
sounding, well just a bit strange to the uninitiated. My real life friends shake their heads at my
new found hobby but they know only too well it will probably be another passing
phase, another step along my grief journey perhaps, another way I try to mend
my broken heart or at least fill in the gaps.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Consequently I have
become a part of yet another on line community who at this moment in time are
encouraging me, supporting me and mostly making me smile. That’s got to be a
good thing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In return hopefully I am being as encouraging and giving out
as much as I receive because as people open up you can see underneath we are
all the same - aching, hurting, needing - and Twitter is such a great way to
communicate succinctly, dispensing positive thoughts like drops of April
showers.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And I’ve found it easy to just drop into a conversation that
I will pray about something. It’s not a glib comment I truly mean it and if
people want to ask me more about my Christianity they can. Yes my faith is a little
shaky at the present time but it’s still there under pinning everything, it
always will be.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think carefully about what I tweet and try not to get
myself into controversial situations I feel uncomfortable with.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So now my Twitter timeline is made up of Musketeer fans, who
make me smile, Christians who regularly challenge me and writers who remind me that once
I wanted to write too and even if my words only fill 140 characters I think it’s
good to remember that that is still writing!</div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07953334708365738152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8175766962148214842.post-64541501670172484102014-05-03T12:05:00.000+01:002014-05-03T12:05:01.483+01:00you wandered through my dreams last night...<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Next Wednesday it will be twenty years since our wedding day
but when Andrew died the clock stopped at sixteen years, six months, six days
and a little under 3 hours.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On Wednesday there will be little to actually “celebrate”
but the memories have already started churning, which is probably why last
night I dreamt of Andrew.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It doesn’t happen very often. To be honest I try NOT to even
think of him too much because it hurts. I fill my days with other distractions,
most notably at the moment the Musketeers.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But I’ve written a poem and this seems as good a place as
any to share it because I’ve never been one for keeping my thoughts and
feelings to myself…. </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">you wandered through
my dreams last night</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">
</span></span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">disturbing my deepest
thoughts</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">
</span></span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">I know I can never
escape you</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">
</span></span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">and although it often
brings some comfort</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">
</span></span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">to imagine you are
always watching</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">
</span></span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">seeing you again</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">
</span></span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">makes me miss you</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">
</span></span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">far too much</span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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/AVvXsEgsnkzMHbXN9ag8O8W4rCCpb1J9QC_b6hu_UWAsycy3QVlkP749Mm2sQTff6B6HBVXJpA4LqwkU_JnTegPsbr2bSRrHx0HTixszYJwx-u7kNaTWKRPRmHvnTpRlpSkufqYJSe3S13u_ujo/s1600/IMG_1066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsnkzMHbXN9ag8O8W4rCCpb1J9QC_b6hu_UWAsycy3QVlkP749Mm2sQTff6B6HBVXJpA4LqwkU_JnTegPsbr2bSRrHx0HTixszYJwx-u7kNaTWKRPRmHvnTpRlpSkufqYJSe3S13u_ujo/s1600/IMG_1066.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">rings no longer worn - kept forever together in a draw</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07953334708365738152noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8175766962148214842.post-85428379030837208072014-04-27T20:47:00.000+01:002014-04-27T20:47:03.941+01:00Treville's Secret (#Musketeers Fan Fiction)<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
This little idea has been bubbling away for a while and I’ve
never written any fan fiction before so I thought it was time to give it a go.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As the Comtesse said to the Musketeer, “I am feeling
indulgent.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So please indulge me and ENJOY!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Treville’s Secret </span></u></i></span></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> The woman stopped
abruptly when she reached the gates to the Musketeers quarters, she’d not seen
her husband for almost sixteen years and she was unsure of the reception he
would give her.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Smoothing an imaginary wrinkle from her skirt, she wished for
another life. Her dress had become badly worn over the years although it was
unlike her to care for such trivial matters. Her daughter had always taken
priority and it was thoughts of her beautiful Estelle which now gave her
courage. </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">With a deep breath and
head held high she stepped into another world.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I’m looking for
Captain Treville.” She enquired of the first soldier she met. Her voice came
out clearer than she expected it to giving her another boost of confidence.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The man tipped his hat
at her and indicated to the stairs. She could sense him staring at her as she
went but not unkindly as most men stared, more out of curiosity.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">She knocked boldly on
the door.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Enter.” Came a shout
from within, she pushed the door open, stepped in and faced the man who had
deserted her all those years ago…</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> She was the last
person he expected to see. They both stared at each other taking in the people
they had become over the years. He looked inevitably older but incredibly smart
and handsome in his uniform, she lowered her gaze suddenly ashamed.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I’m sorry.” Her voice
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>barely a whisper, a vast wave of guilt
overwhelming her.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Why are you here
Celeste?” Her name on his lips after all this time made her shiver.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Estelle…” her voice
trailed away as she struggled to find the words.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Is she dead too, like
her brother?” His direct words were harsh piercing her brittle heart.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Did she deserve them? </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">When the twins were
born, one girl, one boy, their son was already frail. It had been a long drawn
out labour and with not enough milk to feed them both he favoured she should care
for his son; but Laurent was a fractious baby who wouldn’t latch on properly and
showed little interest in living. Instead she fed the stronger of the two,
delighting in her daughter’s zest for life.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">She had to give one of
them the chance of life or risk losing them both. Yet she still lost two people
she loved that day.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">It was the most
difficult decision she had ever made. Thoughts of cradling her dying baby boy
in her arms haunted her still.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Treville left her soon
after unable to bear watching his daughter thrive. The loss of an heir too much
for him. Celeste forgave her husband as he walked away. She understood his pain
but never truly forgave herself.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“He was too weak. He
was always too weak to survive, you just couldn’t see it. You didn’t want to
accept it to be true.” Celeste argued, “Would you really let one of your
musketeers fight in a battle he was sure to lose?”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">He was not prepared to
talk about his men with her, they were his family now.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“And what of Estelle?”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“She’s gone missing,
since two nights ago. There have been stories of girls in the neighbourhood
being taken. I’m worried Treville. Please I’m begging you. I don’t want to lose
her too.”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“She’s no longer a concern
of mine.” He turned away. Those broad shoulders once such a comfort to her were
now a huge wall between them.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“You don’t honestly
mean that. I don’t believe you do. She’s your daughter too!” </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I can’t help you
Celeste.” He kept his back to her so the pain on his face wouldn’t betray his
words. Looking out of the window at his soldiers below he wondered once more
what sort of man his sixteen year old son would have become.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Slamming the door
behind her enraged she blinked back the rush of fresh tears. How foolish she
had been to think he would help her. He had risen to the important rank of
Captain of the King’s Musketeers in her absence while she lived the life of an
impoverished “widow” who took in laundry to put food on the table. She really
was nothing to him.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">In her haste to leave
she slipped on the wooden steps, her legs gave way beneath her and she found
herself tumbling into the arms of the Musketeer who had watched her arrive. His
strong arms steadied her and she dared for a moment to look up into his eyes.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">They was something about
them mirrored her own. This man had lost someone too, his sorrowful eyes
searched hers, somehow he seemed to understand her pain, the dilemma of life
and death she had faced alone.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">When she could bear
his empathy no longer she shook herself free from his firm but gentle grip but
as she tried to walk away she realised she had twisted her ankle in the fall,
she winced in pain at each hurried step.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Stop!” It was
Treville shouting from the balcony. His voice was thunderous and she wondered
what her crime was now. Would she never be pardoned?</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Two more musketeers
advanced. One was hardly more than a child in her eyes, too young to really be
a soldier. The other had a darker complexion and towered above her ominously blocking
out the sun.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></span></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">They shared a furtive
look between them and lifted her up, each carrying her under her arms with such
ease she felt like a tiny bird about to be caged. What little fight she had
left disappeared as they carried her backwards and sat her down on a barrel at
the bottom of the steps.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Celeste, I will help
you. I will find her.” The voice called down benevolently.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Looking upwards she
saw Treville, his face betraying no emotion as if this was like any other piece
of business.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">She tried to utter a
thank you but her mouth was dry, besides he was no longer looking in her
direction.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Instead he called a
musketeer up to his office. It was the man she had crashed into on the stairs.
She half-heartedly prayed he was the most trusted man to undertake the search,
although she knew God had already been gracious to her that day.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Satisfied she had done
as much as she was able she tried to get down from her perch to walk away.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Please let me look at
that ankle, Madame…?” The sentence turned into a question that hung in the air
and she dare not speak the answer.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Madame Treville.” So he
was still looking down at her after all. “Celeste Treville. My wife.” It
sounded like a warning. Only then did she hear the door bang shut.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Well Madame,” the
musketeer said brightly with a dazzling smile that reached all the way up to his
eyes, “that was a nasty fall but with a bandage you should be able to walk a
little way.”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">He knelt at her feet
and removed her shoe. She flinched even though his touch was tender.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Does that hurt?” he
asked as he twisted her foot first one way and then the other.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">She nodded, biting her
lip hoping more tears wouldn’t fall.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I will go and fetch
some bandages.”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“No please,” she
begged grabbing his shoulder as he was about to rise, “just tear a strip from
my petticoat. I don’t want to take anything from you. It is really too much to
ask.” The colour was rising in her cheeks betraying how uncomfortable she was
beginning to feel.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">He looked up at her in
wonderment. “I can tell you are a practical woman and used to being
independent. I won’t ask any questions.”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lifting the top layer
of her skirt he found the tattered petticoat beneath, tore a strip clean across
and wrapped it expertly around her foot.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“There. Try and rest
it as best you can.” Placing his hands securely about her waist he lifted her
down, she shuddered.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Thank you,” she just managed
to say as she tested the weight on her ankle all the while looking at the floor
to see that it would hold her.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I don’t know who you
are looking for but if the Captain says he will find her, he will. And may God
go with you Madame Treville.”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">His parting blessing
made the tears spring up once more, God really was listening.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">She hobbled away convinced
she had met an army of angels today. How could these men be mere mortals?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had been a long time since she had been
shown such love and compassion.</i></span></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Standing in the office
Athos raised an eyebrow quizzically at the captain.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Yes she’s my wife. Is
there anything else you need to know?” the answer was blunt.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Probably not.” He
replied in a similar matter of fact manner. Treville would tell him everything
necessary, he wouldn’t pry. He was a man used to keeping confidences.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Treville paused before
he spoke next, carefully considering what he was about to say. He wasn’t proud
of his past and knew the whole story would come out eventually but if any of
his Musketeers would understand it would be the man stood before him now. </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“What do you know of these
girls that have been going missing?”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“D’Artagnan knows more
than I do, some rumour Madame Bonecieux has picked up. Young girls around the
age of eighteen disappearing. We’ve not got much to go on.”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The captain looked
troubled the lines on his face suddenly more pronounced, showing his age.” My
daughter is barely sixteen,” he mused, “and I don’t even know what she looks
like.”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Then I suggest we
visit Constance immediately and see what she can tell us.” Athos nobly laid a
hand on the captain’s shoulder.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Constance was in the
workroom sewing by the window but her thoughts meandered elsewhere. She was
shocked to look out and see the Captain approach with Athos. The Captain looked
particularly worried. She bit her lip wondering if there was something wrong
with d’Artagnan.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">She rushed to open the
door, “Is everything alright?”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Athos smiled
instinctively as he nodded in reply. Of all the secrets he kept the affair
between Constance and d’Artagnan was the most widely known about although Monsieur
Bonecieux remained blissfully deceived.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“We are looking for
information about the young girls who have gone missing.”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“We believe my
daughter Estelle is among them.” Treville disclosed.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Your daughter?”
Constance was caught off guard and saw the man before her in a new light. She
had so many questions bubbling up that she wanted to ask but refrained. Instead
she told the men all she knew.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Mostly its rumour. My
husband was talking to man who said her daughter had been sent out on an errand
and never returned. The man wasn’t terribly concerned, said it was one less
mouth to feed but then my cousin told me of a richly dressed woman wandering
the streets at night who enticed her friend away with her with promises of fine
clothes. Someone has been buying up fine silk and lace in the area but we are
not getting the business. My husband is annoyed at that.” She added making a
show of her married status, although in front of these two it wasn’t necessary.
Even Captain Treville knew about most of his men’s dalliances. </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“We need to be
vigilant and patrol the area. It might be helpful if perhaps your cousin would
act as a decoy for us.” Athos looked at Constance.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“No I forbid it. No
one else’s daughter is going missing!” Treville answered sharply.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“But Captain we would
be watching and guarantee her safety. We need to catch these people in the act
and follow them to find Estelle.” He deliberately spoke her name.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“My cousin wouldn’t
mind. And I trust your men to protect her.” </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Treville shook his
head, “I don’t like this.”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“It’s the best plan
we’ve got.”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">But there was
something else bothering Treville, these girls weren’t just abducted but
appeared to be leaving voluntarily. He needed to speak to Celeste some more.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Alright, you go back
and fetch the others. I have someone else I need to see.” He picked up his hat
and left.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“So Captain Treville
has a daughter!” Constance exclaimed as soon as he had gone.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“And a wife too it
would seem.” Athos didn’t see it as betraying a confidence to share such
information with her; she was almost like his sister to him.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Still pondering these
thoughts Constance returned to her sewing.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> It didn’t take
Treville long to find her, he guessed correctly that she had reverted to her
maiden name after he had left. She was in one of the most run down parts of
Paris, far removed from where they used to live.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I didn’t expect to
see you again so soon. Have you heard news?” she desperately enquired as she
showed him into the small room she usually shared with her daughter.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“What are you not
telling me Celeste?” His manner was brusque, his eyes searching for clues to
the lives that were lived here.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I don’t know what you
mean.” She shuffled her feet on the floor, her ankle still throbbed and she
longed to sit down but he stepped towards her grabbing her shoulders.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Estelle ran away
didn’t she?” Being so close he saw the lines etched on her face from age and
worry. He had a sudden urge to trace those new marks with his fingertips. If he
could he would erase them and turn back the wasted time. He remembered her
complexion being soft and smooth. </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">With a hand on her
chin he tilted her head up to face him and she finally held his gaze.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">They both remembered
happier times. The years had been harsh to them both, stealing a deep joy they
once shared together but the released memories flowed between them now.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">He suddenly loosened
his grip frightened where the feelings that were overwhelming him might lead.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Would you want to
live here, like this?” she tried to hold back the tears as she slumped onto the
hard wooden bed she had to share with her daughter. It gave her relief for her
painful ankle but she hated him seeing her like this, so broken.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I’ve tried so hard,
given her everything. It’s not been easy. She’d been talking for a while about
leaving but I never thought she would until this woman turned up and filled her
head with nonsense. Perhaps she did go freely but I worry about the life she
will have. She talked of travelling to London. She’s going to end up a prostitute
in a strange city. Is that life so much better than this? Is that where you
want your daughter to end up?”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“And you? You never…?”
He had no right to ask her such a question but he had to know.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">She laughed nervously,
still understanding him after all these years. “Did I ever prostitute myself
for money? Is that what you are too afraid to ask? Do you think we would live
here among the sewer rats if I had? There has never been anyone else for me.”
She looked him straight in the eye the truth of her answer pierced his heart
like an arrow.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“And what does Estelle
know of me?” </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“She believes her
father is dead. I thought it was for the best and never told her otherwise. I didn’t
want her coming to find you. You see I’ve been a fool and watched you all these
years from afar, I actually wept when I heard the news that you’d won your
commission, I was so proud of all you had achieved. There were insane moments
when I’d imagine my life married to a Captain in the King’s Musketeers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I soon realized you didn’t need us in
your new life. I didn’t want to be a burden or hinder your career. And I didn’t
want Estelle frittering her own life away on dreams that won’t come true.”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“So why come to me now?”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Because I need you. You
are the only person who could possibly help me find Estelle. And without
Estelle I have absolutely no reason to live at all.”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">This woman before him
was so capable yet so fragile at the same time. He’d always wanted to protect her,
make a home for her, not like this, she deserved so much more and he’d left her
out of stupidity. They’d both lost a child and it tore them apart but she had
been the strong one, strong enough to raise Estelle on her own. Every day she
had put their child before herself. Suddenly he saw that she had given all she
could to Laurent too. Celeste couldn’t withhold her goodness it wasn’t in her
nature.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I came to you because
you loved me once.” She risked whispering as he turned towards the door.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Perhaps I still do.”
He thought but he dare not say it. Not until he had put things right.</i></span></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> The Musketeers
gathered at the Bonecieux household where they met the young Suzanne and
briefed her on their mission. </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“This is most
irregular but it’s what I’ve come to expect from you.” Monsieur Bonecieux sat
at the head of the table eating his supper weary of the Musketeer business that
always came to his door. </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Constance refilled his
cup with the best wine, she smiled sweetly at him, affectionately patting his
shoulder. He appeared to grow taller with her kind touch, a satisfied smirk on
his face as he greedily pushed another forkful of food into his mouth.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">D’Artagnan glared at
the scene of domestic bliss until Porthos kicked his boot to get him to focus
on the task in hand.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“We will follow you
Mademoiselle from a distance keeping to the shadows but if at any point you get
scared we will call it off and find another way.” Athos spoke calmly, aware of
all that was going on in the room. He needed his men alert, there was a lot at
stake and he had never seen Treville so visibly concerned.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Constance said this
was the only way.” The girl seemed completely unconcerned with the possible
dangers that lay ahead. She had the foolishness of youth on her side.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Athos hoped they had made
a wise decision, he had a sense this wasn’t going to be as straightforward as
he first suspected. </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“But we don’t want to
put you in a situation you are uncomfortable with.” This was Aramis
unnecessarily reassuring her.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Suzanne looked up directly
into his eyes beneath fluttering lashes and smiled.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Good grief, thought
Athos, he had seen women look at Aramis that way before. It was destined to be
a long night.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> It was a cold night
too to be wandering the streets of Paris. Suzanne pulled her shawl closer about
her shoulders. It was the cold that made her shiver she was sure of it. How
could she be afraid when those brave musketeers were watching her every step.
Sensing their eyes on her she tried to move seductively, after all she was no
longer a child.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">But the other night
she had been frightened, the night her friend Marie-Claire had wandered off
into the shadows. There was something scary about that woman who promised so
much.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">She had to admit she
was tempted by the lure of precious jewels and pretty dresses. A life away from
the squalor and dirt that clung like a filthy blanket. But she had something
Marie-Claire didn’t, a family who loved her and she would miss them desperately
if she were to leave.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thinking of her family
made her feel secure but that ended very quickly when she was grabbed from
behind and a small cold knife was pressed against her throat.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I thought you weren’t
interested in grown up games the other evening.” The woman’s voice purred. </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">”Yet
tonight you are strutting around like a proper little whore.”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I’m… I’m … just
looking for my friend. Where did you take her?”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I’m not sure that’s a
concern of yours. Tell me why I shouldn’t just slit your throat here and now?”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I made a mistake the
other night. I should have followed you too.” </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“So you wish to join
us now?”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Yes.”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“You might just be in
luck, we leave for London tonight.”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The woman removed the
blade from Suzanne’s throat and surveyed her potential protégé carefully. </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“You
are much plainer than your friend but you certainly have some spirit. Perhaps
we could use a girl like you after all.” She laughed then, a laugh which echoed
portentously through the dark deserted streets.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">As Athos watched the
scene unfold from the shadows he felt a coldness spread down his spine that had
nothing to do with the air temperature.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Just observing the way
the older woman walked around her victim was enough to know who she was but the
boldness of her laugh made something inside him snap. </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Silently, swiftly, he
removed his pistol and took aim. The last night they met he had promised her he
would kill her if she ever returned to Paris and once again he had a clear shot
of his prey. He was a man of honour and principle, this time he must not fail.
But in the time it takes a heart to beat his finger hesitated on the trigger and
that was all it took for d’Artagnan to spot what was happening.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Forcing his friend’s
hand downwards he shook his head. “Athos you can’t,” he whispered with great
urgency.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Athos glared angrily at
d’Artagnan although mostly he was annoyed with himself, he had played a part in
making Milady de Winter the woman she was today and he would never truly be
free of her.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“We have to keep her
alive to be able to follow them. It’s the only way to track down Estelle and
get her back.”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Conceding his friend
was right he gave orders for d’Artagnan and Porthos to follow the women on foot
while he and Aramis went back to report to Treville and fetch the horses.
Depending where the girls were being held they might need to ride towards
Calais.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Milady de Winter had
caused too much pain and misery, if she was behind this Estelle was in very grave
danger indeed.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> “I’m coming with you.”
Stated Treville as he mounted his horse.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“But we agreed you
were too emotionally involved in this.” Retorted Athos as they prepared to set off.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“And you are not?” His
look was stern. “If Milady de Winter is involved in this escapade it has gone
way beyond anything either of us imagined.”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“So you don’t trust me
now?”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I trust all my men
but each of us has weaknesses that can compromise the situation. We are
stronger together; there are some battles we should not fight alone.”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Athos turned to Aramis
who nodded sagely in agreement. Musketeers always stuck together.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And with that the men
set off to join the others.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> They caught up with
d’Artagnan and Porthos on the road leading to Calais.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“What took you so
long?” Pothos smiled as he mounted his horse trying to lighten the mood.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Treville ignored him. “So
what’s the set up?” </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Two carriages with
five or six young women in each.” Replied d’Artagnan.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Men?”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Four.”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Hardly a fair fight
four of them and five of us!” </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Do you want to go
home now Aramis?” Treville was not in the mood to joke.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“No Captain.” He
apologised.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“What about Milady de
Winter? Is she still with them?” Athos couldn’t let her escape yet again.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">D’Artagnan nodded.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Then leave her to
me.”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“We must also remember
some of these girls want to get away, they may fight back too.” Porthos
reminded them.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“You take on the men
Porthos,” said Aramis, “and I will take care of the women.”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Porthos laughed heartily
knowing his friend would be a match for them all!</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“We are wasting time.”
Said the Captain sternly, “Once they reach Calais and set sail for England they
are beyond our jurisdiction.”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> They galloped for
miles before they spied the carriages, they were now so close to the sea they
could smell the salty air. </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The carriages stopped
and one by one the girls alighted. Each woman was dressed in fine clothes, all
except one.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Aramis looked through
his spy glass and noted that it was Constance’s cousin Suzanne. He prayed their
plan had not put her in danger.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> She thought it was
just because she had been the last to join the party, there had been no time
for her ablutions; Milady had hurried them out of the house desperate to leave.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Marie-Claire and the
other girls had all bathed and smelled sweet, some girls even wore flowers in
their hair. They had giggled on the journey and somehow Suzanne knew some of
them were sniggering at her.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Now they had stopped she
looked forward to taking a stroll and breathing the fresh air but as she
stretched her arms wide and faced the morning sun Milady stood in front of her.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“A maid’s job is to
fetch some water not stand idle and enjoy the view.” She thrust a jug at her
and pointed to a stream nearby.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">It would be pointless
to argue so she took the offered vessel and went about her business. No one was
watching her as she scanned the horizon for the Musketeers. They were supposed
to be following, keeping her in their sights. What if they had abandoned her, perhaps
she should try to escape on her own?</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Following the stream a
little way she weighed up her options as she pretended to look for the best
spot to fill the jug.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Suzanne.”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">She almost dropped the
jug when she heard the man’s voice whispering her name.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">It was Aramis, so he
had come to rescue her after all, her heart skipped a beat.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">He held a finger to
his lips and she made no sound.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Call one of the men
to help you?” He said softly and she smiled in reply understanding his plan
when she saw his sword in his hand.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Help! I need some
help!” she shouted.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Milady heard her
calling and dispatched one of the men. “Go and see what the silly girl needs.” </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">It had been a mistake
to bring her; she should have just cut her throat in the alleyway. But she
didn’t want to stir up too much trouble in Paris. If Athos caught her there she
might not be spared again. Yet she knew as she walked the familiar streets she
was all the time anticipating another meeting. Her desire for him was still so strong;
at times it almost overwhelmed her.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">He had told her to go
to England and she had obeyed like a faithful wife. In London she had met a man
with a proclivity for Parisian girls and for a price she promised him a good
selection to choose from.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The operation was
risky getting so many girls out of France at once. Perhaps her plans had been a
bit audacious but they were nearly there without a hitch.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> The man approached
Suzanne with a scowl. He’s been promised a night with a woman of his choosing
and this one was last on his list. She still looked like a street urchin, he
could have stayed in Paris for one like her.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I’ve got my foot
stuck.” She smiled up at him helplessly. As he bent to free her foot she lifted
up a rock and smashed it on his head.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Aramis stepped out
from behind a tree his sword now redundant, “Well that will work as well as
this I suppose!”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">He checked for a pulse
and muttered a prayer for the departed.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I just killed a man?”
The colour drained from her face and she looked as if she would faint.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Aramis nodded and
wrapped his arms about the frightened child.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Her small frame shook
as she sobbed.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Hush now, you have
been so very brave.” He soothed her hair and taking her by the hand he led her
back to his horse. All the while watching, making sure they had not been seen. She
needed to be taken back to where the other Musketeers were still in hiding. He
had to uphold his promise to keep her safe.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“One man down, one
lady freed.” He exclaimed to Porthos when he returned and helped Suzanne down from
the horse.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Are we keeping score?
Do you want to make a wager?”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Now is not the time.”
Athos pushed past them and stood beside Treville. He was looking through the
spyglass for Estelle, frustrated that he had no idea what she looked like.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> It was Marie-Claire
who gave Suzanne away.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Where’s Suzanne?” She
enquired of Milady, “the one you sent for water?”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Looking over towards
the stream she saw the man slumped on the ground, the girl nowhere in sight.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I’m so thirsty.”
another girl whined.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Turning around Milady
slapped her hard across the cheek with the full force of her anger. She wasn’t
putting up with this aggravation. </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">There was a faint
rumble of horses’ hooves getting stronger.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Get in the carriage.”
She yelled.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“But the horses aren’t
rested Milady!”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">She pulled out a
pistol from the folds of her skirt and waved it at the driver, “Get the horses
harnessed we leave NOW!”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A shot was fired.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">There was screaming
from some of the girls and the panic spread. As she took in the scene she saw
they were down to just two men now, one lay rolling on the floor in agony
clutching his side.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Her heart quickened
when she spied the blue cloaks of the Musketeers billowing in the wind as they
approached. The thought that Athos may be so close almost left her breathless.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Quickly regaining her
senses she stepped up into the carriage, four sensible girls had indeed clambered
in and were eagerly waiting, they were pretty enough she supposed. She could
leave the others behind to fend for themselves.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Drive.” she yelled
and they set off at speed. She fired a parting shot through the window. It hit
the whining girl and she was glad, it would add to the confusion and slow down
the Musketeers. They would always stop to help a damsel in distress, it was the
honourable thing to do.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Treville was the first
to reach her; he jumped off his horse and brushed the hair from her face
searching it for some familiar features.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Estelle?” he enquired
tenderly.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“No Monsieur she is Severine.
Is she badly hurt?”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">But Treville had
already turned away. “Estelle!” he called frantically.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“But what about
Severine, will she be alright?”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Aramis bent down and he
too looked at the girl. She was badly shaken but the wound on her arm appeared
superficial.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“She will be fine.” He
assured her. “Now over there by the stream you will find a jug. Can you bring
me some water?”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Is that where Suzanne
went?”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Yes. Are you
Marie-Claire? Suzanne is safe, now if you do as I ask we can help Severine
too.” His calm voice gave instructions and Marie-Claire was glad to be of
service. </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Porthos went to check
the injured man, he needed to make sure he was unarmed and couldn’t cause them
any more trouble before helping Aramis with the young women, it was only fair.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Athos watched as a
bereft Treville asked each girl where his daughter was. None remembered
Estelle. Had they come all this way for nothing? He re-mounted his horse and rode
on.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Aramis, you and
Porthos stay here and sort out this mess. D’Artagan you come with me and the
Captain.” He gave his horse a kick and they followed after Treville.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> They caught up with
the carriage at the docks and the ship was waiting.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">At the sight of three
Musketeers with swords drawn the men scarpered. This was supposed to be an easy
job. They had delivered Milady de Winter to Calais and didn’t want to get
entangled in her business affairs any further.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Milady stepped out of
the carriage and faced him.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“We’re not in Paris
anymore Athos.” Her voice was seductive, “And we are leaving. I am taking these
young ladies to London.” One by one she helped the girls from the carriage, she
hoped the men wouldn’t cause a scene.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I forbid this.” It
was unlike Treville to be out with his men she thought.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“On what grounds
Captain? I’ve not kidnapped them, they are here of their own choosing, running
away from families who don’t give a damn about them. I am giving them a life, a
chance for a new start. Don’t we all deserve a second chance?“<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked directly at Athos as she spoke.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“That’s very
altruistic of you. I’ve never seen you as the maternal type.” He replied.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Perhaps you bring out
the best in me.” she simpered taking a step towards him.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">They could have had
their own children by now if life had turned out differently.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Treville addressed
her, “Some of these girls do have families that care for them. Which one of you
is Estelle?”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I am Estelle.” The
young woman removed the hood of her cloak and shook out her auburn hair. The
sunlight danced on her curls reminding him of Celeste on their wedding day.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Cel…,” he began but
decided better of using her name. “Your mother has asked me to bring you home.”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Tell her not to
worry. She’ll be better off without me. She spends her days working and her
nights crying over my dead brother. After a little while she won’t notice that
I’ve left. Besides I’m not staying in that stinking pit a moment longer.”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“But you are coming
back with me.” He moved towards her reaching out his hand, wanting so much to
hold her but frightened of pushing her away.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Who do you think you
are? My father?”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Milady looked between
father and daughter and figured it out. She grabbed the girl. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>“She really is your daughter isn’t she?
Estelle Treville, daughter of a Musketeer. I have got myself a prize catch.”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Leave her alone,”
Athos commanded.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“No, she is my
guarantee of safe passage out of France. But then again as you have already
shown you cannot kill me can you Athos?” Her eyes sparkled as she taunted him.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">His anger intensified.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“You can’t be my
father. He is dead,” said the girl but looking carefully at him now she wasn’t
so sure. </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">She had a memory of a
day with a picnic and a parade, watching the Musketeers pass by in their blue
cloaks. Her mother the happiest she had ever been and yet in bed that night she
wept so hard that Estelle worried she was dying.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">From that day on her
mother pushed them both harder. Working and hoping to escape but they never
seemed to be able to lift themselves from their dire predicament.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Estelle started to
cry, suddenly frightened for her life.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I said leave her
alone.” Athos held back the Captain with his arm and moved closer to Milady. ”If
the other girls want to travel with you that is up to them. Maybe you are right
and they will have a better life, more refined and comfortable. But Estelle
stays. She has a family who loves her. A family who need her.”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">As Athos got nearer
and nearer Milady’s grip loosened on Estelle and she was able to break free
into the arms of her father.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Now Athos and Milady were
standing so close they were breathing the same exquisite air.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">He didn’t want to kiss
her but there was a deep longing to taste her again and their lips collided almost
out of habit.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Their kiss was
passionate, vital, each of them taking from the other. Knowing this would be
their last but knowing they could never truly break free.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Now go.” He <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>said quietly not looking at her anymore.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“You are free to join
her.” D’Artagnan spoke to the other girls who all looked bemused at what had
just happened but they dutifully followed Milady onto the ship. “So you think
they will really have a better life with her?” He asked his friend but Athos
just turned and walked away.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> They stayed in Calais
that night. Aramis and Porthos joining them with the other young ladies. Not
all were eager to get back to Paris but most of them had seen enough adventure
to last a lifetime.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Athos joined them the
next morning and no one asked where he had been. They knew it was a dark place
full of regret and recriminations. </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">However Captain
Treville took him aside and dared ask him one thing. “Do you forgive her now?”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I will never forgive
her.” He answered without a moment’s hesitation. “ But you should forgive
Celeste. You have so much more to lose than I do and everything to gain.” They
both glanced over at Estelle standing beside d’Artagnan. </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Treville thanked God
for the second chance he’d so graciously been given.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">While Athos’s heart
cracked a little bit more knowing that he would never experience such joy but
as ever he kept his emotions to himself.</i></span></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Celeste’s steps didn’t
falter this time, she walked straight through the gates to the Musketeer’s
quarters with no fear.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Good morning Madame
Treville.” Athos gifted her with a rare smile as he spoke, he was pleased the
Captain was making amends for his past.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Her own smile was
beaming as she greeted all the Musketeers assembled.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“How is your ankle now
Madame?” enquired Aramis.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Much better thanks to
your expert attention.”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Ah he has a magic
touch.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>added Porthos and they nearly
all laughed.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">D’Artagnan spoke next,
“Madame Bonecieux says Estelle is being a great help to her with her sewing,
she has several extra orders I believe.”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Oh I don’t like to get
involved in the affairs of others,” she replied with a knowing look. “But
Estelle is blossoming and enjoying her work. Constance is a great teacher and
becoming a good friend to us both.”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Treville watched his
wife talking to his men as he walked down the stairs. The years seemed to have
lifted from her and her eyes sparkled. She looked just like the girl he had
married all those years ago.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Haven’t you lot got
work to do?” He admonished them cheerfully.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Come on,“ said Athos,
“I’m sure we can find some useful employment elsewhere.”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">However once they
stood alone, face to face, both of them was unsure where to begin.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Is that a new dress?”
He finally said admiringly.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Constance made it for
me but when I enquired as to the cost she said the account had been settled.”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Ah.” He said.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I thought perhaps I
should say thank you.”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“For the dress?”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“For everything.”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“And what will you do
now, stay with Madame Bonecieux?”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I’m undecided.”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Because you could come
and live with me as my wife. If you wanted. It’s not unheard of for a captain
of the Musketeers to be married.”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">She looked at him
hardly able to take in what he was proposing. It was more than she had dreamed
of and she was lost for words.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">He filled in the
silence.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“But, I’ve said this
all wrong. I should have apologised first. I am so sorry for, for everything I
put you through. For not trusting your judgement, for leaving. You have been such
a wonderful mother to Estelle and I have been such a fool. Can you forgive me?”
The words tumbled out quickly, how could he put right the last sixteen years?
Could they live as man and wife again with all that had happened between them?</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">She lifted her finger
and placed it gently on his lips, “Shush, there really is nothing to forgive. It
was a dark time for both of us. Let the past stay in the past and let’s live
for now.”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">He softly kissed her
finger and she moved her hand to catch the sprinkling of grey hairs that now
framed his rugged face. They had wasted too much time.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Then his hands found
her hips, the new fabric of her dress firm to touch, unblemished by stains, a
symbol of a fresh beginning. </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">He gently drew her
towards him. “I still love you Madame Treville.”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">These were the words
she’d been aching to hear him say from the moment she first saw him again and
pleaded for his help. She loved him too, her heart soared and she felt like she
was flying on the wings of an eagle.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Leaning in towards him
she felt his warm breath on her face and then unsurprisingly he kissed her!</i></span></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">
</span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">THE END</i></span></div>
<span style="color: #444444;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07953334708365738152noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8175766962148214842.post-30668731384367205202014-04-14T19:24:00.000+01:002014-04-14T19:24:12.436+01:00Letter to... the sower<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today I am linking up with <a href="http://sabrinafowles.wordpress.com/2014/04/08/a-letter-to-the-sower-letters-to/" target="_blank">Sabrina</a> and <a href="http://bravenovember.wordpress.com/2014/04/09/letter-to-the-sower/" target="_blank">Ruth</a> with their
“letters to…” prompt. They have been studying the parables of the Bible and
decided to incorporate this into their weekly link up.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQSr0drLn2cnbTuSrce5qINXKguASbNGWy0ZvI8fMfBXTRWpDfOtWgS9Txhv9UCHJo4cR1FMLwDngb1ANWxpcoO1y1ylB_JvWGg0h0y7HU4Jgy6rB3wSdMA39Zzg1BPm6odjctZavt10/s1600/letters+to....jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQSr0drLn2cnbTuSrce5qINXKguASbNGWy0ZvI8fMfBXTRWpDfOtWgS9Txhv9UCHJo4cR1FMLwDngb1ANWxpcoO1y1ylB_JvWGg0h0y7HU4Jgy6rB3wSdMA39Zzg1BPm6odjctZavt10/s1600/letters+to....jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This week - a letter to the sower... The parable can be found
here in <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+13%3A1-23&version=NLT" target="_blank">Matthew 13.</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Dear Youngest Son</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Today you helped your Grandad in the greenhouse and although
it wasn’t your favourite way to spend the time I hope you will one day look back
fondly on your afternoon.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">As I stepped in, taking your place when you got bored, I
remembered a time in the garden so very long ago when your Grandad entrusted me
with my own patch of ground. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I was younger than you are now and working towards a badge
for Brownies. It may have been a passing phase for me too, I can’t remember my
interest lasting more than one season, but recently I’ve come to love the
garden more and more. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">You appreciate things in a different way as you get older,
one day perhaps you will understand.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Watching plants grow is amazing, especially when you know
you have played a part in the nurturing.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Digging the soil, sowing seeds in a row and a splashing down
water from the watering-can. Simple really.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Some plants grow regardless, weeds spring up out of nowhere,
how dare they grow so fast and strong? Holding back the green shoots you have
planted.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">You have to take care to pull them out, not easy when their
roots run deep and you have left the garden untended for too long.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">And sometimes the things you plant just don’t grow. Wrong
type of soil, too wet, slugs, birds or you just neglect to water them and take the proper
care. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">But seeing something sprout that you have planted and watching it flourish against the odds is so satisfying.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">A few years ago I planted something that looked no more than
a stick but it has grown into a magnificent sweet smelling honeysuckle and
every year it flowers it brings a smile to my face.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Youngest son, I don’t expect you to understand all these
things now – the things your hold dear and "grow" are so different, like
collecting diamonds in a virtual mineshaft. You were so upset when they were
wiped out, like a gardener whose entire crop has been devoured. There was
nothing I could do or say to comfort you.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Whatever you decide to “sow” and nurture in your life I hope
it produces good fruit. That at the end of the day you can rest and watch in wonder
as it grows.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Just as I watch you.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Mum x</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Handwriting";">To plant a garden is to believe in
tomorrow - Audrey Hepburn</span></span><br />
</div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07953334708365738152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8175766962148214842.post-56511294449969774472014-04-10T21:27:00.000+01:002014-04-10T21:27:54.113+01:00A new season - an old problem<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
We never had much of a winter this year. At least it never
got really cold and we never had snow. I’m really thankful for that I can’t
cope when my car gets stuck on the drive and I feel trapped. It reminds me too
much of those very early days, not coping, falling apart – days best forgotten
but I know I never will entirely…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I much prefer spring with the daffodils blooming and the
garden coming to life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But as everything starts to grow again a fear starts to
rise, a task lies ahead which fills me with dread. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know that all too soon the bright sunnier days combined
with the inevitable wet weather will make the grass spring up.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We have no guinea pigs to nibble at it now, although I’d
need a whole army of creatures to munch its way round my lawn.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There’s at least half an acre to mow but we do have a sit on
mower so it really shouldn’t be a huge problem.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But every year I dread the day I have to start the tractor
for the first time. It’s a reminder I am on my own, this is not supposed to be my
job, I never wanted it to be. It’s the silly things that push you over the edge
and make you crumble.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(A friend bought me this card year for last year’s
anniversary just because it amused her.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghPoeeNjOrNWzr2FNQQFILivWv0Im_veGTqXPyYtx1XqqdryI2t-QYptAFImnfTEqXRjOqPfpRIOFq62cVDDcjHq2dVVsuHtFG1g_QoM-jC1XykYdcvxUauSPSPfq-MBhgigCSHVCq9GE/s1600/20140410_160809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghPoeeNjOrNWzr2FNQQFILivWv0Im_veGTqXPyYtx1XqqdryI2t-QYptAFImnfTEqXRjOqPfpRIOFq62cVDDcjHq2dVVsuHtFG1g_QoM-jC1XykYdcvxUauSPSPfq-MBhgigCSHVCq9GE/s1600/20140410_160809.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>She didn’t know that Andrew had a
special cap which said “lawnmower operator”. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>He used to wear it when he cut the grass, looking a
bit like this picture – although he never rode around shirtless. I still have
the cap – it’s the only thing I have left which smells of him!)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Recently I’ve been waking up early, worried thoughts running
through my head, what if this year the lawnmower doesn’t start, what if it gets
stuck in the wet ground, what if it runs out of fuel, what if… what if…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My thoughts become more and more irrational as they
invariably do in the small hours.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve been putting it off but the house is on the market and
I have to keep on top of things. Everything needs to look great for a
perspective buyer. I can’t have a single thing to put them off and jeopardise a
sale – see how easily my thoughts spiral.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I said the other day my best friend is away this week and
her husband is usually the man I call on to rescue me. My friend laughs as I
flutter my eyelashes doing my best damsel in distress routine. I texted her to
say I probably needed her husband’s assistance once more on their return.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Then I thought this is ridiculous!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have cut the lawn before – this is now the fourth summer since
Andrew died and the lawn mower has never been in better shape.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It had a new battery fitted last year and has been serviced.
Andrew never took such good care of it but then he would have been able to
manage if it broke down, well at least he wouldn’t have broken down alongside
it in tears. He might have sworn <s>a bit</s> a lot though!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So with fresh resolve and a quick prayer I unlocked the
garage, checked for fuel and started the engine.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once I got going I wondered yet again why I worry so much.
Why I let the little things paralyse me. I quite enjoy riding around making swirly patterns in the grass. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqmOL3YtIcrzg-cRrwJ1tqS31YdtWykA6YDj8pRhP73qAzBzEBfXojrrMnrT72wpZ31CFiSobYoA5lSJ_mJxIiPn6B3PEEb2qQWud77wurQzZp36-9ip3ItkggHUGXLnBe0T2ElPVwac8/s1600/20140410_161420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqmOL3YtIcrzg-cRrwJ1tqS31YdtWykA6YDj8pRhP73qAzBzEBfXojrrMnrT72wpZ31CFiSobYoA5lSJ_mJxIiPn6B3PEEb2qQWud77wurQzZp36-9ip3ItkggHUGXLnBe0T2ElPVwac8/s1600/20140410_161420.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And now I am certain everything is in working order I will
once again pass the job over to oldest son who is more than capable of filling
his father’s shoes. You can see from the photo above I only did the top lawn - his task is to finish the job tomorrow.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I said we didn’t really have a winter but over those
months I’ve stored up all my fears and worries. The unravelling threads have knotted like a tight ball in my stomach.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I doubt myself and my abilities; it’s probably why I’ve
stopped blogging so much too. Confidence is a very fragile thing and I’m not
quite sure what knocked it off balance somewhere at the start of the year.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But cutting the grass today by myself is a step forward, the house is on the market and things will change. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Maybe slower than I’d
sometimes like but perhaps in the end things are moving as fast as I can cope with!</div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07953334708365738152noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8175766962148214842.post-59896873562552304932014-04-08T22:19:00.000+01:002014-04-08T22:19:34.344+01:00Why I’ve decided to be Silly<!--[if !mso]>
<style>
v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
</style>
<![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s the school holidays and my best friend is away with her
family. As I have no one to talk to I’ve decided to write a blog… </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gosh I sound as if I am 14 years old instead of a grown
woman somewhere in her forties with responsibilities!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now when I was 14 if your friend went away for a week the
only correspondence you were likely to receive was a postcard and that would
never arrive until your friend had got back with a stick of rock for you and
some creature made from plaster of paris and seashells!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These days communication is so much easier, I can text my
friend regularly wherever she may be. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
am giving her a break from my ramblings today but she has liked some of my
Facebook comments, we are still very much connected.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One thing she liked was the results of the latest Buzz Feed
Quiz I’ve answered – “Which Mr Men Character are You?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These quizzes seem to be the "in" thing at the moment and as
ever there is nothing new in the idea. I remember being in the school library
finding personality quizzes in the Jackie magazine, sitting together with your
friends and giggling over the results. Something along the lines of which pop
star would make your ideal boyfriend!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The result of today’s quiz is that I am Mr Silly</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">You are quite possibly the
silliest person in the world. Your life is full of silliness and nonsense. And
you wouldn’t have it any other way. You always have a smile on your face
because life is fun, and so are you! Carry on being silly and brighten up
everyone’s day.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">After
my initial disappointment, I really wanted to be Mr Daydream, I decided I was quite
pleased after all. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">You see
I don’t want to be the sensible grown up all the time and recently things have
been weighing me down. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">I’ve
lost my sparkle, I’ve pretty much dismissed my dreams as nonsense and I’ve practically
stopped writing.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">It may
only be a silly little quiz but it’s good to know that somewhere inside I still
have the capacity to be the silly one, the one who makes everyone laugh with
her nonsense.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Being
silly I’ve decided is one step nearer to being joyful – remember last summer when I
foolishly declared I was going to <a href="http://re-ravelling.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/gods-not-done-with-me-yet.html" target="_blank">CHOOSE JOY</a> every day after hearing a speaker at New Wine. Well I’ve NOT chosen to
be joyful for a while. I’ve been dwelling on the negative and it’s time to put
a STOP to it!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Interspersed
with writing this blog I have been tweeting and having the most delightfully
silly conversations with “friends” I’ve never met almost pretending I’m a
teenager again…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">…but
that’s OK because today I am choosing to be silly and I have a great big grin
on my face – all I need now is the hat!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUxzolez2D8nuzJau4ITPnZ6xbirDnn1upYjS02S_4gWLkMvKzv5xArhTfHDiJ825_VaO8lkAhHMmyR9_FWX7OpakAXUriqly0G14VYPlcNOlmwPE_EZNgSn4RFo8_hKGCGykwDvsCkzE/s1600/Mr+Silly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUxzolez2D8nuzJau4ITPnZ6xbirDnn1upYjS02S_4gWLkMvKzv5xArhTfHDiJ825_VaO8lkAhHMmyR9_FWX7OpakAXUriqly0G14VYPlcNOlmwPE_EZNgSn4RFo8_hKGCGykwDvsCkzE/s1600/Mr+Silly.jpg" height="259" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-no-proof: yes;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07953334708365738152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8175766962148214842.post-32439901382378812462014-04-01T22:05:00.000+01:002014-04-02T14:47:13.312+01:00A Mother's Last Word - #NaPoWriMo day 1Today I stumbled upon #NaPoWriMo - National Poem Writing Month!<br />
<br />
I doubt I will see this through to the end, I'm far better at starting things than finishing them but I followed the link to the <a href="https://mslexia.co.uk/magazine/workshops/workshops.php" target="_blank">Mslexia website</a> and came up with this writing exercise...<br />
<br />
<h4>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><i>1. A title page</i></span></span></span></h4>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><i>
Read the contents page from one of your favourite poetry books. Without rereading
the associated poems, select the five titles appeal to you the most and
note them down on a clean sheet of paper. Now 'edit' them in some way to
make them your own – by changing a gender, noun or adjective. (Don't
worry, there's no copyright on titles.) Choose one and write a poem to go
with it.</i></span></span></span><br />
<br />
I found my copy of Men and Women by Robert Browning which I had studied for A level and played around with a few titles.<br />
<br />
I ended up changing the title <span style="color: #38761d;">A Woman's Last Word</span> to <span style="color: #38761d;">A Mother's Last Word</span> and wrote this, also inspired by the fact youngest son is off on a school trip to Spain this weekend... I might just print out a copy and pop it in his suitcase!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">A Mother's Last Word</span></span></u></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Be careful when you cross the street</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Please be kind to all you meet</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Enjoy new things, laugh, have fun</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Put on your hat, when in the sun</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Practice Spanish every day</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">I'll miss you son, while you're away</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Remember that I love you lots</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">And every day, please change your SOCKS!</span></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07953334708365738152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8175766962148214842.post-47135053278921523242014-03-29T17:19:00.001+00:002014-04-02T14:47:27.272+01:00Musketeer Madness and Finding a Hero<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Over the last few weeks I have been captivated by the new
BBC One drama the Musketeers. I have been swept up in the adventure and
romantic tales. And I’ve fallen in love with the scenery, the storytelling
and…. who am I trying to kid I fallen in love with the Musketeers – all of
them, it took me a few weeks to figure out my absolute favourite but I’m not
telling you here! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<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/AVvXsEjgqsTBPA44q3X5HjJglPJ4JEi1tT42HZ1kog7ZG4-W9e2t95N5i1kQzZrRT-tqqCPwovh7yOwYc4Tt6X7yN6-jmqca0le56QdSuY1U24cILXWRVMTtekltUx81qf8DkSIYPvBsF-f5B-M/s1600/The-Musketeers-2014-cast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgqsTBPA44q3X5HjJglPJ4JEi1tT42HZ1kog7ZG4-W9e2t95N5i1kQzZrRT-tqqCPwovh7yOwYc4Tt6X7yN6-jmqca0le56QdSuY1U24cILXWRVMTtekltUx81qf8DkSIYPvBsF-f5B-M/s1600/The-Musketeers-2014-cast.jpg" height="261" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my current laptop desktop pic :-)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I also love it because it’s something we can watch together
as a family. Often programmes are just a bit too rude or adult for youngest
son, or too dull for oldest son to watch.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oldest son has even lost interest in Dr Who and never even
bothered watching Atlantis with us (or Merlin underwater as I renamed it –
although the plots never seem to be set by the sea – didn’t Patrick Duffy have
flippers and gills when he lived there or does my memory just stretch back a
bit too far – I hope someone out there is keeping up with me!) </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We do watch Sherlock all together but I am sure much of that
goes over both their heads. I found the wedding episode hilarious; they looked
at me bemused. But with only three episodes in a row it’s over almost as soon
as it’s begun.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Musketeers has been on for ten glorious weeks – it’s the
last one tomorrow and then what shall we do?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Youngest son does groan when there’s a lovey dovey scene and
pulls a blanket over his head as he snuggles in beside me in his PJs ready for bed, his
action makes me smile but he sits up again fully engaged in watching the fight
scenes. Oldest son meanwhile has commandeered the other sofa and usually the
remotes are stuffed behind a cushion nearby. “Turn it up a bit!” I call across
the coffee table not wanting to miss a thing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I just sometimes wish it wasn’t on quite so late on a Sunday
evening when it’s school the next day but then again I do delight every Monday
morning in discussing every detail with my best friend when we are out for our
Monday morning walk.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are scenes I can recite line by line which make me
smile and some which have touched my heart.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Anyone can tell a woman she is beautiful,” states Aramis,
“But making her believe it is where the genius lies.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh so true – I’m not sure I’ve ever truly believed than one
– well maybe once but it seems like a dream it was so long ago.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then there was Porthos falling in love with the
beautiful widow<span class="role"> Alice Clerbeaux</span> , “A year is a long
time without a kiss.” He says tenderly.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I melted, “…and three years is almost intolerable.” I
desperately wanted to whisper back. But no one hears me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Where’s a Musketeer when you really need one?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Despite their obvious character flaws we love them as heroes
and I’d be happy for any one of them to sweep me off my feet and rescue me. But considering I am old enough to be d'Artagnan's mother and they are all fictional anyway it seems unlikely - Musketeer Madness!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But last week there was a very different scene that didn’t just
make my heart flutter but caused my soul to sing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Athos and Aramis were holed up in a convent protecting the
queen. Things are looking bleak and desperate.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The mother superior asks Athos if there is anything she can
do to help protect her convent in the coming battle.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Can you load a pistol?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Taking the weapon from him she begins to recite “Blessed be
the Lord my God,” all the while expertly continuing with the task in hand, “who
teaches my hands to fight and my fingers to battle. Psalm 144.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Even though Athos’s smile barely touches his lips you can
see it in his eyes – he is impressed!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Meanwhile I am smiling broadly on the sofa. We had read that
very same psalm that week in a prayer meeting. There is something very special
about hearing the word of God. It really is like “honey to my soul”.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I looked it up in the Message this week, a paraphrased
version of the Bible with imagery that often challenges and inspires me. These
verses were no exception…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Blessed be God my
mountain</i></div>
<i>
</i><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Who trains me to
fight fair and well</i></div>
<i>
</i><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>He’s the bedrock on
which I stand,</i></div>
<i>
</i><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>The castle in which I
live</i></div>
<i>
</i><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>My rescuing knight</i></div>
<i>
</i><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>The high crag where I
run for dear life</i></div>
<i>
</i><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>While he lays my
enemies low.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Can you guess my favourite line? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God is my “rescuing knight”! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is the language of romance and adventure I love so
much.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I may have spent the last ten weeks daydreaming, getting
distracted and yes I’m not really sure what to do when there’s no Musketeers to
watch on a Sunday night but it’s reassuring to remember that there is a hero
who will always be around and his words will draw me in every time.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God is my hero – maybe a little bit like a musketeer but actually
a whole lot better! And He will be around long after this Musketeer Madness has ended!</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07953334708365738152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8175766962148214842.post-59764238877714432202014-03-21T00:04:00.002+00:002014-03-21T00:04:58.056+00:00A letter about being stuck...<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m scared but from somewhere there’s a tiny voice that urges me on.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then as I start to type the inevitable tears flow.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I thought I’d left this behind. I thought I could move on
from here and re-invent myself as someone new. Someone who didn’t splurge her
thoughts all over the page!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But some things can’t be boxed up and hidden away forever.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I guess I knew that really, deep down, I knew I’d come full
circle eventually.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now every writing idea I’ve held in my head for the past
couple of months is clamouring to get out of my brain.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>A fairytale – how did that one end?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>The memories that made me smile and cry all at
once.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>A piece where I once more stamped my feet in
desperation.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>The fantasy that weaves its way through my brain
before I sleep.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh such stories, so many words I’ve written in my head but
haven’t dared commit to typing on my blog.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To say “I’ve been a bit stuck lately” is quite frankly an
understatement.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At first I made a big show of giving up my writing daydreams,
I spoke of the foolishness of declaring myself to be <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a writer. I decided I’d be “ordinary” instead –
whatever that might mean. Not always pushing <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>to the front but hiding someway back away from
the limelight. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After Christmas I even lost my familiar front spot in my exercise class and
after a week or so found I didn’t mind, I could still see the instructor and
giggle with the girls at the back.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the grand old age of 46 I reasoned it is time to grow up
and live in the real world.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But my “growing up” has only led to a growing resentment. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m
stuck alright but on closer examination most of it is self-imposed. I’ve dug my
heels in so deep I need help to get me free.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“When are you going to write again?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ve given up!” I say with tears threatening to bubble over
every time I answer the question. A sure sign this is not what I really want at all.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However there are some people who sagely nod and agree it’s
probably for the best. This writing process has been cathartic over the past few years
but perhaps it’s best to move on. Step away from the blog!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Others tell me how sad it is, how good my writing is and how
much they enjoy my words.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I almost laugh at that – sometimes I don’t believe I’m good
at anything except making macaroni cheese and cheese scones! To be honest
sometimes they don’t even turn out quite as good as I hope. I’m very self-critical knowing I could do soooo much better if I really put in the effort.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To write or not to write? I wish I knew what to do and in
the absence of a clear strong voice I have let me heels sink defiantly in the
mire.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And this is where I’ve been…if you’ve been wondering.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I recognize I can’t stay stuck forever. I long for sunny
days when there’s a bounce in my step.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don’t want to be a burden, I don’t want to be a pain, I
don’t want to be the friend that ALWAYS whinges.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course I would love to be the leading lady in my own
fabulous fairytale but I’m trying to be more content with being just an extra.
Another face in the crowd. The girl at the back of the exercise class.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Perhaps it’s been good for me to re-evaluate my writing and
my reasons for it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No longer am I seeking to write my bestselling definitive
guide to coping after the death of a loved one. I certainly don’t have all the
answers. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Having said all that I know my words have helped a few in the same way
other people’s writing has touched my life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But I’ve made the decision to no longer share all my blogs
with everyone. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I long since gave up on my stats and finally I can honestly say
I don’t care if only one person reads this. That’s more healthy isn’t it?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I'm writing for my pleasure and if my words speak to you that's great.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My thanks go to the people who have persevered in pulling me
out of this mud – you know who you are and I am grateful for each word of
encouragement. They have slowly dripped into my brain!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And thanks to God, who’s always there, somewhere, even if at
the moment I get very little sense of Him near.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because deep, deep down somewhere, I know for certain this
is a gift that I can’t hide, that somehow, if I give it back to Him, He will
use…and the details I will leave to Him!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-IhLr51FfTQJ53Z8GsIBpXXOZAkqLhCKM0NTsdoPh9iEVtKFc8vjK1qCOd356DMJiBizSle1W0sgeP5IalU14WHCFYyZuczRo8i7KpK_BoD8uAHM4lw7FkU0nJEPUrQze0NvYcRhTco/s1600/letters+to....jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-IhLr51FfTQJ53Z8GsIBpXXOZAkqLhCKM0NTsdoPh9iEVtKFc8vjK1qCOd356DMJiBizSle1W0sgeP5IalU14WHCFYyZuczRo8i7KpK_BoD8uAHM4lw7FkU0nJEPUrQze0NvYcRhTco/s1600/letters+to....jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<strong>Every Tuesday, <a href="http://sabrinafowles.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Sabrina</a> and <a href="http://ruthpovey.me/2014/03/18/there-will-always-be-spring/" target="_blank">Ruth</a> link up for Letters To.</strong> This is a prompted link-up, which <em>means</em> they provide a theme to base your post around and a space to
share what you’ve written. <strong>This week’s prompt is A Letter to the Stuck</strong><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07953334708365738152noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8175766962148214842.post-35818829855465660782014-01-15T16:57:00.000+00:002014-01-15T16:57:39.054+00:00Me and Bridget Jones<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV3czbZrAhuu09wfEXGQTR8carfr2_8f4HWnivhSqKUOoDBTJU6P5doFXAAew4KJE0EjnOvl8uJ8JpMMIIM2kbRtdzkJRSf0HBBk_ptIC2qa5R4YxXgFM3qjWMvDx3mCzXuZjf0DiXaTc/s1600/Bridget+Jones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV3czbZrAhuu09wfEXGQTR8carfr2_8f4HWnivhSqKUOoDBTJU6P5doFXAAew4KJE0EjnOvl8uJ8JpMMIIM2kbRtdzkJRSf0HBBk_ptIC2qa5R4YxXgFM3qjWMvDx3mCzXuZjf0DiXaTc/s320/Bridget+Jones.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
15th January 2014</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">v. late night
finishing off Bridget Jones’ latest diary. I laughed loud and cried buckets, even
had to put on reading glasses for last few pages to make blurry words big and
bold enough to read properly - v.g. book!</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I remember reading the first two books and watching the films
but I’ve always had mixed views about Miss Jones. I’m not sure if we’d ever
have been friends back then although I love her easy to read chatty style her
shenanigans often made me despair.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Things we have in common</u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;">We both write a diary.</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;">We’ve both experienced the
heartache of being single, wondering when the “one” is ever going to turn up in
our lives.</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;">We both have a tendency to
be over dramatic.</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;">We both do stupid things -
my latest is washing my jeans with my mobile phone still in the pocket! I
still might blog about that another day.</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;">We both have a great
network of friends who we rely on.</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Differences</u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;">I don’t have quite the same
preoccupation with my weight – well I don’t weigh myself and record it
every day! And despite her protestations to the contrary Bridget is NOT
really fat, I’ve always been several pounds heavier.</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;">I don’t smoke at all and
never have.</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;">I don’t drink even a
fraction of the amount Ms Jones consumes.</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;">I have a definite
Christian faith whereas Bridget’s belief system appears to be loosely based
on whatever self-help books are currently fashionable.</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When the first two books came out I was already what Bridget
would describe as a “smug married”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
fact the books arrived on the bookshelves in the same years as I gave birth my
two handsome sons. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No I don’t think we would have even mixed in the same social
circles back in the nineties.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But moving the story on to the present day and we have one
more essential thing in common.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are both widowed - suddenly, unexpectedly, devastatingly
and that has thrown us both into a whole new world of being a single parent,
alone, often floundering but trying to do the best we can.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I desperately wanted to read the book to see how Bridget was
coping with her loss but I confess part of me was worried that this part
of her life was glossed over in favour of a racier storyline. Being a widow isn’t
sexy until that is you add a toy boy into the mix.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
OK I confess another part of me wanted to know how Bridget had managed
to entice a younger man into her life, I hoped to gain some tips, I’m
hopelessly out of touch with the whole idea of dating. Although I doubted it
would be the best self-help book I could read on the subject.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had visions of throwing the book across the floor in
disgust that Mark Darcy’s memory wasn’t honoured. I didn’t want Bridget to move
on too quickly, I wanted to know she felt guilt and regret and the whole range
of emotions that bubble up out of nowhere where grief is concerned.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I needn’t have worried, yes Bridget still annoyed me at times with some of her irresponsible behaviour but there were moments when I
cried with her and my heart ached. The most memorable time when her mum came
alongside her and told her how marvellous she was doing in the circumstances. I’ve
had the very same conversation with my own mum. Some people look at you in awe but you never see it yourself.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You see as a widow you feel vulnerable, you are broken and
floundering. This is not the way your life was meant to happen. On top of losing your soulmate you have to contend with being a single parent, it
was not something you chose, you had no part in the decision process. One
moment you were whole and the next shattered and putting those pieces back
together in any kind of order is incredible hard.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Bridget it was five years since her beloved Mark Darcy
died, I’ve only been a widow for three, so I do look up to her, slightly ahead of me, knowing she’s
made mistakes, she’s laughed and cried and sometimes she barely scrapes though
moment by moment, one chocolate button at a time! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was good to remember that. All too often I judge my own
journey too harshly thinking I should have already moved on to a different
place. I should have more of the jigsaw puzzle completed by now. Meeting up
with Bridget again has assured me I am doing OK too.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Finding the toy boy might take a bit of work but I think
Bridget might just give me a wink and a smile at that one, tip a big heap of
chocolate buttons into my hand and then we’d giggle…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
…you just have to read her diary too and maybe you will
understand! I really don't want to give away too many spoilers...</div>
<br />
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07953334708365738152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8175766962148214842.post-53417525183380155502014-01-10T15:37:00.001+00:002014-01-10T15:37:31.270+00:00Flash! Friday - the one with the time travelling tree<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaiIGmLc-9ICYrSwzqwHdf_UoFtYbtrfJCbEbXr-FX6vBgzhNhI7y5pT1LkpT0FxVX6Fus3J6dK2kyzt0OegSSiYd5ReNOkEHr1_ihRnmCVUrqQmuPwXmJePnFyLYWQjWkGehBqVareb8/s1600/wawona_tree_road.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaiIGmLc-9ICYrSwzqwHdf_UoFtYbtrfJCbEbXr-FX6vBgzhNhI7y5pT1LkpT0FxVX6Fus3J6dK2kyzt0OegSSiYd5ReNOkEHr1_ihRnmCVUrqQmuPwXmJePnFyLYWQjWkGehBqVareb8/s1600/wawona_tree_road.jpg" height="254" width="320" /></a></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>The Truth about Time Travel </u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“The tree is as old as time itself; according to folklore it
has magical properties.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She giggled at that, giving me a gentle shove as if I had
made it up to fool her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stopped the
car so we could walk around the vast circumference.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I can’t believe the road goes right through the middle!” She
visibly shuddered, as she peered through the tunnel.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You go all the way back to the beginning of time when you
pass through.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You really are silly,” she trilled. “Come on then, take me
on an adventure!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I broke off a piece of ancient outer bark that would keep me
anchored to our own time and slipped it in my pocket.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’d be safe from the time vortex that spiralled round the
inner rings of the tree but my companion? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well she did ask for an adventure and
I’d told her no lies!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Written for this week's <a href="http://flashfriday.wordpress.com/2014/01/10/flash-friday-vol-2-5/" target="_blank">Flash! Friday</a> challenge, picture prompt as above, Dragon's Bidding - to include an element of time travel, all written in 150 words with a 10 word leeway - although I managed to get it spot on! Can I have some extra points for that Rebekah?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07953334708365738152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8175766962148214842.post-21734907661461102042014-01-09T15:17:00.000+00:002014-01-09T15:17:05.071+00:00A letter to... home<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Where would I send it to? My letter to home?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
An odd question perhaps when I sit here in my house,
surrounded by my possessions, so much stuff accumulated through the years
making my house a family home.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
… and yet …</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We’ve not long returned from my parents where we celebrated
Christmas with four generations of family under one roof. Anywhere your heart
feels snug and wanted – that’s got to be more homely than a pile of bricks and
a mountain of objects.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Every time we visit my parents there’s a point as we cross
the invisible line between one county and another when my heart soars as I feel
once more drawn into a homely embrace. This is where I grew up, even Andrew
would remark that I changed when we got there, getting louder and more
excitable.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But then as we leave and after a long drive northwards
there’s a similar spot where I knew without a doubt that I have returned to
another home. These familiar twists and turns of the road are the ones I drive
almost daily and I smile thankful for a safe trip back to my own front door.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know I am blessed to have two places in the world where I
feel so loved and secure.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However I have reached a curious moment in time where I have
lived half my life in the south east of England and half in the north east.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pinpointing exactly where I feel I most belong is hard.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What exacerbates the confusion in my mind is that the house
where I live feels less and less like a home. It has become a big burden, a
place of memories with too many overwhelming responsibilities. A house too big
for only three of us, not quite as cosy and warm as I want my home to be.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh it’s welcoming, accommodating, you’ll always get a cup of
tea when you visit but that is down to the family that lives here who throw
open the door. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is still our home because this is where we live, it is
a part of us.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I remember the day we moved in, the plans we had, the work
we’ve had done, the laughter, the hassles, the plaster that fell down with a
loud thud, stripping woodchip from ceilings and painting every spindle.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
But I am ready to move on, I need to move and establish
something new.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We won’t be far away, we are tied to school and college and
friends and church…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
… and so I wonder, if I were to write another letter home in
a couple of years’ time, just where I would send that letter to?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq8R8SbPkD3NXD7sxpK7byLtP2CuwXiB4zlCJUs65BSTL9FOUqabJqmoxcyFPu0iOOi3nT1QW6Ru1CSVxgi1V8rrX4hM6ONVVxSZKiocs7ijyn0_8-1d_8su_mRtGdqbddHw5XdDkYQSM/s1600/letters+to....jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq8R8SbPkD3NXD7sxpK7byLtP2CuwXiB4zlCJUs65BSTL9FOUqabJqmoxcyFPu0iOOi3nT1QW6Ru1CSVxgi1V8rrX4hM6ONVVxSZKiocs7ijyn0_8-1d_8su_mRtGdqbddHw5XdDkYQSM/s1600/letters+to....jpg" /></a>Once again linking with <a href="http://ruthpovey.me/2014/01/07/a-letter-to-home/" target="_blank">Ruth</a> and <a href="http://sabrinafowles.wordpress.com/2014/01/07/a-letter-to-home/" target="_blank">Sabrina</a> for the last ever Letters to... prompt!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And this is why selling my house is my number one priority for 2014, if you like it is my New Year's Resolution. Of course there is much more to it that I have written here and moving is a daunting prospect. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Please pray for a buyer, pray that I can find somewhere new for us to live and that I have the strength to sort out all the "stuff", much of it Andrew's, and the wisdom to know what to do with it! Thanks x</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07953334708365738152noreply@blogger.com1