tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63536451245523764942024-02-18T17:32:46.983-08:00EJ writesI'm the author of The Nostalgia Effect and Made in Sweden. I have a knack for fumbling around life and was put on this earth for entertainment purposes only. Enjoy!EJ Valsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04425490067866818897noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6353645124552376494.post-23188430075023604222023-08-14T09:31:00.003-07:002023-08-14T09:31:53.285-07:00The Edge of 44<p> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: 700; white-space-collapse: preserve;">On the edge of 44</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-c2515e4f-7fff-3331-dc69-d75d5e855697"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br />In less than seven hours it will be my 44th birthday. In years past I'd always made some goal for my next birthday. It was typically centered around my body―my weight, more specifically. This year I just wanted to feel good in my body. And tomorrow I’m celebrating so much more than that. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">I had a goal at the beginning of 2023―I wanted to stop accepting the unacceptable. I needed to put myself back in the driver seat and take control of what only I could…my inner peace and my ability to operate happily in a world that I ultimately cannot control.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">This ambitious mindset was not without its challenges and it certainly isn't complete. I've made some hard and drastic decisions work wise, and it has negatively affected our finances in the short term, but I know that will pass. It always does. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The healing and introspection I've forced myself to do even if it required me to be vulnerable and admit my wrongs has been "interesting." The expanding of comfort zones and self-talk has been rocky, but then something clicked.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">I found gratitude. So much fucking gratitude. I realized that all of these moments that seem mundane and miniscule are moments that I'll long for later on, so I'd better appreciate them now. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">I looked at all of the people who've shown up to share the love they feel for me through their actions and time as a testimony of what </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">I </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">mean to </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">them. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">And I started loving the parts of myself I concealed out of fear of rejection. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Last night my husband and I had an expensive dinner at a swanky place. I decided to be brave and wear lingerie under my outfit. Mind you, this is an undergarment I'd tried on months before and at the time I picked my appearance apart.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">But when I put it on this time, I proudly exclaimed "Look at me!" to my husband. I couldn't believe it came out of my mouth. I found nothing in the mirror to criticize―I rejected any negative thoughts. Progress.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">After getting dressed, I hustled out of the house to avoid any opportunity to look in the mirror and obsess over a wrinkle or another imperfection I could manifest. Instead I choose to stay in the moment and make a memory with my husband.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">We had a wonderful dinner eating, drinking and talking about our hopes and goals for the next year. We made a quick stop at our oldest daughter's apartment on the way home. I know, not much of a sexy night, but the fact that I could call a twenty-two-year-old up on a Saturday night and she excitedly told me to stop by is another affirmation of how lucky I am.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">After the short visit we drove home with the windows down, music up loud and wind blowing through our hair as we headed toward the golden hour sunset.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Once home I freshened up for part two―dance party in our underwear. My husband indulged me, but it had been my plan all along. As of late, I've found a reason to incorporate dance into my life every day. Music is to be enjoyed and it feels so good to celebrate it. So for this occasion, I pre-made a special playlist.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">We had the house to ourselves with exception of our big black lab, but even he got into the festivities. And for the next few hours we were young and free without any obligations. Happily in our bubble of fun and relaxation. And we slow danced. I don't think in 17 years, we've actually ever slow danced, as we had a courthouse wedding and no real reception. But last night, we did.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">We wound down the evening with some chips and TV and called it an earlier night than I expected. This morning we enjoyed a walk with the dog and a quiet start to the day. And I just can't stop thinking about last night. I can't stop reminiscing about the way it felt the moment I realized that for the first time in my life, I FINALLY feel good being me. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Happy 44th, Emy J. Happy Birthday to me.</span></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div></span>EJ Valsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04425490067866818897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6353645124552376494.post-82072264136522824702022-05-24T08:04:00.002-07:002022-05-24T09:42:28.073-07:00What Defines Us- The Short Tale of a White Washed Half Mexican<p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I don't pretend to know more than I
do about who I am and where I came from. Some days I feel guilty about this,
like I didn't ask enough questions or pay attention when stories were being told.
I worry that those I rely on for ancestral information will be gone and I'll
have no point of reference. My history will be intangible, just like my
grandparents, and the bits of the foundation that created our family will
vanish.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But today the fact that I have
always been what I consider an "in-betweener" was magnified in a
painful way and brought to the surface many insecurities I felt growing up.
Someone I know posted on social media that you cannot consider yourself Mexican
if you don't speak Spanish. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I'm the proud granddaughter of
Mexican immigrants. As children, both of my father’s parents migrated across
the border for a safer land with more promise. It was no easy venture, but in
many ways a much simpler process than today. I'm ever so aware that their
parents worked hard to assimilate and raise their families in the Merced
Valley. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My grandparents married when my grandma
was 19 and within 12 years she birthed five boys, took care of her husband and
home, attended church like a good Catholic and worked at the local cannery and
chicken processing plant. My grandfather served in World War II, worked in
garlic fields, did other manual labor, started the first local all Mexican
baseball league and continued to work hard even after he suffered a heart
attack when my father was 14. In all honesty, I'm not sure about all of what he
did, but I can tell you that his funeral had standing room only inside their
local Catholic church. The sight of a church filled to the brim with people I
had never met in his honor made me realize there was much I did not know about
him. He was a very quiet, humble man. Soft spoken, clean cut and had a special
way of speaking I couldn't imitate if I tried. I've been told he wasn't always
this way, especially as my father was growing up, but I assume that much of my grandmother's
strong will and fighting spirit tamed that out of him. All I remember of them
together was unity. He was her world. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">They were my only living
grandparents. They were all I knew for family. Every major holiday or vacation
was spent at their home four hours away in the tiny town of Livingston. They
had a very small two bedroom one bath home, with a deep back yard. The kitchen
was my grandma's area and you best move along quickly through it while she was
cooking. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The dining table took up much of the
living space, but that was necessary to host everyone. And the small living
room had just enough space for the adults to sit and watch sporting events on a
modest television. There were no bells and whistles. Everything in their home
was earned. It wasn't overly decorated or gaudy. It was simple and functional,
but it was full of some of my favorite people when we’d visit.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I was blessed to have tons of
cousins, most of them had siblings and I was basically an only child. My older
sister was the first grandchild and was often looked up to by my cousins. I was
an oddball--but I didn't care, I loved being around them all and envied their
sibling relationships. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Music and food were big in my
grandparent’s home. It could be anything from Motown to Mariachi. The food was
the center of it all. Whether it be tamales at Christmas, pork in the ground at
my uncle’s or the most simple pleasure of my grandma's homemade beans, fresh
tortilla's and a glass of Sunny Delight (a favorite comfort food to this day).
And the sounds of my grandma and grandpa speaking Spanish to each other in
passing---these are some of my favorite memories. It felt like a whole
different world from the one I knew daily. It had different music, culture,
food, scenery. Sounds and smells were different, and at that time it was as
close as I was going to get for quite some time to anything international. And
I loved being a part of it, even if I didn't truly feel like I blended in.
Because in many ways, I didn't.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We didn't speak Spanish in our
house. Why would we? And my grandparents reserved that for when they didn't
want the kids to know what they were saying, or if they were speaking to each
other in passing. To this day, I'm unsure about how many of my cousins actually
know Spanish, it was not something we spoke or were encouraged to learn to
speak. After all, in the 1980's, the thought of America becoming bilingual was
not on anyone's radar and my grandparents had to assimilate and teach their
children the same if they were going to "make it" in America. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There were no dual-immersion schools
or bilingual services. The mindset was, you live in America, you speak English.
And in that, some cultural preservation was sacrificed in the name of survival
and success. What we have available today was never foreseen by my parents, and
especially not my grandparents. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">To be clear, I wasn't raised to be
ashamed of my heritage. But beyond the traditional food, religion, music and
celebratory nature, I wasn't encouraged to preserve it either, because at the
time, no one anticipated that it would be necessary or beneficial. We were
Mexican, but we were American. The journey for that to be wasn't easy for my
grandparents. I do not blame or resent that mindset. It's unfortunate, but I
understand it. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I grew up in a VERY small town in
Northern California---not like Bay Area Northern, but Shasta County, Northern.
I often say I grew up in Redding because people know where that is, but in
actuality, I lived in the small town of Anderson eight miles south, in a rural
neighborhood. We were in a very small, right-wing area with little amenities.
It still mystifies me to this day how my six foot tall, very brown, enigmatic
Dad liked it there, made so many friends and never appeared to let his race be
an issue. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Because I lived in a very white
town, I didn't meet another Mexican kid until middle school and coincidentally
enough, he had the same last name as I did, so everyone thought we were brother
and sister. Even with my last name being obviously Hispanic, I was often
white-passing or occasionally mistaken for Italian. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One of my first encounters with
racism was at the age of 11, hearing a popular girl use a slang term for
Mexicans on the bus home from school one day. From an early age I was taught
two words that were NOT OKAY when referring to Mexicans and she used one of
them. I was horrified, embarrassed, angry and sad. I wanted to stand up for
myself and my family, but I was too afraid. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When we moved out of California and
to Oregon when I was a teenager, I thought the bigger town would offer more
culture. But over the course of my high school years I was called
"Juan" by a couple of "friends" and didn't feel like I could
relate to the small group of Latin students who had recently transplanted from
Southern California because I didn't speak Spanish. I was once told by a friend
that I wasn't "that kind of Mexican" because she was used to only
agricultural workers. I wasn't Mexican enough to be Mexican, and I wasn't White
enough to not be. But regardless, my family was my favorite part about me. Any
chance to be with them was special. Any celebration was made that much better
because of how celebratory we were, the food we ate, the music we danced. We
were different from any other family I knew and any of the friends I took with
me to visit my family always noticed the difference, but in the best way.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It wasn't until I was nearing my 20s
that being bilingual started to become popular, and in many ways, an asset.
Local schools had dual-immersion to cater to the growing Latin population.
Businesses were hiring Spanish speakers and more of the Hispanic culture was
immersing itself--FINALLY! But I was complacent. I tried to learn Spanish from
books and tapes and quickly gave up because I couldn't pronounce things
correctly. And regardless of the societal changes, I still encountered racism from
those who thought they were in the presence of another white person. If they
didn't understand name origin, or had never met my dad, they wouldn't know I
was anything else. But then there was also the flip side. On occasion, if
someone found out I was Mexican, they would expect me to speak Spanish, and
when I couldn't, they were shocked as if I should and made fun of me for being
a bad Mexican. Hence, the role of the "in-betweener."<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Now reading all this, you might
think that I'm a whiner and it's quite possible I am. You might also wonder,
what the hell this rambling is about. Let me get back to my first point.
Because in all honesty, this entire blog post is all one large justification
for why I am the way I am, and also to let the person who so ignorantly posted
a rant about someone not being allowed to call themselves Mexican if they don't
speak Spanish or are immersed in their culture enough that statements like that
alienate allies and those like me (there are plenty of us) who were born into a
time when we didn't know there would be so much space, reliance and
acknowledgement of the Latin community and their heritage. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We didn't know speaking more than
English, which generations like my grandparents' were told they needed to
speak, would be encouraged. They also worked very hard to immerse themselves,
there weren't easily accessible English classes, books or immersion courses,
other than a society they were forced to blend into--so I'm sure you can
understand why they felt it was so important that their children and their
grandchildren knew how to properly speak, read and write the language of the
country they lived in. They were worried if they didn't follow suit, they would
be chastised. My grandmother didn't make it past the eighth grade and she moved
the USA at ten. That should tell you all you need to know about how hard it was
for her to go to school when it was all in English and she was still learning
the language. I can only imagine that struggle enforced her sentiments, that
she didn't want her own children to suffer the same. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It's true that I could probably be a
"better" Mexican. I could learn more about my ancestors and the state
from where they came from. I could take a Spanish course or two. But what I can
tell you is that where I came from and who my family is, is so important to me
that it has influenced by oldest daughter to take Spanish all through high
school. She has more Mexican friends than I ever had. She sings in Spanish,
loves Spanish music and has an affection for Latin culture. But she too felt
the influence and specialness of our family and our Hispanic roots. That has
never been withheld. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I have often joked that I am the
"Whitest Mexican" I know. Perhaps as a defense mechanism, to beat
someone else to the punch, but it's not true. I deeply value my heritage, my
parents, my grandparents and my ancestors who sacrificed and struggled to live
the American Dream. I cry for those who still try to obtain it and are met with
horrific prejudices and treatment. I pray that the decisiveness and racism will
end. And I hope that those who feel someone isn't "enough" of
something to identify with it understand that they are being counterproductive
in their fight for injustice towards the Latin community. <o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>EJ Valsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04425490067866818897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6353645124552376494.post-18005484680099554052020-09-12T13:03:00.000-07:002020-09-12T13:03:30.513-07:00Dear Trump Supporters; Let's Have A Conversation<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: small;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: times; font-size: small;">The
following post has been making its way around social media. And, I think we are
all getting exhausted from the rhetoric from both sides.</span><br /><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Dear
Trump Supporters; Let’s have a conversation, time to clear some things up about
what you believe below.</span></b></div><br /><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><br /></span><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">“If you are a liberal who can’t
stand Trump, and cannot possibly fathom why anyone would ever vote for him, let
me fill you in.</span></i><br /><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><i><br /></i></span><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">It’s not that we love Donald Trump
so much. It’s that we can’t stand you.</span></i><br /><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><i><br /></i></span><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">And we will do whatever it takes —
even if that means electing a rude, obnoxious, unpredictable, narcissist (your
words not ours) to the office of President of the United States — because the
thing we find more dangerous to this nation than Donald Trump is YOU.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">How is that possible you might
ask?</span></i><br /><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><i><br /></i></span><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Well, you have done everything in
your power to destroy our country.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">From tearing down the police, to
tearing down our history, to tearing down our borders.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">From systematically destroying our
schools and brainwashing our kids into believing socialism is the answer to
anything (despite being an unmitigated failure everywhere), while demonizing
religion and faith, and glorifying abortion, violence, and thug culture.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">From calling us racists every time
we expect everyone of any skin color to follow our laws equally to gaslighting
us about 52 genders, polyamory, grown men in dresses sharing public locker
rooms with little girls, and normalize the sexualization of young children, you
simultaneously ridicule us for having the audacity to wish someone a “Merry
Christmas” or hang a flag on the 4th of July, stand for the national anthem, or
(horror of horrors) don a MAGA hat in public.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">So much for your “tolerance.”</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">(See why we think you are just
hypocrites??)</span></i><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">What
is described above is the FAKE NEWS that keeps being peddled. So let me clarify
how many of us feel.</span></b><br /><b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b><div><b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Many of us
respect law enforcement and the risk that is taken when choosing to serve
and protect. But the fact that we have good cops leaving the force due to
the corruption and infiltration of cops who have power complexes and are
not adhering to their oath, should tell you that we are not the only ones
seeing the corruption. We want accountability, better resources and for
our cops not to be the only option for a mental health call that they are
not qualified to handle.</span></b><br /><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></b><br /><b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Our schools
are being destroyed because funding is continuously pulled from them and
budgets for administration are inflated. We have a Secretary of Education
whose children are in private schools, has multiple homes and a yacht,
tell me how she can relate to working class parents? Not to mention, out
of the top ten states for the worst education, 8 of those are Red States.
Ask your local legislators why that is.</span></b><br /><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></b><br /><b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">No one is
demonizing your faith, many of us are also religious. We are questioning
how you can align a man who exploits your faith for his own gain, with
Christian Values. He has a repeated record of lying, stealing and
cheating. Values that the bible refers to as sins.</span></b><br /><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></b><br /><b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am not
sure which Liberals you are referring to that are OK with a grown man
sharing a locker room with a young girl, but I personally don’t let any
adults (besides myself) be around my children when they’re dressing. To
insinuate that we don’t value our children the same as you is asinine.
However, for the little boy who feels like he’s in the wrong body at the
age of 8 and feels suicidal, I will make concessions to save that child
and try to understand his plight. A sexual predator is another thing and
on that note, I would ask why you are not more disturbed by the flight
logs that Trump’s name is on for planes to Jeffrey Epstein’s island. Or
the fact that he’s said would date his own daughter if she were not his. Or
the fact that he says it’s OK to “grab a woman by the P&$$@” Rest
assured that I am not OK with ANY politician normalizing this behavior,
Left or Right. You shouldn’t be either.</span></b><br /><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></b><br /><b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Abortion is
nothing to glorify, it’s something to prevent through common sense
measures. Perhaps if we hadn’t shut down the very organizations that offer
comprehensive birth control methods at little to no cost, we would be able
to prevent abortion. But you chose to focus on 3% of their services, which
were NOT federally funded. I agree, abortion should not be used as a birth
control method and only in circumstances of rape or medical necessity. So
let’s find a way, together, to prevent those procedures by actually
educating our children on sex education and making sure they have methods
to protect themselves, not just from unwanted pregnancies, but diseases
that could cause their death.</span></b><br /><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></b><br /><b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And
Christmas? I love Christmas, I say “Merry Christmas.” I do all that
Christmas stuff, cookies, Santa, the tree, you freaking name it, and I’m
doing it! But I also have respect for other cultures who just like most of
us, have immigrant origin. And just like I respect <i>your</i> faith (which did NOT originate in America) I choose to
respect theirs as well by saying Happy Holidays. I don’t consider it a “War
On Christmas.” It’s not, it’s a sign of respect that you yourself are
asking for.</span></b><br /><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><b><br /></b></span><b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And the
American Flag? I have ZERO problem with honoring our country. What I do
have a problem with is its being hijacked by right wing ideology of those
who also fly the traitor flag in unison. Yes, the confederate flag is
Anti-American. As it was flown by an opposing side who wanted to separate
from AMERICAN COLONIES. To fly it is contradictory to your message when
you’re trying to show pride for <i>OUR</i>
country. Let’s all fly the flag and not attribute it to one side or the
other, let’s reclaim it as a sign of unity on our common goal to live
amongst each other, even if we live differently. Isn’t that what our
nation was founded upon?</span></b><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><br /><br /></span><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">We’re also not interested in the
fact that you think you can unilaterally decide that 250 years of the
right-to-bear-arms against a tyrannical or ineffective government should be
abolished because you can’t get the violence in the cities you manage under
control. That free-speech should be tossed out the window, and that those who
disagree with your opinions are fair game for public harassment or doxing.
Those spoiled children with nose-rings and tats who still live off their
parent’s dime should be allowed to destroy cities and people's livelihoods
without repercussions. That chaos, and lawlessness, and disrespect for
authority should be the norm.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">This is your agenda. And you
wonder why we find you more dangerous than Donald Trump?</span></i><br /><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><br /><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">I am curious why you believe that Liberals are not gun owners? Do
you know how many of us there are? Just because we don’t support the NRA which
has monetized the 2nd amendment with its own TV channel, which have programs
that demonstrate how you can “craft with guns,” is ridiculous. If you are not
acknowledging that a gun is a tool to protect yourself and instead, considering
it an accessory, this is the problem we are referring to. Instead, what we want
is for an acknowledgement that guns are getting into the wrong hands. We have
mentally ill and dangerous people out there that are able to legally buy guns
with vague vetting in the name of the 2nd Amendment. Without a record they can
legally purchase a gun in some states, easier than others. And when we have
irresponsible gun owners not properly securing their weapons, we have also
given these unbalanced people access to something that can cause mass tragedy.
If good gun owners want to keep their rights intact we have to ensure only
responsible people have access to them. And “good guys with guns” aren’t
preventing any of the things you mention above.</span></b><br /><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></b><br /><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">As for the spoiled children with tattoos and nose rings who live
off their parents, there are plenty of those on the right as well. If you are
going to lump peaceful liberal demonstrators with Antifa, then I guess we have
the right to lump all Trump Supporters with White Nationalists? By the way, all
of what you are describing above have happened on Trump's watch, this was not
the way it was prior to his being in office. How is he going to resolve a
problem he perpetuates?</span></b><br /><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><br /><br /><br /></span><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Your narrative is a constant drone
of oppressor/oppressed race-baiting intended to divide the country in as many
ways as you possibly can. You love to sell “victim-hood” to people of color
every chance you get because it’s such an easy sell, compared to actually
teaching people to stand on their own two feet and take personal responsibility
for their own lives and their own communities and their own futures. But you
won’t do that, you will never do that, because then you will lose control over
people of color. They might actually start thinking for themselves, God forbid!</span></i><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">We don’t have to sell “victim-hood,” as stated above. They ARE victims and they are telling us that. We are just supporting their message just as the Equal Rights Movement has done for decades. You believe
“they” can stand on their own two feet, and take personal responsibility.
Breonna Taylor is just one of many examples of someone who was doing that. The
cops who shot her without cause while she was sleeping, have still not been
held accountable. When will you speak to that injustice? Or does it not matter
because she is a person of color? Had she been White, I am certain this would
have played out differently. And to insinuate that “they” cannot think for
themselves because we want to control them, is like saying their race is less intelligent and
proving why we believe there's more racism in the Republican party than not.
Prove us wrong.</span></b><br /><br /><br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">This is why we will vote for
Donald Trump.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Not because he is the most
charming character on the block.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Not because he is the most polite
politician to have ever graced the oval office.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Not because he is the most
palatable choice, or because we love his moral character or because the man
never lies, but because we are sick to death of you and all of the destructive
crap you are doing to this once beautiful and relatively safe country.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Your ineffective and completely
dysfunctional liberal “leadership”(?) has literally destroyed our most beautiful
cities, our public education system, and done it’s damndest to rip faith out of
people’s lives.</span></i><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">I will not fault you for why you voted for him in 2016. He was not
your typical career politician that many of us were tired of. MANY of us wanted
change for America and Election Day was not easy for us either. It was a lesser
of two evils. But at the end of the day, you don’t hire someone without any
experience for the very job they are applying for. Hiring Trump to run America
without any true understanding of the political system, laws or global
relationships was the equivalent of hiring a butcher to be a gynecologist. And
to this, I say no one should ever be allowed to run for that position without
having served in some political capacity whether that be a Mayor, State
Representative, Governor, etc. There has to be a track record of their donors,
what they support and what they have voted for so American Voters have
something tangible to support their voting decision. Without making these types
of changes, we will continue to have people like Kanye West on our ballots. Our
democracy is not a joke.</span></b><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><br /><br /></span><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">However bad Donald Trump may be,
and he is far from perfect, every day we look at you and feel that no matter
what Donald Trump says or does there is no possible way he could be any worse
for our country than you people are.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">We are sick to death of your
stupid, destructive, ignorant, and intolerant behavior and beliefs — parading
as “wokeness.” We are beyond sick of your hypocrisy and B.S.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">We are fed up with your
disrespectful divisiveness and constant unrelenting harping and whining and
complaining (while you live in the most privileged nation in the world), while
making literally zero contributions of anything positive to our society. Your
entire focus is on ripping things down, never ever building anything up. Think
about that as there is something fundamentally very wrong in the psychology of
people who choose destruction as their primary modus operandi.</span></i><br /><i><br /></i><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">When Donald J Trump is reelected,
don’t blame us, look in the mirror and blame yourselves.</span></i><br /><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><br /></span><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">We won’t be doing this either. Why? Because you yourselves had an
opportunity to look for a better candidate for your party and support their
efforts to take on Trump within his own party in 2020. You’ve acknowledged
several points about how you know he is essentially corrupt, but you continue
to blame us for the fact that he is President. Your party had a chance to jump
off the “Trump Train” and find someone more qualified and reasonable. Had you
done so, you might have turned Liberal Voters into Republican Voters. Instead
you’ve had many Republican’s jump ship and choose Country over Party, as you
always should. Where is your accountability for keeping someone within your own
party that you think is terrible? If you don’t believe there is a better candidate
within your own party that is not what you described about the President you
support, what does that say about Republican values?</span></b><br /><br /><br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Because you are the ones that are
responsible for the rise of Donald Trump. You are the ones who have created
this "monster" that you so despise, by your very actions. By your
refusal to respect your fellow Americans, and the things that are important to
us.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">You have made fun of the “fly-over
states,” the people who “cling to their guns and religion,” the middle class
factory workers and coal miners and underprivileged rural populations that you
dismissively call “yahoos” and “deplorables.” You have mocked our faith and our
religion. You have mocked our values and our patriotism. You have trampled our
flag and insulted our veterans and treated our first responders with contempt
and hatred.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">You have made environmentalism
your religion, while trashing every city you have taken responsibility for. You
scream from the rooftops about “global warming” and a “green new deal” while allowing
tens of thousands of homeless people to cover your streets in literal sh!t and
garbage and needles and plastic waste without doing a single thing to help them
or solve the environmental crisis your failed social policies are creating. But
we’re supposed to put YOU in charge of the environment while gutting our entire
economy to institute this plan when you can’t even clean up a single city??</span></i><br /><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><br /></span><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">You do realize that 3 years, ago the “threats” you claim today
were not so. You were instilled with irrational fear in order to obtain your
votes. Instead rural communities have been greatly impacted by Tariff’s that WE
pay for, not China. This left many farmers at risk of losing everything they
worked hard for. To fix this, Trump provided bail outs, on YOUR dime to appear
he was fixing a problem HE created. And where are the factories and jobs he
promised us? How is rural American thriving under his reign?</span></b><br /><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></b><br /><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Many of us are Veterans, love Veterans and support Veterans.
Instead he's taken credit for a Bill to support Veterans that John McCain, also a
Veteran which Trump insulted before and after his death, actually wrote. And
back to my point of track records, Biden has voted more than not on bills that support
Veterans, as his own son was a war Veteran. Instead, you defend a man who’s
draft-dodged multiple times and whose sons did not serve themselves And you’re
OK with him insulting Veterans? How is that Patriotic?</span></b><br /><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></b><br /><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Yes, let’s speak about that homelessness and trash on the streets.
Let’s talk about the fact that during the Reagan administration the War on
Drugs was the start of punishing, not rehabilitating. We have privatized prison
systems, which are money making machines. We have depleted funds for mental
hospitals and rehab facilities. Those homeless people are both victims of
mental illness and addiction. Many of those addicts are from rural America and
small towns that have been plagued by the opioid crisis that was a direct
result of pharmaceutical companies pushing drugs and "Dr. Feel Good’s" over-prescribing a drug that proved to be cheaper in the form of heroin after
someone had already become addicted to a prescribed medication. Take a look at
the funding records of many of these politicians and see who their donors
are--follow the money. This is on the Left AND the Right.</span></b><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><br /></span><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">You complain — endlessly — yet
have failed to solve a single social problem anywhere. In fact, all you have
done is create more of them.</span></i><br /><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><i><br /></i></span><i><div style="display: inline !important;"><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">We’ve had enough. We are tired of quietly sitting by and being the “silent”
majority. So don’t be surprised when the day comes when we finally respond. And
trust me it’s coming, sooner than you might think. And also trust me when I say
it won’t be pretty. Get ready.</span></i></div></i><br /><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><br /></span></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">So let me understand this; You want to engage in a hybrid of a
Civil-War/Nazi Germany scenario on American soil against people, you believe,
don’t have the same ideals as you? And that adhere's to the
Constitution and Bible how? You would choose to do the very thing you’re angry
with rioters for doing? Burn down cities, wreck businesses, schools and
neighborhoods-- for your ideals? And then
what? When you feel you’ve eradicated the Left, their children, and the innocent,
you will be satisfied? The fact that you’d be living in a war zone and have
destroyed your economy and land in the process, will be OK with you because it
was all in the name of your beliefs? You do realize that our Founding Fathers
devised the Constitution (you like to bring up a lot) to ensure a balanced
system to avoid this kind of upset that they fled from? You’re supporting a
dictatorship at this point and the very freedoms that you cherish, are now an
illusion.</span></b><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><br /></span><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">When Donald Trump is reelected it
will be because you and your “comrades” have chosen to trash the police, harass
law-abiding citizens, and go on rampages destroying public property that we
have all paid for and you have zero respect for.</span></i><br /><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><i><br /></i></span><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">When Donald Trump is reelected it
will be because we are sick of your complete and utter nonsense and
destruction. How does it feel to know that half of this country finds you FAR
more despicable than Donald J. Trump, the man you consider to be the
anti-Christ?</span></i><br /><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><i><br /></i></span><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Let that sink in.</span></i><br /><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><i><br /></i></span><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">We consider you to be more
despicable, more dangerous, more stupid, and more narcissistic than Donald
Trump. Maybe allow yourself a few seconds of self-reflection to let that sink
in. This election isn’t about Donald Trump vs. Joe Biden.</span></i><br /><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><br /></span><i style="font-size: 10pt;">This is about Donald Trump vs YOU</i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">.</span><br /><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><br /></span><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">So if on the morning of November 4
(or more likely January 19, by the time the Supreme Court will weigh in on the
mail-in ballot fiasco that we are headed towards), and Donald J. Trump is
reelected?</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The only people you have to blame
is the left-wing media drones and yourselves.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">You did this.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Yep you.”</span></i><br /><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><br /></span><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">In
conclusion, I will state it again. WE DON’T BLAME YOU FOR VOTING HIM INTO
OFFICE IN 2016! Many of us were wanting a change, something out of the norm, too. We
were tired of political speak and being sold empty promises. We know Middle-America
and the working class have been the most impacted for generations because the
rich got richer, and the middle got poor, and the poor got poorer. We know,
because we have suffered through it too! The truth is, we have no good choices.
And they know that. They know that the ones who could <i>actually</i> make the
change that we all crave, would affect their bottom line and those who fund
their campaign accounts. They have used ALL of us and in the process divided us
more than I’ve ever thought possible. When will we take our country back? When
will we learn to live in a place where it’s OK to disagree, but at the end of
the day, still take care of each other because we care more about our
neighbors, than a politician who knows nothing about the life we live. When?</span></b>
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<p></p></div>EJ Valsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04425490067866818897noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6353645124552376494.post-61613551305525090292019-12-18T12:58:00.004-08:002019-12-18T12:59:50.636-08:00It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Screw This<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Today a woman was woken up one hour before she needed to be by her three-year-old son, who was hungry. She lovingly took him downstairs, pushed the <i>Brew</i> button on the coffee pot, and fumbled in the dimly lit kitchen as she made her kiddo cereal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">As the coffee brewed she thought a little Christmas ambiance would be nice. As she bent over to plug in the Christmas tree lights, she heard the sound of brittle pine needles falling off the dying tree onto the presents under it, so the lights remained off in fear of a fire hazard. She must keep this tree alive until Christmas morning, or the magic will be lost.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianvfl55hlJxnmZLCr-q-xby3Hvaf1Zu9yp6gCMeJDw_JrDjc7oScxGz5pi599W8z-g-nKHgBMhu-CKAU7QKQuoKgL3wZUWt21N3OVs1l9jta2njj2O1v1MRg-PG4_vUb94vTX2cpU2jk/s1600/stressed-woman-wearing-christmas-hat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="1100" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianvfl55hlJxnmZLCr-q-xby3Hvaf1Zu9yp6gCMeJDw_JrDjc7oScxGz5pi599W8z-g-nKHgBMhu-CKAU7QKQuoKgL3wZUWt21N3OVs1l9jta2njj2O1v1MRg-PG4_vUb94vTX2cpU2jk/s320/stressed-woman-wearing-christmas-hat.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">After sucking down a cup of coffee at record speed, battling with her toddler about his screaming waking up the rest of the house, arguing with her husband about not wiping up water around the rim of the sink that ALWAYS seems to get her shirt wet after he uses it, and sending a now crying toddler on his way to daycare, she finally had an hour to get some work done before taking her middle child to school. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">After the regular school drop off, she thought it would be a good idea to get some errands out of the way. Heading to the grocery store, she tried to keep her spirits up and be pleasant and smile to each person she came across....it's Christmas time....it's the season of joy and hope, right?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Feeling as if she'd annoyed an employee with too many questions about the location of saffron and raisins, she made her way with a cart full of groceries to the checkout stand, where she and a nice cashier had a chat about the holidays and how stressful they can be. Finally, someone she could relate to (she thought), and perhaps she'd made their day by empathizing with them. As she left, she made a point to wish the cashier and the courtesy clerk a Merry Christmas by name and felt a little lighter having made nice conversation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">While crossing the parking lot to her car, she made sure to smile and wave at the driver of the car who stopped for her. This time of year is stressful on everyone and it's important to be kind, as we never know what someone else is going through. As she loaded her groceries into her trunk, a box of sparkling water cans ripped and one fell on the ground, requiring her to grab it before it rolled away while balancing the half opened water box on her leg. Embarrassed and quickly trying to shove it all in the car, she banged the top of her head on her trunk. Dammit!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">After collecting herself, and fighting off tears, though she had no idea why she felt like crying other than her banged head, she made her way to a department store to pick out a western style shirt for her nine-year-old daughter, who needed it for a school Spirit Day. Luckily, she found one and this lifted her spirits. Still trying to be mindful of the holiday spirit, she let an elderly person go ahead of her in line, again waved to thank the person who allowed her to cross the parking lot, stopped at Starbucks for a treat and made her way home while making phone calls for work. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Finally, home to unload the groceries and devour the egg bites she felt she deserved after all of this. Following this simple moment of pleasure, she began unpacking her bags and noticed the frozen chicken nuggets bag had ripped and she had no idea if it was purchased like this or not. Increasingly annoyed, she tossed the bag into the trash so as to not risk illness in the family, as she'd already spent five days disinfecting and bleaching whatever stomach flu had recently claimed members of her household’s digestive tracts. She would NOT risk food poisoning on top of it, no Sir!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">After tossing the nuggets, she grabbed another grocery bag, only to have it rip in half and the contents spill to the floor. As she stared at the mouthwash now lying on the floor, she felt the Holly Jolliness leave her completely and a feeling of defeat overwhelmed her instead. Not even 11:00 am and she felt like small things were piling on. Nothing was going right and interruptions were abundant. She. Was. Done.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Isn't this supposed to be the most magical time of the year? Well, Bing Crosby thought so, because almost on cue, the Pandora app on her smart phone suddenly started playing "<i>It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas</i>" randomly and without initiation on her part, piping through the kitchen and stopping her in her tracks. But rather than feel frightened, or laughing about this unwelcomed event, she glared with despise at her phone. No, Bing! This is NOT the most wonderful time of the year! And it may LOOK a lot like Christmas, thanks to her ability to make Christmas magic with the tree, lights, peppermint scented wax melts, presents under the tree, cozy blankets, Christmas-themed pillows, and garlands galore, but Mom isn't feeling the frickin' magic....Mom is feeling EXHAUSTED!!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">And this, folks, is the moment in which I felt like finding a green fuzzy Grinch costume, hiking up to the top of a hill and hiding out until the spring. This woman is me. But I can't help but feel like this woman is many of us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">This is honestly the time of year I get most excited about. But then somewhere in the midst of all the "magic" I feel tired, frustrated, inadequate and OVER IT! I've been told to "stop doing so much" and "no one is asking you to do these things." But that's the whole point...no one HAS to ask. They’re simply done, by us, and if they are NOT done, then we are asked, when will it be done, or how come it wasn't done? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Apparently, some time ago, let's say about 18 years ago, when I committed to being THAT mom, I set a precedent for how Christmas would be in our house for the rest of eternity. If I missed even ONE "tradition" that I had done before, something was off and the holiday just wasn't the same. Being a people-pleaser, I’ve had a hard time not living up to the expectations I set for myself that now others hold for me as well. That. Sucks. And now I’m feeling like the scroogiest Scrooge there ever was. I want to throw the dying tree out into the street, unwrap all the presents just to expedite this damn holiday, and then take a LONG winter’s nap until it's warm enough to go outside without a parka.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">But instead, I’ll take a deep breath and remind myself that even though I feel like day drinking martinis and binge watching <i>The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,</i> this is often NOT the most wonderful time of the year and I am not alone in that feeling. Even more than that, I’m actually blessed to have these problems. Being fortunate doesn’t mean I can’t feel stressed or a little depressed. It doesn’t negate those feelings. But it does put into perspective how my “problems” could be someone else’s desires.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">I GOT to get up with my kids and husband today. I GOT to go buy groceries, clothes and a <i>Starbucks</i> coffee. I GOT to come home and despise my smart phone for eerily playing Christmas music as I was having a "Merry Meltdown" over chicken nuggets. I GET the opportunity and privilege to make "Christmas Magic" for my family, and so many others do not. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">So what does that mean for my feelings of anxiety, frustration, and exhaustion over the holiday? It doesn't make them nonexistent, but it does remind me that there are many who have bigger stresses than making a holiday a giant explosion of wonderfulness, like even having Christmas or any of the privileges that many of us find mundane.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Truth is, I'll continue to try and make it the most "magical" time of the year for those I love, and it will be work for another week. And then next year, I'll get excited, forgetting how much work it is (like childbirth) and be ready to do it all over again like a damn fool, if I still have the good fortune to do so.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">This time of year is hard for many, for various reasons. I'm not ignorant of that fact and even more aware of it now as I write my blog filled with "First World Problems." But my hope, in the TRUE spirit of this season, is that each and every one of you who may also be struggling with the "Jingle Bell Blues" or anything else happening in your life right now, finds some solace in knowing that this is <i>literally </i>just a season. And if you have the ability to help another or to see past the "bah-humbug" that may reside in another and have a little compassion as to what they may be going through, you will. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">My thoughts are with all of you this year and I wish you all a very Happy Holiday and a prosperous New Year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Cheers!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">EJ</span></div>
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EJ Valsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04425490067866818897noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6353645124552376494.post-80075727610797745102019-11-06T15:53:00.000-08:002019-11-06T15:53:09.821-08:00If It Was Easy, Everyone Would Be Doing ItI'm not sure if it's the time change or just change in general, but lately I've been feeling distracted and slightly overwhelmed by the daily nuances, and never feeling fully accomplished. Most days, I honestly feel like a giant "B." Trying to find the small victories can be hard, especially when you have children of various ages telling you you're not doing something right in one form or another. Whether it be a tantrum, the silent treatment, or out right telling you they aren't pleased with a choice you've made for them. Combine that with trying to be a good partner, employee or both, and it's a doozy at times.<br />
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While taking a quick shower this morning, I was interrupted by two fighting children. As I did my best to hide behind a glass shower door from the small, bickering privacy invaders, I found myself shouting back at them. And just like that, my morning quickly turned into chaos and rising blood pressure. After I composed myself and washed the soap out of my hair, it dawned on me that I'm <i>soooo</i> not the Mom I want to be. Or should I say, <i>expected </i>I'd be.<br />
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I always assumed I'd be a "super-mom." Loving, fun, cool, energetic, but firm when necessary. I'd like to say I'm those things at times, but usually it's in small spurts fueled by a nap or coffee. I've been a parent for almost 19 years and even with all this experience under my belt, I'm still a work in progress. I've already gotten one through high school, but her going into adulthood has been one of the hardest periods yet. I also have a toddler and a nine year old--it's not for the birds either. It's hard work, mentally, emotionally and physically.<br />
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I should stress that I don't feel sorry for myself. I'm a blessed woman, who's been fortunate enough to have most everything I had desired growing up. A loving husband, three healthy and mostly happy kids, but still feel like I come up short a lot. And I often wonder, "Am I wrong to feel this way? Am I being ridiculous? Am I just <i>never</i> satisfied?" All of those shaming thoughts just make me feel worse.<br />
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A lot of us feel pressure to be a combo of Betty Crocker, Alice Brady, Marilyn Monroe, Rosie the Riveter, a PTA-soccer mom, and whomever else we assume has their crap together. But who's really asking that of us? Somewhere along the line I began to believe, even though I was not raised this way, that if I was all of these ideals, my life would be perfect. I'd have a perfect marriage, happy kids, beautiful home, etc. I have <i>no</i> idea where I got this from, but I'm pretty sure I'm enabling this belief. Even something as small as another mom inadvertently criticizing the plates I provided for a class party, can press that doubt button within me and make me feel inadequate. That's not her fault, I allowed it to bug me, (side note--don't be <i>that </i>mom) but it still feeds into my insecurities, regardless.<br />
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So how do I make this stop? How do I get to being OK with my short-comings? Meditation, alcohol, Zumba, therapy, massage, humor....all of the above? Ladies, I have not the slightest clue. But what I do believe, and so should you other Mama's, is that ---- YOU ARE NOT ALONE IN THIS! For every morning that you got up, had a cup of coffee and then everything went to crap by 9:00 am-- you are not alone. For every well-intentioned moment you had that imploded--you are not alone. For every time you've cried in the shower, car or closet, because you've felt like a failure--you are not alone. </div>
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After the shower incident and my negative self-talk and doubt casting about what I'm doing wrong, I came to the realization that there's no way I'm alone in this feeling. No mom is. And I believe the issue stems from expecting WAY too much from ourselves. I've decided that I'm going to commit to being a little easier on myself. It's time for all of us to put away those meaningless motherhood "goals" and focus on the basics. "Do my kids have food in their bellies? Do they have clothes on their backs and a roof over their head? Do they know that I love them?" If we can answer, "YES," to those simple questions, then we're doing good so far. </div>
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We aren't always going to get the recognition we deserve or immediate gratification. And praise is often short-lived. We may not pack the right snacks, get to school on time, go on all the field-trips, or bring the right plates, but dammit, at least we try. If we snap a little, make a boxed dinner because we're too fried from the day, stay in the bathroom longer just to get a few extra minutes of "alone time," we are NOT failures. We are just one woman trying to be several, and that's a lot of pressure. The PTA can wait, the play-dates aren't mandatory and the few extra pounds on the scale will not kill us. Most importantly, at the end of the day our kids will still love us regardless.<br />
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EJ Valsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04425490067866818897noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6353645124552376494.post-45570888019819236392019-08-14T08:57:00.000-07:002019-08-14T12:31:16.088-07:00Today, on my 40th Birthday......<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Today, on my 40th Birthday, I woke up with an excitement in my
belly. A sense of adventure and change on the horizon, combined with a deep
sense of appreciation to be right where I am, now resides within.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">The last ten years flew by like
whiplash. Didn't I just turn 30? Wasn't I just stuck in that spot of wanting,
needing, hoping, for things I'd felt I hadn't yet obtained? More stability,
more children, a better house, more love in my marriage. More.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I remember turning thirty very
well. I was delighted by multiple celebrations put on by friends and family to
commemorate my milestone. Grand gestures meant to make me feel special and
loved, which they did, took place. But, even then I still wanted more and it
was nothing that any of my friends or family could provide to me--I had to find
that on my own. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I'm so very lucky--the
luckiest. When I was young, I'd unknowingly put out into the universe exactly
what I wanted. A loving husband, children, stability and safety. It may sound
bland and boring, but for me, that was a big dream of mine. I was basically an
only child, and though my childhood was mostly happy and stable, there were
fractures in that foundation I believed I could mend by having my own
family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I spent most of my teen years
rushing my life, making poor choices and trying to tie up that package. By
twenty-five, I found myself a divorced single mom of the most amazing little
girl. I had no formal education, but was a hard worker and I was blessed to
stumble into an administrative position that offered me more than I could have
ever thought possible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">By the end of my twenty's, I was
pleasantly surprised to find a best friend and my greatest love story in a
Swedish intern, four years my junior. I spent two years in a long-distance
relationship with someone that I'd put all my faith and hope into. It was one of
the hardest, scariest and patience-testing periods of my life. And in the end,
love won.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">At thirty-one I gave birth to
our baby girl. She was my dream come into fruition. Before turning thirty, I
had the worst case of "Baby Fever." My husband was hesitant, scared
and apprehensive, but when she was born, he fell in love. And I fell more in
love with him as I watched him become the most amazing father. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">The following years proved to
be strenuous for us career wise, financially and emotionally. My husband and I
worked for the same company, and when things took a turn for the worst, my
instinct to control EVERYTHING took over, and that took a toll on me mentally,
emotionally and physically. Some days I can't even remember certain parts of my
youngest daughter’s life. It’s as if I was absent. Thankfully, home videos and
pictures have proven otherwise--lessening my guilt. But it is still a broken blur.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">By thirty-five things were
better and I thought we were settled. Our only new adventure was my husband’s
decision to work full-time while taking on an MBA program. We believed this would
be the thing that would catapult us to financial stability and a better quality
of life. He was committed to succeeding and I was committed to supporting him by taking on more of the "everyday" duties, and working part-time.
Our oldest was going into high school, our youngest into Kindergarten and we
were in a good place. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Spring of 2016, we got a VERY
big surprise with a positive pregnancy test. This was NOT in our
"plan." We thought we were done, and had taken most measures to
prevent this. We were even talking vasectomy for him before we found ourselves
expecting again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">From the moment I found out, I
knew it was a boy. Everything felt different. I was thirty-eight and committed
to, in my words, "Rocking this pregnancy." I was not going to let my
body fall apart like it had six years earlier. I was not going to come out of
it with pain and stress. I wanted this to be better. I wanted to look and feel
better. And I did. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Our "bonus-baby," was
born around 1:00 am, post-election night. I joke that my labor was high-jacked by
election coverage. My mom, sister, husband and oldest daughter sat watching
live coverage on TV, phones or laptops, while I patiently waited (pain-free thanks to my epidural) for our lives to change for the better. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Our hearts grew exponentially
when our son arrived. I always worried I wouldn't be able to love one more, the
way I loved my first two. But that's not how this works--your heart expands and
makes room. All of our hearts expanded and made room. Our family became better.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">The next two years rushed by,
but were not dull or uneventful. We worked hard, but enjoyed each
and every milestone. Proms, drivers licenses, first jobs, birthdays, holidays--we took it all in. We celebrated our ten year wedding anniversary, and then
our eleventh. And with each passing day, we knew we were getting closer to a
change. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I knew a year ago that it was
time to say goodbye to the home I'd known for twenty-five years. The place that
I alone, had made my safe-place. A little town in the heart of the Willamette
Valley, Oregon. Every corner of that town had a memory for me. It was a
place of the most growth for me. Pain, love, heartache, weddings, births,
loss--it all happened there. The painful thought of leaving it all behind was
what kept me in that city for so long. But I knew it was time to go. Life was making
that decision for us. The economy there would no longer allow for middle-class
family of three to live comfortably. </span><span style="font-size: 18px;">We could stay and struggle, or we could see what else life held in store for us. I</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">t broke my heart, but I knew there was a
reason behind it. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">My husband graduated, my oldest
was about to, and we knew it was the best time to plan for a move. After we
made that decision to try something new, everything moved like a well-oiled
machine. I'm a firm believer in going with the flow, and not fighting the
current. That mindset is what has always led me to the most profound periods of
my life. And today, I awoke in a new state, one month in to this new period, farther from some family, but closer to
others and ready to take on the new.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">So, again-- today on my 40th
Birthday, I woke up with an excitement in my belly. A sense of adventure and
change on the horizon, combined with a deep sense of appreciation to be right
where I am, now resides within.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I don't quite know what that
means, or why that is, except for the fact, that today- I don't really
want a damn thing. I <i>only </i>have<i> </i>hope. Hope for
continued happiness and contentment that I've been blessed to find at such a
young age. And I have gratitude--immense gratitude. I'm so grateful to whatever
powers that be, for letting me have my childhood dream. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I don't need the big party, the
room full of friends or family in one place, to make me feel loved or special.
I'm the big 40 and should know by now how to find the pleasure in the little
things. The text messages, phone calls, Facebook messages, my husband kissing my
cheek this morning and whispering "Happy Birthday." My little boy
singing me the Birthday song, my youngest daughter making me a frozen waffle,
and my oldest daughter being here. Everything I'd hoped for as a young girl, is
exactly what I have surrounding me. What a blessing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I'm not saying by this age, everyone should have EVERYTHING they desire. But I am saying, that if you don't--let go a little. Open up and let it unfold for you. I didn't get
here easily. There were sacrifices, heartache, losses of friendships, jobs,
ego.....BUT, I am appreciative of those moments, because they brought me here.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I have no idea what the next
week, month, year, decade (Fate willing) holds for me, but I know by now to be
open and appreciative, because life is fleeting. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br /></div>
EJ Valsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04425490067866818897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6353645124552376494.post-58230323911184412042017-09-12T16:58:00.002-07:002017-09-13T13:11:53.297-07:00Hello World! I'm BAAAACCKKKK!!!....MaybeI couldn't have written it better myself. Mid-thirties mom, thinks she knows exactly how her life is going to go. Has a great husband, steady work and two growing girls. Then something unexpected happens and things change. And they did.<br />
<br />
Five years ago the hubby and I decided that we'd try for another kid when he turned 30....if we felt like it. Well, we didn't feel like it. We realized that our youngest was like having two kids in one body (boy and girl), sleep was finally getting back to normal and we liked having some "freedom" back. Not to mention the money we saved without having to pay for daycare anymore!<br />
<br />
Fast forward to March of 2016 and SURPRISE WE'RE PREGNANT! We pretty much had a moment that resembled two teenagers who had A LOT of explaining to do when we saw the positive sign on the EPT. I was terrified to tell my then 15 year old that her mama got knocked up. When I sat her down and said I had something important to tell her she started panicking, assuming that I had cancer. Perhaps I was a little dramatic leading up to what I had to say...way to go mom!<br />
<br />
Regardless, it all worked out. My oldest embraced it and the youngest was excited to be a big sister. Last fall we welcomed a beautiful eight pound, brown eyed boy to break up the estrogen wafting through the house and carry on the family name. <br />
<br />
Sometimes my husband and I adoringly look at "T" and ask, "where did you come from?" Sparing you the personal details....he truly was meant to be and determined on becoming a part of our family-- I'll leave it at that. In all honesty, it's like he was always in the plans, but still miraculous. He was not on our radar AT ALL, yet I couldn't imagine life without him and don't even want to think about it. <br />
<br />
But here we are almost a year later. Life moves faster and faster and I can't find the handbrake to slow it down. Our oldest is in her junior year of high school, the youngest daughter just started second grade and the hubby is preparing for his third year in the MBA program. And I'm still "mom-ing" it while working part time and aspiring to be an aspiring writer.<br />
<br />
I'm grateful for everything I've been handed in life. I even wrote a book about it. And then I wrote another to celebrate some other things I appreciate--but unfortunately that's still sitting on my computer...on hold....pending a few edits....waiting to get out and breathe on the screen of a Kindle. And I feel like a big, fat procrastinator.<br />
<br />
I know I'm not. I'm just busy. Busy with a lot, but then nothing at all (apparently, not too busy to write this post.) I LOVE to write. Even when I'm not good at it, it feels so good! Something about the escape of it. The story I see in my head, the characters and situations that manifest from nothing but a spark or idea. It's awesome! But unfortunately for me, it requires a quiet place, a block of uninterrupted time and most importantly, the urge to do it. Is it this way for all writers?<br />
<br />
I've been talking to my husband about how much I miss it. He's wonderful and willing to do whatever to make writing time possible, but I put it off for various reasons. So far, all I've done is submitted a few queries to literary agents because it's "Manuscript Wish List Day" on Twitter, which I didn't even know was a thing until this afternoon. But I did and I tried and was quickly reminded about the part of writing that I hate--taking a chance. Putting yourself out there and hoping for good feedback. I don't write with the hope of making money, though it would be nice! I write for <i>my</i> soul and put out what I write to share a little of that soul, and maybe it connects with <i>another</i> persons soul. Nothing I create is particularly profound, but it comes from a real place within me.<br />
<br />
But today I cannot write because what I thought was only a fictitious scenario in <i>Made in Sweden</i> (not yet released) has actually happened to me and it's awesome. The point of this long, rambling blog is this--life isn't always what you planned. It's often the complete opposite. Sometimes you get exactly what want, but in the most round-about way. And <i>sometimes</i> wonderfully unexpected events delay something else you wanted to accomplish, but that's okay!<br />
<br />
I know I'll eventually release my book. And maybe one day I'll get published. If not, oh well! I've got a whopping twenty-two Amazon reviews that make me pretty happy and I've entertained some people. Coincidentally, I received three new reviews of <i><a href="https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B00HAPN23U&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_t7eUzbN7NJWTM" target="_blank">The Nostalgia Effect</a></i> this month, almost as if it's a sign to finish what I've started or do what I love. But for now, I need to go wipe banana off my son, get the kids from school and make dinner for the people I love.<br />
<br />
Thanks for letting me ramble...now go do something YOU love! Or don't, I won't judge.....<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>EJ Valsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04425490067866818897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6353645124552376494.post-24140770144181564982015-05-16T16:48:00.000-07:002015-05-16T17:19:30.181-07:00Say Hello To My "Little" Friend<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdGEI_-0Z3T_zEhS7uSbe-g0t-I6J2Fu5-xC-H_A2F0K-GdLsuAGbafe-70YFRi68-qhnzNe4UsmBxXu6SQrwaoo0RSFPL4cIg_7L8mOU7CbaIXEBn5c-0RjGsAFJs0MSyR2mPYM5eYLVN/s1600/katie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdGEI_-0Z3T_zEhS7uSbe-g0t-I6J2Fu5-xC-H_A2F0K-GdLsuAGbafe-70YFRi68-qhnzNe4UsmBxXu6SQrwaoo0RSFPL4cIg_7L8mOU7CbaIXEBn5c-0RjGsAFJs0MSyR2mPYM5eYLVN/s320/katie.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span><!--[if !mso]>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">THIS IS KATIE! Say "hello"
to her. She's my little friend. Seriously, my very little friend. I'm 5'2 and
the top of her head only reaches right below my shoulder. No, she's not a
"little" person. She is perfectly proportionate. She's
just....compact.</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Katie and I met when we were almost
two. I don't remember when or how we came to be best friends, but we just did.
Katie was always very petite. But so was her mom and sister, and she was also
premature, so it was no surprise that she was on the small side. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I remember once, when we were seven,
walking through the playground during recess. I noticed that she wasn't growing
as tall as I was. She was then, too, right below my shoulder, and I wasn't a
particularly tall child. Regardless, it didn't seem to be much of a big deal to
anyone at that time. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo5evGM_os3yZgTMUdQuFLS01_GigVMHjCvCWLOvilgqWNxsAjNQU8yk2qTBDlPd_ddACspTRHp7oHC5LPq_2sGfCTo03eTL7u06oUTL2GZXWZstojLYxQShJ9Fvgpc73qRFc11MII-BdO/s1600/1796095_10203692399575330_1779035640_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo5evGM_os3yZgTMUdQuFLS01_GigVMHjCvCWLOvilgqWNxsAjNQU8yk2qTBDlPd_ddACspTRHp7oHC5LPq_2sGfCTo03eTL7u06oUTL2GZXWZstojLYxQShJ9Fvgpc73qRFc11MII-BdO/s320/1796095_10203692399575330_1779035640_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Katie and Me On My 7th Birthday</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">When we hit middle school, things
started to change. Due to her size, she <span style="font-family: inherit;">beca<span style="font-family: inherit;">me </span></span>somewhat of a novelty item,
and though she handled it well, I think deep down it bothered her. People
thought she was "so cute," and that was fine and all, but I do
remember a time that someone tried to make fun of her and I yelled, "Well,
dynamite comes in small packages!" Katie just looked at me like I was a
dork (which I was), but I wanted to protect my friend. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">There were a lot of things Katie
went through that I wasn't made aware of. I remember occasional trips she would
make with her mom, who was a nurse, to the Bay Area or UC Davis to do special
testing on Katie to determine why she wasn't growing. She was pretty private
about it, and I never pressed her<span style="font-family: inherit;">, but s</span>omewhere in that time period, I remember
her telling me that she had <a href="http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/176083.php" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Turner Syndrome</span></a>.
That was just it, nothing major, and she and her family didn't seemed concerned
about it, because now they knew what she had. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">However, Turner Syndrome can cause
heart defects, infertility, kidney problems, skeletal deformities and
lymphedema. Luckily, Katie wasn't on the extreme end of the spectrum with this
condition, but she hasn't gone completely unscathed either. She's had some
effects that aren't mine to share, but they have made an impact on her life<span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span> The point of this blog isn't to go on and on about Turner Syndrome, or
to drum up any sympathy. Besides, if Katie knew I was writing this, she'd tell
me to stop, because she doesn't like to be the center of attention. But, being who I
am (pushy and enthusiastic), I want to celebrate her because she deserves
it. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Despite whatever circumstances
Katie has been given, she's always powered through them. She's what I like to
call, "a natural born survivor." And my God, is she independent! I
took her to Sweden last year and she had no problem maneuvering her way around,
paying for things like train tickets, or retail items. She LOVED just being
there and was happy to get in on the action. I just stood there like a dumbass
(mind you, I've been there several times) watching her do things that I'm too
much of a coward to do! And this is how it's always been. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Katie would never say that she's
"brave." But she is even more than that. She's fearless adventurous.
She's intelligent and funny as hell (<i>seriously,
she’s so funny, I’ve begged her to write a blog</i>). She's compassionate and
fiercely loyal. And lastly, she's one of the best friend's anyone could ever
hope for. This could be why I no longer consider her just my best friend, but instead
a "sister from another mister." She's family. And in my home, my children
call her "Auntie Katie.” </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Last night my "sister,"
put out a post on Facebook sharing some news about a charity walk called
"Chasing Butterflies," which takes place in Portland, Oregon on June
20th. This walk is in support of Turner Syndrome, and intended to bring
awareness and research to a condition that affects up to 1 in 2,500 girls.
Unfortunately, mainstream doctors aren't <span style="font-family: inherit;">always</span> familiar with this condition.
Often times they don't treat patients with Turner Syndrome proactively to make
sure they start checking their vitals and organs often enough. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Within the last year Katie has
become more active in the Turner Syndrome community. Thanks to social media,
she's reached out and met new friends with this same condition from all over
the world. This summer she will be attending a conference so she can become
more involved in this effort to promote awareness. I've honestly never seen her
so happy and comfortable in her own skin. She's found a place where people <i>really
</i>understand her, because they <i>are</i> her. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Because I love my "little"
friend, I want to support her however I can. I've shared her exciting news,
I've donated to her cause, and I've tried to recruit others to support her
endeavor. But sometimes, people just don't. Maybe because they don't understand
the importance of it...or they don't understand the importance of the person
it's affecting. So, this is my attempt. I wanted you to know about this person
named Katie. My best friend and "sister," who deserves so much more
than what she's asking for. I wanted to put a face behind the cause. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I hope you'll consider supporting
her. I've enclosed some links on <a href="http://www.turnersyndromefoundation.org/index.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Turner Syndrome</span></a>
and the <a href="https://turnersyndrome.z2systems.com/np/clients/turnersyndrome/campaign.jsp?campaign=19&fundraiser=14328&" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Fundraising</span></a> page. Any little bit helps.</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Thank you, friends!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">EJ</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<![endif]-->EJ Valsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04425490067866818897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6353645124552376494.post-23843860440308834402015-04-15T19:10:00.001-07:002015-04-15T19:10:29.853-07:00Hello All! (Just a little update)Hello friends, fan and family,<br />
<br />
It's been quite a long time since I've put anything out there, creatively or otherwise. Most recently, I've been preoccupied by kids sports, work, work, work and you know...the usual. Unfortunately that's created a little procrastination on my part from blogging, writing and editing.<br />
<br />
First, I've totally stunted myself on my next book, Made in Sweden. EVERYTIME I start reading it to edit, I fall in love with the characters and the story all over again. However, finding the time to ACTUALLY edit it and get it out to my beta readers has fallen short. Perhaps it's because of a bit of discouragement on my part. I think I made the mistake of pitching it to Literary Agents before I actually put the book out there in a self-published format. Because of this, I've managed to deter myself from finishing it--I know, I need to knock that off!<br />
<br />
Anyway, I just wanted to say a little "hello" to all of you out there in book land. I hope you are coming across some amazing stories, and maybe throwing The Nostalgia Effect in there for some entertainment.<br />
<br />
Happy Wednesday!<br />
<br />
-EJ<br />
<br />
PS: For you music lovers, check out my "official" playlist (meaning
that a book can't really have a soundtrack) for The Nostalgia Effect. As
some of you might know, I CANNOT write without listening to music as I
found it brings out emotion. Sometimes I will even loop a song if I'm in
the middle of a scene that would be perfectly set to the track that's
on. Anyway, long paragraph short--if you like music, take a listen. And
if you've read the book, tell me what song you think fits what scene:).<br />
<br />
Spotify (FREE WEB PLAYER) <a href="https://play.spotify.com/user/ejvalson/playlist/1xwvy6QImVAssI0TxMTXO4" target="_blank">The Nostalgia Effect Soundtrack</a><br />
<br />
<br />EJ Valsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04425490067866818897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6353645124552376494.post-9658709826231805342015-01-13T19:30:00.003-08:002015-01-14T15:07:02.896-08:00Read, Play, Win!! (THE NOSTALGIA EFFECT TRIVIA GAME $50 Amazon Gift Card)<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqHT1p2jLkCdKqC6YbLvynJYm8ArP47_XtXv6IAaBNQm79tSL4reM_VtaTpDhzuN0XTEu0D0DhtrmY6bVTmi6TlHJy1X3aX-z20WztmMdLsDnBAI0p5w2dfpBah1nX36WA1RVNKyjFvxN/s1600/9izE5kEiE.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqHT1p2jLkCdKqC6YbLvynJYm8ArP47_XtXv6IAaBNQm79tSL4reM_VtaTpDhzuN0XTEu0D0DhtrmY6bVTmi6TlHJy1X3aX-z20WztmMdLsDnBAI0p5w2dfpBah1nX36WA1RVNKyjFvxN/s1600/9izE5kEiE.gif" height="200" width="142" /></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Nostalgia Effect Trivia Game is up!! Answer all 10 trivia questions about The Nostalgia Effect
correctly and qualify to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card! It gets better, promote
this event by “Sharing” or “Retweeting” the contest info and be eligible to win
an additional $10 if you are the contest winner! </span></span><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.onlinequizcreator.com/the-nostalgia-effect-trivia-game/quiz-60327" target="_blank">CLICK HERE TO PLAY!! </a></span></span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you haven’t yet read The Nostalgia Effect, now is your
chance</span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">to get your own ebook copy by clicking one of the links below! </span></span></b></div>
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answered all 10 questions. </span></li>
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you must either “retweet” on Twitter or “share” on Facebook and enter the
trivia contest. Game hosts must be able to verify your “share” or “retweet”
before the additional $10 is awarded. You will <i>not</i> receive an additional $10 for more than one “share” or
“retweet” if you qualify.</span></li>
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</span></span>EJ Valsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04425490067866818897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6353645124552376494.post-41540052452934545792014-11-17T20:32:00.001-08:002014-11-18T09:02:31.962-08:00The Nostalgia Effect--Revised<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikmI4CQ8G7bqxHQrDSxZ8rjUSFc3ACzuLPCSUs3Vj1j5RwuR3HdcCDKlxp0erlIk40QhKMtbZf6qCt2AyZRko1a4VT1C8yRd0RLGsXZxVJWRYOIRQECPgkZclo2j9PkxPY6LyxrS7QiE1O/s1600/TNE2.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/AVvXsEikmI4CQ8G7bqxHQrDSxZ8rjUSFc3ACzuLPCSUs3Vj1j5RwuR3HdcCDKlxp0erlIk40QhKMtbZf6qCt2AyZRko1a4VT1C8yRd0RLGsXZxVJWRYOIRQECPgkZclo2j9PkxPY6LyxrS7QiE1O/s1600/TNE2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a>After I finished writing Made in Sweden (coming soon), I decided to take a look at my hard copy of <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23367309-the-nostalgia-effect" target="_blank">The Nostalgia Effect.</a> Within the first few pages, it became quite clear, that it needed a little facelift. Though the story is very personal to me and I'm very proud of it, it's evident that I might have rushed through it. Not because I was tired of writing it, or because I had to meet some deadline, but because it was very emotional to write, and thus I wrapped it up quickly.<br />
<br />
Now, after have written another book and one that was a LOT less personal, I was able to be more objective and read <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23367309-the-nostalgia-effect" target="_blank">The Nostalgia Effect </a>with more of an editor's mind. Carefully, I studied my sentence structure, repetitious wording, and redundant sentences and found a way to recreate it into something that flowed better, but still got an important message across. There is nothing drastically different, no plot or character changes, so nothing has been sacrificed. I've now re-released it on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nostalgia-Effect-E-J-Valson-ebook/dp/B00HAPN23U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416285019&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Nostalgia+Effect" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/418969" target="_blank">Smashwords </a>and <a href="https://www.createspace.com/4589615" target="_blank">Createspace</a>. The book is now available in paperback and ebook on most major book retail sites.<br />
<br />
I sincerely thank ALL of my readers who loved the first edition and gave it such wonderful reviews. Without you and your support, I wouldn't have attempted Made in Sweden, or had the courage to refine The Nostalgia Effect. I hope you'll give it another read, or if you haven't read it yet, let me know and I'll get you a FREE ebook copy.<br />
<br />
Be well my friends!<br />
<br />
EJ EJ Valsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04425490067866818897noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6353645124552376494.post-44856695331467832162014-11-06T19:47:00.001-08:002014-11-06T19:54:23.873-08:00Made in Sweden-- COMING SOON!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMVeaYFZmGJuJ9InQo_XbpXgW6_6mR98I8by2LfusLTFrkfiDeGDruwwur8bKy_yld5d1ZDV9wcUf14FPRWQasF2TCt9xm56u6913n-3z9L0ec-P9tYfebT_uBln10JxnvLdXf2iSpN37e/s1600/option+5.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/AVvXsEjMVeaYFZmGJuJ9InQo_XbpXgW6_6mR98I8by2LfusLTFrkfiDeGDruwwur8bKy_yld5d1ZDV9wcUf14FPRWQasF2TCt9xm56u6913n-3z9L0ec-P9tYfebT_uBln10JxnvLdXf2iSpN37e/s1600/option+5.jpg" height="400" width="271" /></a>After I wrote and finished <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nostalgia-Effect-E-J-Valson-ebook/dp/B00HAPN23U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415331722&sr=8-1&keywords=the+nostalgia+effect" target="_blank">The Nostalgia Effect</a>, I was certain that I wouldn't write another book for quite a while afterwards. Well...I was wrong. Immediately upon finishing that one, another story started brewing in my head, and wouldn't stop until I put the words on paper.<br />
<br />
With Kings of Leon playing on my Spotify, I sat down and let the music lead me to words, that led me to a story, that got me to the theme I'd been dreaming about -- I wanted people to read my book and have the desire to go to Sweden. Why? Because it's like a second home to me and regardless of what people might think of the "socialist" country, it will always be a place that my heart is deeply connected to.<br />
<br />
Though only a portion of the book takes place in Sweden and the theme isn't entirely about going to Sweden or how Swedes leave, I wanted it to be an important part of the storyline.<br />
<br />
So...what's the book about? Well, it's about life! You know how you think you know what your life is going to be like and then something happens and your plans change, then something else happens and your plans change again? Yep, it's about all that. Except for the fact that it's happening to a self-conscience, somewhat jaded, aspiring photographer named Julie. She decides to hop on a plane and escape her lackluster life in Portland to meet up with her long-term, musician boyfriend whose on tour in Europe.<br />
<br />
Sounds fun, right? Sure! Well, that is until everything goes topsy-turvy and she finds herself in a situation she didn't anticipate. In the midst of this, she has a family tragedy that upsets the peace she'd managed to find in Sweden, thus forcing her to return home to the States. Now saddled with another upset in her life, additional circumstances force her to grow up quickly. But Julie must rise above and maintain focus to move forward.<br />
<br />
It's a quick read, that is sure to entertain, while reminding you that life has it's ups and downs, but usually, in the end, it's always for the best. I hope you enjoy Made in Sweden.<br />
<br />
EJ <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />EJ Valsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04425490067866818897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6353645124552376494.post-38638807873973498462014-10-21T21:08:00.000-07:002014-10-22T08:31:02.655-07:00"Faith"fully Excluded<span style="font-size: small;">It's possible that I am going to get an earful for this. I'm sure some readers will possibly be offended, disagree and not understand how something as positive as faith in God, can be deemed negative. I apologize in advance if this upsets anyone, and I hope you will keep an open mind and respect my feelings. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">In the last two years a local Christian organization has sent young college students to my oldest child's middle school to become involved with students. This group is not specifically affiliated with one particular church, but their quest is simple and stated throughout their training manuals -- find youth and teach them about God. Help them become Christians and do this in various ways that will keep their interest. I've read several manuals from different states, and though the Pacific Northwest is a little less intense, the message is still the same....this worries me.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Let me be very clear on something -- I pray, and I pray to God. I believe in angels, miracles and heaven. I find there is comfort in a church, even if I don't attend as regularly as I used to growing up. I was baptized, I had First Communion and several after that. I'm not ignorant or uneducated in my understanding of religion and faith.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">But I do have a problem with adult's that have no direct affiliation with a school or students attending it, come on school grounds and socialize with students for the purposes of recruiting them to join a religious "club". What's worse is that the <u>public</u> school district allows it, even though they are wavering on constitutional guidelines. Though I've been told that the school is open to ALL organizations to use their facility, I highly doubt that they would be as open to a Muslim, Morman, Jewish, or Jehova's Witness youth group coming in with the same intentions. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The worst part in all of this, is that my child cannot get away from it. As if she doesn't have enough peer pressure to deal with (wearing the right clothes or shoes, having the right hairstyle and the right grades), she now has to worry about being the right religion to satisfy her peers. Recently, she stepped into the cafeteria at lunch time and found more than half of her friends gone. Many of them are now attending a weekly lunchtime bible study on school grounds. Parties and sleepover invitations have not been extended to her, because she's not interested in being a part of this youth group. This situation has made her feel judged, pressured and out of the loop. And even though her heart wasn't in it, she even contemplated joining just so she wouldn't be left out. Peer pressure is one of the <i>worst</i> reasons to join any sector of faith. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">In my opinion, faith is a very personal thing and when you obtain it, it should be authentic and pure. Religion shouldn't come with a training manual or a be part of a trend. Any group whose intention is to recruit for the purpose of spreading a strong religious message is concerning. And if it's sole focus is on children, then it concerns me even
more.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I know what some of you might be thinking, "<i>What's the problem? It's not like she has to go to the bible study</i>."
That's true, she doesn't. The bible study isn't the problem. The youth group isn't even the problem. The fact that my daughter and her peers are put into an uncomfortable position in a place that is supposed to be neutral and safe, is the<i> </i>problem. This is not
just an activity or a sport that one can easily make an excuse not to be a part of. It's not so easy to say "no" at her age, to what many people believe is a positive and spiritual experience. But it's not that simple. Choosing to have faith in <i>any </i>religion is a very important decision that each person has
the right to make. Is a public school really an appropriate setting to help influence someone in making that choice?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Be well my friends,</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">EJ</span>EJ Valsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04425490067866818897noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6353645124552376494.post-47890789078151330962014-08-14T09:42:00.001-07:002014-08-14T09:42:45.329-07:00Another Year! Should I Be Worried?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I vividly remember crying alone in my bedroom the eve of my eighteenth
birthday. Something about leaving childhood behind and becoming an <i>actual </i>adult
had me feeling melancholy and nostalgic at the same time. The next day I was
over it and the fun-filled day eased me into what would be the start of an
adulthood that was tougher than I could have anticipated at that time. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Then
came the "twenty-oner". Rather than pub crawling with friends to
commemorate my legal drinking age, I was five months pregnant, engaged and
thought I knew <i>exactly</i> what the rest
of my life was going to be like. I'd get married, have one or two more
children, and live a humble, but fulfilling life.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">By twenty-five I was technically <i>twice</i> divorced and starting over as
a single mom. The formative early twenties that I'd skipped over by trying to
be what I <i>thought </i>was an adult, knocked loudly on my door. They weren't
letting up and insisted on taking me down a path of self-discovery,
independence and self-reliance that I<i> still</i> appreciate and acknowledge
to this day. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The day I turned thirty, I started to panic a bit. I was newly married to a
man that came across the world to be with me, I had a decent job, a plethora of
friends and family -- what more could I ask for? What more could I need? Hadn't
I accomplished most of what I'd hoped for at twenty-one? Sort of….I still
wanted more, I just didn't know what. A sense of urgency started to take over
to find out who I really was destined to be. Every year after that got a
little easier, but a subtle trace of finding out who I was still lingered. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Now today, on my thirty-fifth birthday (<i>I know, I'm still considered
young!</i>) I look back at the last five years. Like a slideshow, it runs
quickly through my mind in reverse, then forward to this moment where I sit in
one of my favorite spots -- at my computer. The place that I get to share a
piece of myself, with all of you. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Truth is, the last five years has been pretty good to me. Between having
another child, scary (but good) career changes and discovering a craft that
speaks to my soul, the ability to appreciate what life has given me is stronger than it has ever been. Perhaps that's because I'm
more aware of my mortality and how I can't take it for granted. <i>OR</i> maybe it’s because I’m getting older
and my mind is forgetting all the bad stuff!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Surprisingly, I find myself welcoming this age and whatever it has planned
for me with open arms and an open mind. Don't get me wrong, I have a variety
of anti-aging creams, I'm hitting the gym at least four days a week, and facial
exercises have become my new regimen (jowls....no thank you!). But I'm excited,
because that slideshow in my head reveals to me that those ages I'd so been
afraid of brought me change, (good and bad), wisdom (<i>real </i>wisdom, not
arrogance) and many other blessings that I'm ever so grateful for. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Am I scared about getting older? Not really. Am I worried about what's to
come next? Nope, I'm actually excited! Even though gravity and my bones are
starting to work against me, my mind is finally at peace. I've made it to some
destination that at eighteen, twenty-one, twenty-five and thirty, wasn't on the
map for what I thought would be my life. But that’s what so great about
life....the magic of it happens over time rather than instantaneously. You just
need good hindsight to see it. Hope you all get a little bit of magic soon!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Take care my friends,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">EJ</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
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<![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>EJ Valsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04425490067866818897noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6353645124552376494.post-25931420492775507292014-06-10T12:42:00.002-07:002014-06-10T20:02:42.433-07:00Getting Involved -- It Takes A Village<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">When I was in my senior year of high
school, there was a school shooting in a town about 45 minutes away from where
I lived. At the time, one of my friends attended that school and was
approximately ten feet away from the gunman. Luckily, the gunman was subdued
quickly by some brave students, but only after injuring and killing a few others. Today another school shooting took place
about an hour away from where I live. Unfortunately one student was killed and
the shooter died as well. My initial desire was to go grab my child out of
school and tell her summer starts early. Though we live in what is considered
to be a safe community with lots of parental involvement, it doesn't mean that
we are immune to this type of awful event. We aren't guaranteed that something
like this can't happen here. Sad, but true.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">It disturbs me that I'm now having
conversations with my thirteen year-old and telling her to be careful who she
interacts with. I don't want her to unwittingly upset an unbalanced peer who
may later decide to have a vendetta against her. Isn't that awful? Doesn't that
seem entirely unnatural and dark? It does to me, but unfortunately it's a sign
of the times we live in now. When I was a kid, we were warned not to talk to
strangers, and were wary of every van that drove slowly down the street. Never
did I think my children would have to be afraid of a troubled kid carrying a
backpack. Then I wonder, if it's this bad now, how will it be in ten more years
when my youngest is in middle school?</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Even after the incident happened when I
was in high school, I didn't fear going to school, the mall, the theater or the
post office. We didn't have security guards, metal detectors or awareness
programs at our school. These occurrences were still few and far between, not
like today, where it seems like it’s happening almost weekly. We also didn't
have something else that I think too many kids have these days -- access. And I
don’t mean just to weapons.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">When I was growing up, we didn't have a
plethora of online videos, chat rooms, interactive gaming, instant
communication with possible strangers or much of what my children now have at
their fingertips. Though I often tout these wonderful electronic creations for
allowing me to speak with my family in other countries, or friends who I rarely
see, I also find they have managed to overly-occupy and isolate a lot of us.
Even more so, the generation that is preparing to take our place. At some point in their time, every
generation will look at the generation following theirs and think, "What's
happened to kid's these days? When I was that age....," all while shaking
their heads. The future generation will just look ahead and scoff at the
previous one for being "outdated." </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">But what we might fail to acknowledge or
assume is accountability. We can point fingers, blame and shake our heads until
the sun comes up, but it won't change <i>anything</i>. The most it will do is
create more strife, further widening the gap between us and them. It's time for
a change. We ALL have to do something. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I don't like living in fear. In fact, I've
always been somewhat of a worry-wart. When I was young, this trait often
prevented me from doing something adventurous in fear that I'd get hurt or in
trouble. As I've gotten older, I have let some of that go and tried not to
instill that in my children, though I admit it's unavoidable at times.
Especially on days like today. Now here I am today, again perplexed over
what to do as a parent and a member of society. Do I home school my kids? Do I
quit my job, shelter them and potentially take away wonderful memories with
their friends, sports and other activities to possibly prevent something that
is most likely out of my control? Or do I pray for the best and hope my
children and their classmates are forever spared such traumatic events? </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">After tossing around these thoughts and
emotions for a while, I've come to one conclusion. I need to be aware. <i>WE</i>
need to be aware. I need to pay close attention to my children and their
friends. Not because I'm afraid they are going to do something to harm someone
else, but because I need to be a form of comfort, guidance and support. Life is
MUCH more complicated for these kids in some facets, and easier in others. There is so much “out to get them,” yet
they have everything available to them. It's sort of a vicious cycle. They have
the ability to talk with their friends on video chat, yet any little
embarrassing thing they do could be made public with a touch of a button,
forever haunting them.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">This is where we as parents, adults and
society need to step in and take a more proactive approach. Remember the days
where you knew your neighbors? I do. Remember when you knew your friends’
parents and they knew you? I do! Remember how most households seemed to operate
the same way? Yes, the good old days. We've had many versions of them depending
on when you grew up. But we <i>have</i> to stop living in the
past. We have to realize that there are scary things going on in our children’s
lives that they do not understand and cannot fully comprehend, right now.
There's too much access to possibly harmful things and not enough access to
mental help, support and safe places to go. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Most parents work full-time (like me and
my husband), many children have split homes (mine included) and life can be
hard to keep up with. It's an added pressure and we often find ourselves being
crushed under the weight of those obligations while trying to be a good parent,
spouse, friend, employee, etc. It's hard, believe me I know....it is so hard! But folks, if we don't take some
accountability and start to change, we will fail our children and the
generations to follow. There is a reason for the saying, "It takes a
village," because it does. We need to be more involved with not just our
children, but also their peers. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We need to stop worrying so much about
crossing the line in other people's lives, because that one small act of asking
someone if they need help, or pitching in, could make a big impact. You see
that kid that goes home every day by himself and waits for his parents to get
home? Is he lonely? Does he just sit on his computer all afternoon? Maybe you
could offer him money to mow your lawn, start a conversation, let him know he's
not alone. I remember knowing lots of parents who I liked. I always felt like
there was someone else I could go to if I couldn't go to my parents. I need to
do the same. We ALL need to do the same. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We need to stop blaming one source or
the other: lifestyle, guns, technology, mental health. It's ALL connected. It
ALL needs to be addressed. And each of us need to start doing a little to make
a big change. We are getting complacent when it comes to the important parts of
life and the things that really matter. We are so worried about being polite
and stepping on each other’s toes that we don't speak up or act. We are
isolating ourselves and in turn our children. And I am just as guilty of it.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">It's hard to make a change. It's hard to
break out of a pattern, but sooner or later we will have to do it in order to
turn around the societal bad habits that are quickly forming. Fear of
impoliteness, not being liked, or being too strict need to be tossed aside.
We're the adults here, we are currently the ones in charge and we need to stop
blaming each other and start helping one another. Not one parent wants to ever
admit that they are doing something wrong in regards to raising their child. No
parent ever wants to truly acknowledge that there might be something wrong with
their kid mentally or emotionally. But some of us might have to. And we need to
support those parents dealing with a troubled child rather than blame
them. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">It's a sad day here in Oregon. There
have been a lot of sad days for many families who have fallen victim to someone
who had a mental illness and access to a weapon that hurt others. Nobody wins
in this situation, even if that person dies – thereby removing the immediate
threat. What took place today was a scary and traumatic event for young
students that still aren't old enough to know how to drive, pay bills, or vote.
Therefore, it is still our responsibility to protect them from themselves.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I ask that parents, aunts, uncles,
cousins, grandparents, teachers, neighbors and family friends open your eyes.
Look around you. Rather than be discouraged by the ways that society is
failing, find your place in making it better. </span></div>
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<![endif]-->EJ Valsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04425490067866818897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6353645124552376494.post-80307065285027786992014-04-03T12:40:00.004-07:002014-04-03T12:57:03.434-07:00Do Something Everyday! (Keeping Your Essence Intact)<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This morning I woke up believing that I had an extra hour
before I had to get my oldest to her dentist appointment. Shortly after 8:00
am, I received a call from the dentist’s office, asking if we were going to
make it for our 8:00 appointment, because we were now five minutes late. Uggg
great! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After going through the hassle of rescheduling, reprimanding
the hubby for not telling me the correct time, rushing my daughter to school
before the first bell rang, heading to the grocery store with the three year
old in tow, and then coming home to a house that needed to be cleaned before
running out again for the little one’s swim lessons, I felt defeated,
frustrated and slightly resentful. None of the tasks I had on my to-do list
were a surprise, as I was prepared for the mundane duties at hand, but when
things went a little awry, my mood did too. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then, I decided to do something -- stop. I put the groceries away,
took my youngest upstairs to watch a cartoon and sat down at my computer to put
together an <span id="goog_595500308"></span><a href="https://play.spotify.com/user/ejvalson/playlist/1xwvy6QImVAssI0TxMTXO4" target="_blank">unofficial book soundtrack for The Nostalgia Effect.</a><span id="goog_595500309"></span> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the midst of the life's daily chaos, we sometimes
forget how important it is to do something, <i>anything, </i>that will feed and
nourish our soul. Though I consider myself a pro at organizing, planning and
executing whatever is handed to me in regards to family life, it is not what
fulfills me at the end of the day. Don't get me wrong, I love my kids, I love my
husband <i>(by God, I wrote a whole book about it)</i>, but I still desire that
one thing that will make me feel like....well, me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who "me" is is ever evolving. In the last year, I
have experienced a lot of changes in regards to my career and personal life.
During that transition I fell in LOVE with the craft of writing and I fell
in love with how it made me feel even more. When I sit down and write anything,
even a paragraph, I feel like I have created something and THAT makes me feel
good.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unfortunately, between starting a new part-time job,
studying for a test on a subject I am not sure I am even interested in, and schlepping
the kids to various activities, my writing "career" has taken a major
backseat. It's actually in the trunk and THAT makes me sad. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">BUT, there is a silver lining. Even though I have the most
supportive husband who is willing to take care of the kids and do anything I
ask of him, I just can't sit down and start writing. Just like with sex, I have
to be "in the mood" or it will feel like a chore (<i>sorry if that's
TMI</i>). However, just doing something creative, whether it be promoting <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19547950-the-nostalgia-effect" target="_blank">The Nostalgia Effect</a>, making a board on Pinterest, creating a song playlist or simply writing
a paragraph in my next book, it makes me feel like I took a little time to
nurture what is mine and mine alone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have decided to informally commit to doing one activity each
day that helps keep my "essence" intact. If I don't get to the
laundry until later in the day, the bed isn't perfectly made, or the house
doesn't look like an image out of <i>Better Homes and Garden's, </i>it's
OK! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But what's <i>not</i> OK is feeling stifled, resentful or
unsatisfied because I didn't take just a little time to do what makes me happy.
Maybe I won't be able to sit down and write a chapter for a few weeks, but just
getting to write anything at all, even my blog, makes my soul happy and
therefore keeps my essence intact. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't think it is selfish to take some time for yourself, and you shouldn't let every</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">day stresses overshadow you and your needs. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope all of you take the time to do the same and find one little act each day that will help keep your essence balanced and satisfied. A</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">fter all, a better
YOU is better for </span><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">everyone.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Be well my friends,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">EJ<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
EJ Valsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04425490067866818897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6353645124552376494.post-6724096782793954232014-03-11T13:56:00.002-07:002014-03-11T13:56:26.989-07:00Hubby Hunting in College? -- More "Stellar" Advice From The Princeton Mom<br />
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Hubby Hunting in College? -- More "Stellar"
Advice From The Princeton Mom.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
While waiting for my oldest child to get ready for school
this morning, I sat down with a cup of coffee and turned on NBC's Today Show.
One of the segments was a short interview with <a href="http://www.today.com/video/today/54642792/#54642792" target="_blank">Savannah Guthrie and Susan Patton.</a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Last year, Patton made her presence known with an open
letter titled, <a href="http://dailyprincetonian.com/opinion/2013/03/letter-to-the-editor-advice-for-the-young-women-of-princeton-the-daughters-i-never-had/" target="_blank"><i>The Young Women of Princeton - The Daughters I Never Had</i></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i>,</i></span> which quickly went viral -- thus leading to
her notoriety. Now she has done society the favor of imparting more of her
womanly wisdom via her book -- <i><a href="http://www.today.com/books/marry-smart-princeton-mom-susan-pattons-manifesto-domestic-bliss-2D79346502" target="_blank">Marry Smart</a>. </i>Regardless of whether or not
I agreed with her advice, I thought I would be open-minded and hear her out
during the short interview.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
As I listened to Ms. Patton convey her strong opinions
about how young women should spend 75% of their time in college focusing on
their personal goals (finding a mate/tool to settle down with) and 25% of their
time focusing on their career/educational goals, I found myself wanting to tell
my children to cover their ears! </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
If raising daughters wasn't already challenging enough, I
now have to contend with a woman known as “The Princeton Mom”, spouting out her
"advice" to young girls who are departing their formative high school
years and entering college. Great!</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I sat in shock as Savannah Guthrie (a smart and
attractive forty-something news anchor) did her best to keep her professional
composure without laughing during the interview. At one point, I thought she
was going to burst out, "You've <i>got</i> to be kidding me, Sue...,"
but Guthrie maintained her role and allowed Patton to elaborate.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In some aspects, I have to say Patton may be right on <i>some</i>
of her points. IF a young woman’s primary aspiration is to find an equally
intelligent man to share her life with, then perhaps college is the best place
to do so.<i> </i><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">A young women</span> might
not get another chance in her life to swim in such a large pool of single young
men -- and apparently educated ones to boot!</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
According to Patton, women will NEVER be more attractive
and fertile then when they are in their college years. Therefore, this is the
time to land <i>that </i>man. My response to her? "Speak for yourself, Lady!"
Fertile, yes, attractive.....ummmm, that's a matter of opinion, SUSAN!</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Let's review some of her imparted wisdom.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
1) <i>“Work will wait. Your fertility won’t. So yes, I’m
saying double down. Spend 75 percent of time planning your personal happiness,
putting in place the things you need to ensure you reach your personal goals.”</i> </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Sure, college is a prime place to find an equally
ambitious and educated partner, but let’s remember folks, in college you are in
your early twenties. How well do long-term partnerships really work out when
you meet your spouse around the age that you just became legally allowed to
drink? </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br />
2)<i> "If you require major bodywork, get it done in high school."</i> </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Her explanation for that statement: <i>“If you enter your
college years not in your best form, not feeling as good as you can feel about
yourself, you’ll hamper your own chances for personal happiness as well as
professional success."</i> </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Yes, let’s add ONE more weight on the shoulders of
adolescent girls -- get in shape, go to college, land a man <i>and </i>get your
degree. Mom and Dad should also shell out thousands of dollars for plastic
surgery and an additional $40K for you to go off to college to spend 75% of
your time finding a man. Good plan!</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
3) Her last point in the interview in regards to young
women partaking in college fun is a doozy<i>: </i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>"If a woman is too incapacitated to speak, and
potentially unable to ward off someone's unwanted advances, then it's her own
fault. Please spare me your ‘Blaming the victim’ outrage. You have to get up
and leave. It’s all on women." </i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
So, let me get this straight, Susan -- you want young
girls to go off to college and find a suitable man, in what might potentially
be a dangerous situation? They should hang around these boys and possibly marry
one, but not get so drunk that they could possibly be taken advantage of? </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
There's more: <i>"Well, you can count on men to act
responsibly. Maybe they will. I hope they do — most men do — but at the end of
the day, women have to bear complete and total control of themselves and
responsibility for their safety.”</i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Yes, we need to educate our girls about being aware and
responsible in social situations while drinking. BUT, we also need to educate
our boys (especially those attending college to later become societal leaders)
that regardless of how inebriated a young woman is, they are NEVER to take
advantage or there WILL be consequences.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Women DO need to practice control of and responsibility
for their safety. But, they also need to be supported by society in doing just
that. Young women don't need contradictions, half-witted advice spawned from
your regrets, or additional pressure to accomplish conventional goals as you
see fit, Ms. Patton. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
When women enter college, regardless of their
attractiveness or fertility, they are still young. Most are trying to find
themselves and define who they are and want to be. Primarily focusing on
finding a mate within a short period of time whilst getting an education may be
irresponsible. If it happens organically, great -- maybe it was meant to
be! But a young woman's <i>last </i>priority should be strategically finding a
husband in college, just because she wants a family later in life. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Let <i>me</i> say to young ladies out there, that I
personally feel there are risks in hurrying into a relationship because it
falls into some "plan." Perhaps you get caught up in the
"plan" and don't even complete college, or ever use your degree.
Instead, you find your husband, settle down, have some kids and later find that
the man who was suitable at the age of twenty-two is no longer your cup of tea.
Will you now find yourself as a single mother and possibly struggling to make
ends meet because you only spent 25% of your time in college focusing on your
career goals? </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
As a mother of two daughters, that is a FAR scarier
thought for me than them having less mate options, or a shorter time frame in
their thirties or forties to settle down and have children.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I find a formally-educated woman writing a book offering
two-bit lifestyle advice for young and impressionable women disheartening.
What's worse is that it seems to be spawned by Patton's inability to marry a
man who, she believes, wasn't her intellectual equal. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
She wrote in passing that perhaps if she <i>had </i>nailed
down a more suitable (intelligent) partner in college, she wouldn't have ended
up divorced. In her words, her marriage was still a "success" because
she had two children from that union, and that was what she <i>ultimately</i>
wanted.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
For a smart woman, Patton is coming off quite dumb.
Should she have met the "right" man in college, she may not have the
same life or the same offspring she has today. On the bright side, if she had,
we may have been spared her "wisdom."</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In the meantime, I am doing my best to raise acclimated,
confident and strong young women, who will grow up to be smart enough to see
through the crap that occasionally comes down the pipeline in life. And Patton’s
"advice" is utter B.S.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
EJ Valson</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
(un-formally educated, still <i>very </i>fertile,
apparently attractive and happily married)</div>
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<![endif]-->EJ Valsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04425490067866818897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6353645124552376494.post-32133812203770075832014-02-25T09:38:00.001-08:002014-02-25T10:28:05.432-08:00"Underwriting" -- My New FearFor the last week I haven't had much interest in writing my current book. I am not sure why, as I was sort of on a roll for a while. However, I remind myself that I did this with <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HAPN23U" target="_blank">The Nostalgia Effect</a>, as I once went a whole month without touching it.<br />
<br />
Deep down, I feel that I owe it to this story to finish it. I owe it to the characters that I have manifested in my mind and brought alive on paper. Unfortunately, I worry that I am letting them down and not doing them justice. I feel as if I haven't given them enough time, detail or attention. So for now they are frozen, on pause and in limbo -- waiting for me to make a decision.<br />
<br />
Sometimes when I wake up at night and cannot fall back to sleep, I start creating plot lines in my head. Of course the next morning, I am unclear about what I came up with and therefore I let them down again. Any Pro would probably tell me to write these things down when I think of them -- trust me I know I should. I am just being "lazy," for lack of a better word. And instead of working on my book, I opt to blog about how I have no motivation to write, in hopes that I will come to a conclusion about what to do next. So far, not so good.<br />
<br />
After <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HAPN23U" target="_blank">The Nostalgia Effect</a> continued to receive <i>only </i>5 star reviews from readers, I started to feel a bit panicked. Believe me, I was thrilled! It was validation that I <i>could</i> write. And regardless that I have
been rejected by various agents, I still haven't become
jaded or unsure of my last book. I was passionate about it, it belonged
to me, and in a sense, it was easy to write. Mostly because it was so
personal, as I took from actual life experiences and events. My current project touches on places I have been, or similar experiences I
have had myself, but nothing is based on an actual occurrence, which is
perhaps why it is so difficult for me to write it.<br />
<br />
BUT, I think I <i>finally </i>know what is plaguing me -- it's the fear of "underwriting." What is<i> </i>"underwriting"? Most of us may know that term as a process in which a contract goes through. For me, it is <i>my</i> definition of producing something that doesn't quite measure up to my last book and fails to capture the attention of the audience. Some may call that "uninteresting," but that would just be a description of the book after I "underwrote" it.<br />
<br />
Don't get me wrong, I love my characters and there are some scenes that I could read over and over again. But if <i>I </i>am not fully buying the story, why should a reader? Do I want to abandon it? NO. Do I want to scratch it up and start all over? NO. But I DO want to give readers what they deserve -- a good story. I want to avoid "underwriting."<br />
<br />
I suppose this is common territory for other writers. It is probably just growing pains for a "green" author like myself. Nonetheless, it is annoying and causes occasional moments of fret and doubt. And at the end of the day, I can only hope that I have more than one book left in me.<br />
<br />
Happy Tuesday Friends. May your week be joyous!<br />
<br />
EJEJ Valsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04425490067866818897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6353645124552376494.post-46997076738458861372014-02-18T09:56:00.002-08:002014-02-18T09:56:37.288-08:00Fighting Off DiscouragementThough I want to do my best not to <i>only</i> write about being an author, writing and self-publishing in my blog....it feels like I have no choice, as I am a bit discouraged.<br />
<br />
Saturday was a special day for me. I shared my book with a few more friends, and I got great responses. However, only one person has followed through on their commitment to purchasing the book so far. With a big sigh, I resolved to face a fact -- writing is hard and self-promotion is grueling.<br />
<br />
The truth is, asking someone to sit down and read a book is kind of a big request. It's time consuming, requires focus and busy lives often overrule "reading time." Case in point -- I have four books on my Kindle that I <i>still</i> haven't finished and some of them are nine months old. For an author, I am a pretty lousy reader!<br />
<br />
Don't get me wrong folks, I LOVE my fans and I more than appreciate those that have taken the time to read and review my book. It has meant the world to me and their actions are not unappreciated. It has just become blatantly clear that publishing a book (self or otherwise) is a waiting game and not ideal for the impatient.<br />
<br />
With this in mind, I have decided to seek out literary agent representation. Though the odds are quite slim that I will get a bite (more fun of being an author). But it seems like the next step, as I don't have the time or the "know how" to promote my book in the most efficient manner.<br />
<br />
I don't plan to <i>ever </i>stop writing. But the truth is, it is sometimes hard to maintain perspective. I want to write because I love it. I have never felt something "fit" so well, with the exception of personal relationships. When I write, I like who I am and how I feel. That is what I hold onto when someone doesn't read my book or "Retweet, Like, or Share" my book status updates. <br />
<br />
Will I make it big? Doubtful. Will I get a following? Maybe. Am I
writing for these reasons? No! But when you put a piece of your soul in
your writing, then put it out there to be seen, your ego can take a hit -- therefore it might be better to delegate that task to someone
else for the sake of self preservation.<br />
<br />
Today, as I pressed SEND in my submissions emails, I said a little prayer, crossed my fingers and remembered some wise words -- expect the worst, but hope for the best. Maybe I'll just get lucky.<br />
<br />
Have a good rest of the week friends!<br />
<br />
EJ<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />EJ Valsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04425490067866818897noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6353645124552376494.post-48214747347464400002014-02-09T18:12:00.001-08:002014-02-09T18:17:16.080-08:00I'm An Author -- Among Other Things. What does it take to be considered an "Author"? Does it require you to finish a book, publish a book, sell a book, or all of the above? I suppose the answer is based on a matter of opinion.<br />
<br />
Today, while I sat amidst the chaos of a five year old's birthday party, I realized that I am a mother, a wife, a professional, a volleyball mom, an activity organizer, a <i>master </i>grocery shopper and I can plan like nobody's business. BUT I am <i>also</i> an author -- well at least I think I am! <br />
<br />
There are many things that one may strive to be during their lifetime -- some accomplishments will even be made without intention. But are we selling ourselves short by not embracing and celebrating our ability to wear many hats....even if they don't always fit quite right?<br />
<br />
The day I told my best friend that I had finished my first book, she exclaimed, "You actually wrote a book. That's amazing!" When I initially finished the book, I didn't quite have a grasp on that fact. I was just so grateful to get it done and published, that I didn't take the time to <i>wear </i>the "author hat". But after hearing her words, something ignited and I realized -- Yeah, I guess I did. But did that now make me an author? Or just an aspiring author? Or worse -- is it just a "neat" hobby? <br />
<br />
I am not, by any means, claiming to be a veteran writer or even have the clout to say that I am a "published" author -- it is only my aspiration to be. Just as it may be another persons dream to sing the National Anthem, fly to the moon, or become President. And I have no right to deny or criticize them. <br />
<br />
I now often find myself watching someone and wondering, "Are they more than they appear to be?" Have I been mentally categorizing and labeling people for my own convenience? Perhaps the garbage man once traveled to Africa and helped build water sources. Maybe the Barista whose making my tall, non-fat, caramel latte, is an aspiring singer. Perhaps I have been too quick in summing up those around me -- doing the very thing that I don't want others doing to me. Judging.<br />
<br />
I am discovering that if you dig a little deeper, ask a few more questions and prepare your ears to listen -- you might be surprised by what you learn. Am I an author? Maybe I am, maybe I'm not and maybe that's yet to be determined. But what I <i>do </i>know, is that I have the ability to be many things all at once, while still striving to be more.<br />
<br />
And so does everybody else.<br />
<br />
<br />
Take care my friends,<br />
<br />
EJEJ Valsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04425490067866818897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6353645124552376494.post-30238068691724677922014-01-02T10:09:00.000-08:002014-02-08T09:55:30.924-08:00The "Fun" of Self-publishing and Promotion -- an Indie Writers JourneyHey want to get rich quick? Write a book! Nope -- it's really not that simple. For those of us that have gone the Self Publishing route, you might have found that this can be like swimming through reeds. At first you take a look at the cool, glistening water and think, "I can do this. I am ready to dive in and swim!" But in truth, you may want to bring some water weenies or a life jacket, as you might find that you will be tangled up in much more than you anticipated.<br />
<br />
Though the modern, digital, social media age does provide quick access to a broad audience, I've found that it requires patience, persistence and the ability to "not take it personally," when you are not followed, retweeted or your book sits unread on Amazon -- even when you are giving it away.<br />
<br />
My book has been available for almost one month now and though my intent was not to profit from my it, but rather tell a story that was personal to me, my hope was that it would <i>at least</i> get a few reads and some good reviews. After all, as writers, we put blood, sweat and tears into our pieces, so we hope that the reader will appreciate the effort in the end, right?<br />
<br />
I know I must be patient, which is a weakness of mine. And at the end of the day, I must remember -- I wrote a book. I did something on my bucket list and I awakened a passion inside of me that had been dormant for several years. Now that the beast has risen, I suppose I must entertain it.<br />
<br />
For those writers that are struggling and wondering if they should just give up -- don't do that. For only you created something on paper that came from <i>your</i> soul and <i>your</i> mind. Your story won't go away. It won't disappear. And if you keep at the monotony of promoting it, you might be pleasantly surprised at it's success some day. <br />
<br />
Happy writing, happy reading, and Happy New Year!<br />
<br />
EJ Valson<br />
ejvalson@gmail.com<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/nostalgiaeffect">Follow me on Facebook</a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/EJValson">Follow me on Twitter</a><br />
<br />
<br />EJ Valsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04425490067866818897noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6353645124552376494.post-79483753537986123792013-12-14T18:43:00.000-08:002013-12-14T18:43:00.187-08:00Today is a VERY exciting day. The book is finally available on Amazon.com.<br />
Visit <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HAPN23U">The Nostalgia Effect</a> here to view a 10 chapter sample!<br />
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Thanks!EJ Valsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04425490067866818897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6353645124552376494.post-37314715382729691352013-12-04T12:04:00.000-08:002013-12-04T12:04:02.687-08:00Today I wrote the last and final chapter. I was a bit saddened to end this story, as it has so many personal parts of my life intertwined. Love was an inspiration, but music kept me going and feeling emotions that allowed me to be creative.<br />
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Some of my favorite artists were, Sleeping At Last, Imagine Dragons, Coldplay, Lana Del Rey, Kodaline, Band of Horses, and so many more. Without their well produced tracks, I would have been at a standstill.<br />
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I hope you all enjoy reading this book, as much as I enjoyed writing it.<br />
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<br />EJ Valsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04425490067866818897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6353645124552376494.post-20462515301689756192013-11-22T09:51:00.001-08:002013-11-22T09:51:56.057-08:00The process<span style="font-size: small;">I have always wanted to write something that had substance. I tried and tried, my entire life. With age, comes experience, with experience, comes emotion and with emotion, comes inspiration. My biggest inspiration is my husband and family. There are many personal touches to this story that are dear to the both of us. Though this book is primarily science-fiction/fantasy, there is still some truth to it, and I hope the readers find something that can relate to. The bottom line, be grateful for what you have.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Here is an excerpt from the book....enjoy!</span><br />
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<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-684a4244-80ec-3bbf-15b4-5b1fd879ec50" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">There is a man sleeping with his back to me. His hair is dark. Darker than Michael’s. This man is too tan, too thin, and his hair is cut differently. His smell is different. But he looks slightly familiar. I think I know him. But why?! Did I cheat? Did I get drunk and pass out somewhere? Was I drugged? Have I been kidnapped? I don’t feel hungover, I don’t feel hurt, I don’t feel sick. But my mind is screaming, “What the hell is happening?!”</span></i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></i></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The familiar stranger starts to stir. ”Oh, God Jenni...run!” I think to myself. Still asleep, he rolls over to face me. I stare in shock. My hearts beats faster. How can this be? It’s my ex-husband Joe. My hand finds its way over my mouth to quiet a scream. I draw in a breath...so deep it almost suffocates me.</span></i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></i></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I feel my body begin to tremble. He is still asleep, oblivious that he is next to a woman whose world is upside down and for whom gravity no longer exists. Why am I here? Why is he here? This has to be a mistake.</span></i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></i></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Breathe,” I think to myself, as I slowly and quietly inhale and exhale. I cannot wake him, I wouldn’t know what to say. My mind is racing. What happened last night? How did we meet up? I don’t remember any of it. I haven’t seen Joe in several years. He doesn’t even live in the same state! So how did I get into what I assume is his house? </span></i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></i></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Where is Michael -- and Olivia and Stella? Have they tried calling me? Are they worried? My cell phone...it has to be here somewhere. I have to find it. I have to find my things. I need to get out of here!</span></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Co<i>pyright 2013- E.J. Valson</i> </span></i></span></span></div>
EJ Valsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04425490067866818897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6353645124552376494.post-57622989363003326292013-11-13T13:46:00.000-08:002013-12-12T13:52:54.209-08:00The Nostalgia Effect- Coming Soon<div class="_38 direction_ltr">
<span class="null">The Nostalgia
Effect is the tale of Jennifer Nielsen, who awakens one day to find
herself thrown back into a past that she doesn't recall living.
Convinced that she has a different husband, child and life than the one
she finds herself in, she commits to finding answers as to why she has
arrived in this time--eight years earlier.<br />
Though her surroundings
are familiar, she cannot determine why she is here and seeks out the
help of Astrid, a psychic in her small town. Together they work to
uncover the secret of how this all happened and how, or if, she will get
back to the life she left somewhere in time-- if that life ever really
existed at all.<br />
During her journey, she discovers new relationships, solidifies old ones, and is reminded of how quickly life can flash by.</span></div>
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For up-to-date book release information, visit: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/nostalgiaeffect">The Nostalgia Effect</a><br />
<br />EJ Valsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04425490067866818897noreply@blogger.com0