tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73553223598011631792024-03-18T21:21:15.075-04:00Living on the Smile Side of LifeNoreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650800106309671981noreply@blogger.comBlogger254125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355322359801163179.post-7779485615056283682024-03-18T21:17:00.001-04:002024-03-18T21:20:13.621-04:00<h3 style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji6oTu2GYkbQFzQjMK9cVVZu-CSKMWO4RxV1hlniXRNgT5kq2h1cvoYF40DuZ4Dk5fVyGLysIGLh3Q1v808NJ9gjluz3I2o8wsXWJXGNRBMfAd9EK3Up4cuYeZRFWI_3YbWE1wWre11jql9qgPsSu_mGZHy3qK1I7oepW-RFUEAs6OdOq1QgCFOl7bvrdh/s3016/20240317_190854.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3016" data-original-width="1868" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji6oTu2GYkbQFzQjMK9cVVZu-CSKMWO4RxV1hlniXRNgT5kq2h1cvoYF40DuZ4Dk5fVyGLysIGLh3Q1v808NJ9gjluz3I2o8wsXWJXGNRBMfAd9EK3Up4cuYeZRFWI_3YbWE1wWre11jql9qgPsSu_mGZHy3qK1I7oepW-RFUEAs6OdOq1QgCFOl7bvrdh/w397-h640/20240317_190854.jpg" width="397" /></a></div></b></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-family: verdana;">Just Keep Moving </b><br /></h3><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span style="font-family: verdana;">sunset requires notice</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">whether on fire, windswept, clouds that darken early,</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">sunset requires payment</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">evening rituals, meals, entertainment,</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">the goddess of night demands her due</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">in order to keep moving on</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>many hours left till dawn</i></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">sunrise requires notice</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">whether anticipation, dread, breathless un-named fear,</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">sunrise requires payment</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">daily rituals, work, remorseful thoughts,</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">the exchange of anxieties demand its due</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">in order to keep moving on</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">©2024 Noreen Braman </span><br /></b></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span><br /></p>Noreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650800106309671981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355322359801163179.post-9429453456776474372024-02-12T23:58:00.002-05:002024-02-12T23:59:06.931-05:00Facade<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjo5XEAoofT4HFgeVlCXWBIL2H5Z0vny1VCdL83lcvmAeHc0OHsY65ygCuPVz__P4SY47UDxiV6q0O99Wv0xLadWPZEdiwBBERJeFu1PAsYgOsLYQELketgii8V4wzqIXGEfqym2kWAlAOClFByxJV3s3XvpreLSib8lo6oyiNhs6HDiBpb7CKSnnTvh6MN" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjo5XEAoofT4HFgeVlCXWBIL2H5Z0vny1VCdL83lcvmAeHc0OHsY65ygCuPVz__P4SY47UDxiV6q0O99Wv0xLadWPZEdiwBBERJeFu1PAsYgOsLYQELketgii8V4wzqIXGEfqym2kWAlAOClFByxJV3s3XvpreLSib8lo6oyiNhs6HDiBpb7CKSnnTvh6MN" width="400">
</a>
</div><br><br></div>Facade<div><br></div><div>Saying the words</div><div>Declaring the changes</div><div>Making decisions</div><div>So brave</div><div>So self assured</div><div>So much unspoken pain</div><div><br></div><div>strong is its own punishment</div><div><br></div><div>C2024 Noreen Braman</div>Noreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650800106309671981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355322359801163179.post-81130713932230833232024-02-09T20:09:00.000-05:002024-02-09T20:09:02.794-05:00Along the Road<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjClPnWl3a_UlhRoD2__vBYMXTwQCDpjObV_qT94bYTI9OE3O67HxsU0W1SQr7RoD5CgldgGoXHEj6asAkDl280rSrrk4WjzKfwfyGVAjB_o9Me2hnPl8ZnV_44oyWm_Er-MST87ThvpAdkn3Dsr25htq8JB6slsTqtbcI_8vXFss8ioSECy-AQ7BIE_vLR/s1280/forest-438432_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjClPnWl3a_UlhRoD2__vBYMXTwQCDpjObV_qT94bYTI9OE3O67HxsU0W1SQr7RoD5CgldgGoXHEj6asAkDl280rSrrk4WjzKfwfyGVAjB_o9Me2hnPl8ZnV_44oyWm_Er-MST87ThvpAdkn3Dsr25htq8JB6slsTqtbcI_8vXFss8ioSECy-AQ7BIE_vLR/w640-h426/forest-438432_1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Along the Road</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">On the ribbon of road I’ve traveled,</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">in my mind I left behind monuments.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Beacons of light and hope and example</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">for those rising up behind me.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">But the road is aged, decaying,</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">and the monuments are just rubble.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Some rocks tossed from my pockets,</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">worthless scraps in barren fields.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">One day the tears may come</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">to water the trail of dry and dusty seeds </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">and flowers will trace the remains of a path</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">being traversed by those who never knew me.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>©2024 Noreen Braman</i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p><style>@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}@font-face
{font-family:Aptos;
panose-1:2 11 0 4 2 2 2 2 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:swiss;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:536871559 3 0 0 415 0;}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:8.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Aptos;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Aptos;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Aptos;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-font-kerning:1.0pt;
mso-ligatures:standardcontextual;}.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
mso-ascii-font-family:Aptos;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Aptos;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Aptos;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}.MsoPapDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-bottom:8.0pt;
line-height:115%;}div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}</style></p>Noreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650800106309671981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355322359801163179.post-42107617550429777752024-02-07T16:08:00.004-05:002024-02-07T16:08:58.584-05:00No Reply Is A Reply<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJJ4QrdhGTa95rTp04QsfFyhSDi5J2swSTb8GgKjCcgLJq3-CFC21m9o9ss-NXC6-z7beP-CJcTNMRTdc5TOFruGQcypTSHCx7PsaWULsGWrRLYrCAO09pb4QSZi5iIYgMrtBsSRQxea3M9p7VPPiEvftD5QaT7l-GqpZyuuNfO5A3Qiq6MisDj4VElXNW/s1280/e-mail-4009691_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJJ4QrdhGTa95rTp04QsfFyhSDi5J2swSTb8GgKjCcgLJq3-CFC21m9o9ss-NXC6-z7beP-CJcTNMRTdc5TOFruGQcypTSHCx7PsaWULsGWrRLYrCAO09pb4QSZi5iIYgMrtBsSRQxea3M9p7VPPiEvftD5QaT7l-GqpZyuuNfO5A3Qiq6MisDj4VElXNW/w640-h426/e-mail-4009691_1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">No Reply is a Reply</span></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">the email came from "no-reply,"</span></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">and indeed it was a "No" reply.</span></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">usual thanks and regrets </span></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"keeping you on file" <br /></span></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">unimportant bits on their drive</span></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">that circles the drain </span></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">of the digital trash can</span></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">electronically shredding the no-replies.</span></span></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: times;"><b><i> ©2024 Noreen Braman</i></b><b><br /></b></span></span></p>Noreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650800106309671981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355322359801163179.post-72449366846655108392024-02-03T00:31:00.000-05:002024-02-03T00:31:56.837-05:00Hamlet Wasn't Done With Me<div class="flex flex-grow flex-col max-w-full"><div class="min-h-[20px] text-message flex flex-col items-start gap-3 whitespace-pre-wrap break-words [.text-message+&]:mt-5 overflow-x-auto" data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="f4f2edb7-6d78-4e02-9f8c-e0f4edff2328"><div class="markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert light"><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEXLo_7-RXqVROpRF5GYZcSgYoL8Ry1cMoK3c2xr02F88lLldTg5DZBY13XL_pfjNszhIiiptfo-DxaGDqxDQbEFTWREkcNiFOQduOxaXRby3vWM8wTM-hEwY9JGHoBjmWk71vBxT4TfUbdhxSONHhdR0pCOwJcw07QI6jaS5j-FGPHsWNXe0guya-24dT/s1280/arrows-2980845_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="517" data-original-width="1280" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEXLo_7-RXqVROpRF5GYZcSgYoL8Ry1cMoK3c2xr02F88lLldTg5DZBY13XL_pfjNszhIiiptfo-DxaGDqxDQbEFTWREkcNiFOQduOxaXRby3vWM8wTM-hEwY9JGHoBjmWk71vBxT4TfUbdhxSONHhdR0pCOwJcw07QI6jaS5j-FGPHsWNXe0guya-24dT/w640-h258/arrows-2980845_1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b> <br /></b></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>I knew Hamlet was not done with me. This week, the “slings
and arrows” have been targeting me. Allergic reaction to medicine, unresolved
claim for storm damage to my house, and a massive mistake at work. My
resilience now looks like a splat on the highway. And while I can’t manage to
find the humorous middle of this bitter candy, maybe Hamlet and Chat GPT can
give me some guidance.</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Write a 300 word article on How does Hamlet manage the “slings
and arrows of outrageous fortune?” Does he find humor?</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>Chat GPT:</b></span></p>
<p><style><font size="5" style="font-family: arial;">@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:swiss;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536859905 -1073732485 9 0 511 0;}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-font-kerning:1.0pt;
mso-ligatures:standardcontextual;}.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}</font></style> <span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Hamlet, the tragic hero of William Shakespeare's renowned play, grapples with the "slings and arrows of outrageous fortune" in a way that reflects the complexity of his character. This famous line from Hamlet's soliloquy in Act 3, Scene 1, encapsulates his philosophical contemplation on the hardships of life.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Throughout the play, Hamlet encounters numerous challenges, from the sudden death of his father to the betrayal of his mother and uncle. These adversities provoke Hamlet's introspection and internal conflict, leading him to question the nature of existence and the meaning of life. Despite the weight of his circumstances, Hamlet's coping mechanism is not rooted in humor but rather in a profound sense of melancholy and existential angst.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Hamlet's wit, however, serves as a defense mechanism and a way to navigate the treacherous waters of the Danish court. His clever wordplay and sarcastic comments offer a veneer of humor that conceals his true emotions. This humor is not lighthearted, but rather a form of bitter irony that reflects Hamlet's disillusionment with the world around him.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Hamlet's encounters with the gravediggers in Act 5, Scene 1, provide a notable example of his use of humor in the face of mortality. Despite the grim setting of a graveyard and the impending tragedy, Hamlet engages in witty banter with the gravediggers. This seemingly morbid humor highlights Hamlet's ability to find irony even in the most somber situations.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Ultimately, Hamlet's journey is marked by a profound sense of tragedy and a lack of resolution. While he may use humor as a tool for social commentary and as a shield against his inner turmoil, it does not provide a genuine escape from the harsh realities he faces. Hamlet's quest for truth and justice is a tumultuous one, and his complex character leaves audiences pondering the intricacies of human nature and the enduring impact of life's adversities.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b><i>I'm doomed. </i><br /></b></span></p></div></div></div><div class="mt-1 flex justify-start gap-3 empty:hidden"><div class="text-gray-400 flex self-end lg:self-center justify-center lg:justify-start mt-0 -ml-1 visible"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="" data-state="closed"></span></span></div></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="" data-state="closed"></span></span><div class="flex"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="" data-state="closed"><br /></span></span></div><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> </span></p>Noreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650800106309671981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355322359801163179.post-59868530160342947102024-01-27T12:12:00.000-05:002024-01-27T12:12:01.790-05:00.Hamlet, Human Existence, & AI - finale<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b><i></i></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_pi4vp5tAtpS6_87MvY6iPieJ5aDaAbdVOXEIxI7INVKnF1fbJQ30GFSRJYNBV3iQPQZNld7CPW_5kIYOu2-U8XT9YmxIaLpTLQdypRLxt_TgP-G85KzyDCZyLG4XnBC3CJKezRh_-JmdnAaPIhVlYy0k7GGIVjwmXc29qNYwqRBZlRrfmgICEVDSkiw6/s1280/skull-4109212_1280.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="705" data-original-width="1280" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_pi4vp5tAtpS6_87MvY6iPieJ5aDaAbdVOXEIxI7INVKnF1fbJQ30GFSRJYNBV3iQPQZNld7CPW_5kIYOu2-U8XT9YmxIaLpTLQdypRLxt_TgP-G85KzyDCZyLG4XnBC3CJKezRh_-JmdnAaPIhVlYy0k7GGIVjwmXc29qNYwqRBZlRrfmgICEVDSkiw6/w640-h352/skull-4109212_1280.png" width="640" /></a></i></b></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /> </i></b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b><i>This is the final column on Hamlet and how he stuck his foot in the door
of my deep life purpose contemplation. The final AI essay from ChatGPT,
in my opinion, is the best, and the right place to conclude this
series. Or until Hamlet tries to visit again.</i></b></span>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> <br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b><i>ChatGPT: Write a 300 word article on how Hamlet demonstrates "to
be, or not to be."</i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #19C37D;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><svg class="icon-sm" fill="none" height="41" viewbox="0 0 41 41" width="41" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><text x="-9999" y="-9999">ChatGPT</text></svg></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Shakespeare's iconic play, "Hamlet," opens with one of the most
famous soliloquies in literature, where the eponymous protagonist grapples with
the timeless question: "To be, or not to be." In this introspective
and philosophical monologue, Hamlet contemplates the nature of existence, the
pains of life, and the uncertainties of death.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The soliloquy serves as a window into Hamlet's tortured psyche. As the
prince ponders the pros and cons of life and death, he delves into the core of
human experience. The opening line, "To be, or not to be, that is the
question," encapsulates the fundamental quandary that has intrigued
thinkers for centuries – the fundamental choice between enduring the hardships
of life or succumbing to the unknown of death.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Hamlet's exploration of the "slings and arrows of outrageous
fortune" reflects the inevitability of suffering in the human condition.
The metaphorical "sea of troubles" he mentions conjures an image of
life's turbulent and unpredictable nature. The soliloquy resonates with
existential themes, echoing the broader philosophical inquiries of
Shakespeare's era into the purpose and meaning of life.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The contemplation of suicide in Hamlet's soliloquy goes beyond a mere
consideration of physical death. It becomes a metaphor for the internal
struggles and conflicts that torment the prince. His fear of the
"undiscovered country" – the afterlife – reflects a profound
uncertainty about what awaits beyond the threshold of mortality.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Despite the weighty subject matter, Hamlet's soliloquy is not a
straightforward expression of nihilism. The struggle to endure the "whips
and scorns of time" suggests a resilience, a hesitation to embrace
non-existence. The fear of the unknown, the potential for something worse in
death, gives pause to Hamlet's contemplation.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">In "Hamlet," the "To be, or not to be" soliloquy
encapsulates the universal struggle with the complexities of existence.
Hamlet's introspection becomes a mirror reflecting the existential dilemmas
that have intrigued and haunted humanity throughout the ages. The enduring
power of these words lies in their ability to resonate with audiences,
prompting reflection on the profound question that defines the human
experience: to be, or not to be.</span></p>
<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" /></span>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b><i>Chat GPT: Write a 300 word article on how Hamlet demonstrates,
"Que Sera Sera, Whatever will be, will be."</i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #19C37D;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><svg class="icon-sm" fill="none" height="41" viewbox="0 0 41 41" width="41" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><text x="-9999" y="-9999">ChatGPT</text></svg></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">While the sentiment of "Que Sera Sera, Whatever will be, will be"
might seem incongruent with the intense and contemplative nature of
Shakespeare's "Hamlet," there are moments in the play where this
fatalistic philosophy subtly weaves its way into the narrative.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Hamlet, the Prince of Denmark, is burdened by a sense of foreboding and a
deep contemplation of fate. The ghostly apparition of his father, urging him to
avenge his murder, sets in motion a chain of events that thrust Hamlet into a
complex web of moral ambiguity and political intrigue. Despite his desire for
justice, Hamlet's actions are often paralyzed by doubt and the weight of his
predicament.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">In the famous "To be, or not to be" soliloquy, Hamlet grapples
with the notion of existence and the uncertainties of life and death. While not
an outright embrace of fatalism, this contemplation reflects a recognition of
life's inherent unpredictability. Hamlet acknowledges the slings and arrows of
fortune, painting a picture of a world where external forces shape destinies
beyond individual control.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The recurring theme of revenge, central to the plot, introduces an element
of predestination. Hamlet is thrust into a predetermined path, compelled to
fulfill a filial duty. However, his internal struggles and the complexities of
the human condition introduce an air of unpredictability, challenging the
fatalistic undertones.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The phrase "Que Sera Sera" implies a surrender to destiny, an
acceptance of whatever the future may hold. In Hamlet's case, this resignation
becomes evident in moments of introspection and inaction. The unpredictable
turns of the plot, including the tragic conclusion, reflect the play's
acknowledgment of the capricious nature of fate.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">While Hamlet is not a character who explicitly embraces a "Que Sera
Sera" philosophy, the play, in its exploration of existential angst,
revenge, and the machinations of power, subtly touches upon the idea that, in
the grand tapestry of life, certain events may be beyond mortal control. The
interplay between free will and fate in "Hamlet" invites audiences to
contemplate the inevitability of certain outcomes, echoing the sentiment that
whatever will be, will be.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">from me: I find a little bit of comfort in the "fatalistic
philosophy" as cheerfully proposed by the song "Que Sera, Sera." Not sure
if that kicks me out of the OverThinkers Club. Thanks for playing along
as I was finding out more about Artificial Intelligence.</span></em></strong><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p>
<p><style><font size="5" style="font-family: verdana;">@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";}p
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-margin-top-alt:auto;
margin-right:0in;
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";}.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
mso-ascii-font-family:Aptos;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Aptos;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Aptos;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}.MsoPapDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-bottom:8.0pt;
line-height:115%;}div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}</font></style></p>Noreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650800106309671981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355322359801163179.post-46661350962875834582024-01-26T13:29:00.006-05:002024-01-26T13:32:26.374-05:00Hamlet Meets AI<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b><i></i></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgetvRmJkybN0GA13wdxiCZ7VIBdgSwrzKqGS2h4ZAnlCD9_wV1xdyPTxoPrXgSbu4k63w0iceei1x0VfWkrpJd5z_zldQJrvjWAeAHQHXFfoTnbI1Mzsne45ZkQM-qF6Q8Im5oK2V22aLhWHDS0QfWMKnxR834oNB6Bm0fanujMjNUQm2lctlJJPrz9mpu/s1280/i-am-429698_1280.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="988" data-original-width="1280" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgetvRmJkybN0GA13wdxiCZ7VIBdgSwrzKqGS2h4ZAnlCD9_wV1xdyPTxoPrXgSbu4k63w0iceei1x0VfWkrpJd5z_zldQJrvjWAeAHQHXFfoTnbI1Mzsne45ZkQM-qF6Q8Im5oK2V22aLhWHDS0QfWMKnxR834oNB6Bm0fanujMjNUQm2lctlJJPrz9mpu/w400-h309/i-am-429698_1280.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></b></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /> </i></b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b><i>As an active member of the Overthinkers Club (using this as a as a bon mot - if there is a real Overthinkers Club - contact me!) I find Hamlet and his issues still stomping around in my head. I began wondering how to get an succinct explanation of his troubles - especially how they relate to two famous quotes on human existence.</i></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b><i> Maybe someone could do the research for me. "Someone"such as ChatGPT. So here is what I got in response asking how Hamlet is demonstrative of the expression, "I act, therefore, I am," and, "I think, therefore, I am."</i></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p><p class="gmail_default" style="color: #351c75;"></p><div class="gmail-flex gmail-flex-grow gmail-flex-col gmail-max-w-full"><div class="gmail-min-h-[20px] gmail-text-message gmail-flex gmail-flex-col gmail-items-start gmail-gap-3 gmail-whitespace-pre-wrap gmail-break-words gmail-[.text-message+&]:mt-5 gmail-overflow-x-auto"><div class="gmail-markdown gmail-prose gmail-w-full gmail-break-words gmail-dark:prose-invert gmail-light"><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">2 essays by chat GPT </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>Hamlet: The Existential Drama of "I Act, Therefore I Am"</b></span></p><div class="flex flex-grow flex-col max-w-full"><div class="min-h-[20px] text-message flex flex-col items-start gap-3 whitespace-pre-wrap break-words [.text-message+&]:mt-5 overflow-x-auto" data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="8e4a2aaf-05ce-4470-a8e3-32e40f424b66"><div class="markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert light"><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Gilbert Ryle's concept of "I act, therefore, I am" takes center stage in Shakespeare's timeless tragedy, "Hamlet." As the brooding Prince of Denmark grapples with moral dilemmas, existential angst, and the burdens of the crown, his actions become a poignant reflection of his identity and existence.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Hamlet's internal conflicts manifest in his actions, or lack thereof, throughout the play. The famous "To be or not to be" soliloquy, often examined for its existential ponderings, also encapsulates Hamlet's internal struggle with indecision and inaction. Ryle's assertion that actions define one's being finds resonance in Hamlet's hesitations and calculated moves, highlighting the intricacies of his character.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The prince's contemplative nature often leads to prolonged moments of inaction, such as his delay in avenging his father's murder. Hamlet's reluctance to act impulsively underscores Ryle's philosophy that actions are not mere consequences but integral components of one's selfhood. Each pause, every calculated decision, speaks volumes about Hamlet's internal turmoil and the depth of his introspection.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The play's unfolding drama at Elsinore Castle serves as a canvas where Hamlet's actions, or the lack thereof, become brushstrokes depicting the complexities of human existence. His feigned madness, strategic encounters, and internal debates all contribute to the mosaic of a character whose essence is intricately interwoven with his deeds.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">In the climactic duel in the final act, Hamlet's decisive actions bring the tragedy to its inevitable conclusion. The duel becomes the crucible in which Hamlet's authenticity is tested, his actions determining the course of his fate. Ryle's assertion that action is the bedrock of identity finds its ultimate expression as Hamlet, in a final burst of agency, takes control of his destiny.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">In "Hamlet," Gilbert Ryle's philosophy is embodied in the prince's actions, which become the very fabric of his being. The play invites audiences to contemplate the profound connection between action and identity, leaving them with the enduring truth that, in the realm of Hamlet, "I act, therefore, I am."</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i> and, the other side of the Chat GPT coin:<br /></i></span></p></div></div></div><div class="mt-1 flex justify-start gap-3 empty:hidden"><div class="text-gray-400 flex self-end lg:self-center justify-center lg:justify-start mt-0 -ml-1 visible"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span data-state="closed"></span></span></div></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span data-state="closed"></span><span data-state="closed"></span><span data-state="closed"></span></span><div class="w-full pt-2 md:pt-0 dark:border-white/20 md:border-transparent md:dark:border-transparent md:w-[calc(100%-.5rem)]"><form class="stretch mx-2 flex flex-row gap-3 last:mb-2 md:mx-4 md:last:mb-6 lg:mx-auto lg:max-w-2xl xl:max-w-3xl"><div class="relative flex h-full flex-1 items-stretch md:flex-col"><div class="flex w-full items-center"><div class="overflow-hidden [&:has(textarea:focus)]:border-token-border-xheavy [&:has(textarea:focus)]:shadow-[0_2px_6px_rgba(0,0,0,.05)] flex flex-col w-full dark:border-token-border-heavy flex-grow relative border border-token-border-heavy dark:text-white rounded-2xl bg-white dark:bg-gray-800 shadow-[0_0_0_2px_rgba(255,255,255,0.95)] dark:shadow-[0_0_0_2px_rgba(52,53,65,0.95)]"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>Hamlet: The Existential Drama of ""I Think, Therefore, I Am." <br /></b></span></div></div></div></form></div><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Shakespeare's masterpiece, "Hamlet," serves as a profound
exploration of existential philosophy, echoing the famous dictum, "Cogito,
ergo sum" or "I think, therefore, I am," articulated by René
Descartes. The play unfolds as a tapestry of introspection, with Hamlet, the
brooding Prince of Denmark, becoming the embodiment of philosophical inquiry.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">From the outset, Hamlet is thrust into a world of uncertainty and
betrayal with the sudden death of his father, King Hamlet. It is in the wake of
this tragedy that the prince's introspective journey begins. The ghostly
apparition of his father sets the stage for Hamlet's philosophical turmoil,
compelling him to question the very nature of reality and existence.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">As Hamlet grapples with the weight of his father's murder and the
subsequent marriage of his mother to his uncle, his soliloquies become windows
into a mind wrestling with profound existential questions. The famous "To
be or not to be" soliloquy encapsulates Hamlet's contemplation on the
meaning of life and the inevitability of death. In this moment, the prince's
thoughts become a manifestation of his existence, a testament to the Cartesian
notion that thinking is the undeniable proof of being.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Throughout the play, Hamlet's intellect becomes both his weapon and his
burden. His constant questioning of the motives of those around him and the
authenticity of his experiences paints a picture of a mind caught in the
intricate web of doubt and introspection. The complexities of courtly life at
Elsinore Castle serve as a backdrop to Hamlet's philosophical journey,
mirroring the chaos and moral ambiguity of the human condition.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">In the end, as the tragedy unfolds and Hamlet meets his demise, his
intellectual odyssey stands as a testament to the enduring power of thought.
The prince's existential crisis, his doubts, and his philosophical musings
become the threads that weave together a narrative that echoes Descartes'
timeless declaration. In "Hamlet," the tumultuous realm of Denmark
becomes a stage for the exploration of the self, where thinking becomes the
indisputable proof of existence.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thoughts on the next Hamlet essay questions: How does Hamlet relate to:</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>"To be, or not to be."</i></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Que Sera, Sera (whatever will be, will be.)</i></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Stay tuned. <br /></span></b></span></p>
<p><style><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><font size="5">@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}@font-face
{font-family:Aptos;
panose-1:2 11 0 4 2 2 2 2 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:swiss;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:536871559 3 0 0 415 0;}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:8.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Aptos;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Aptos;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Aptos;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-font-kerning:1.0pt;
mso-ligatures:standardcontextual;}.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
mso-ascii-font-family:Aptos;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Aptos;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Aptos;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}.MsoPapDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-bottom:8.0pt;
line-height:115%;}div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}</font></b></span></style></p><p><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p></div></div></div><p></p><p></p><div class="gmail_signature" data-smartmail="gmail_signature" dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><tbody><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" style="padding-top: 10px; white-space: nowrap; width: 310px;" width="310"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" style="padding-top: 10px; white-space: nowrap; width: 210px;" width="210"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></td></tr><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" style="padding-top: 10px; white-space: nowrap; width: 2268px;" width="2268"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /><br /></span></div></div></div><p></p><p></p>Noreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650800106309671981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355322359801163179.post-1423015250718161182024-01-23T20:32:00.002-05:002024-01-23T20:37:33.401-05:00Contemplation #4 - Thinking About Acting With Hamlet<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmqi7yPAP9kMF14JIjPlF4VNmnN8kUMMFHvUXQWRxCVuALWtCnIk5BypeqELjcNUNSw4xvbWtroje45zCtdnYwMgmxHUYssafUqzzR9oJoaCpg2Mq1Cq2wX1LHYMq3CPScCM5kK_lia4UW7JJoPIu4JwriZSZ4o0f0lUVpxgLbuE1zXLtjDduUL1Y7Z6Dn/s888/Screenshot%202024-01-23%20at%208.31.20%E2%80%AFPM.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="888" data-original-width="880" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmqi7yPAP9kMF14JIjPlF4VNmnN8kUMMFHvUXQWRxCVuALWtCnIk5BypeqELjcNUNSw4xvbWtroje45zCtdnYwMgmxHUYssafUqzzR9oJoaCpg2Mq1Cq2wX1LHYMq3CPScCM5kK_lia4UW7JJoPIu4JwriZSZ4o0f0lUVpxgLbuE1zXLtjDduUL1Y7Z6Dn/w396-h400/Screenshot%202024-01-23%20at%208.31.20%E2%80%AFPM.png" width="396" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">On occasion (ok, fairly often) I stumble across something I’ve
never heard of before, only to find out that lots of people have been
discussing it for years.<span> </span>I did know that
many, many people have written libraries full of the analysis of Hamlet. My recent
small discoveries about him pale in the Shakespearean study world, but still
mean quite a bit to me. I wrote about Hamlet as part of my contemplations about
whether I should focus on what is still “to be” for me, or on what “I am” today.
One would think that is enough to occupy life contemplations, at least for a
bit. But my brain had other plans.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Why and how, I can’t say, but when the quote from Rene
Descartes, “I think, therefore, I am” came across my path, I was pulled out of
one rabbit hole and dumped in another. My very first attempt at researching
this quote, and what others had to say about it, revealed something surprising.
Hamlet stuck his foot in the door. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">First, it was a dissertation summary at Texas A&M titled
“I act therefore I am: identity and performance in Shakespeare’s Hamlet.” I
quickly found out it wasn’t a quote from Hamlet, but was describing Hamlet’s
character. The summary ends with “The biblical God asserts, ‘I am that I am,’
philosopher Ren ̌Descartes, ‘I think therefore I am,’ and the character of
Hamlet ‘I act therefore I am,’ suggesting that the developing inner self, must
find outward expression to be actualized<i>.” (Note: I REALLY wanted to insert
commas in the quotes but resisted.)</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><i> </i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">It took me a while to sort through all the wrong opinions
about the expression “I act, therefore, I am,” and finally found <span> </span>it expressed by Philosopher Gilbert Ryle as a
disagreement with Descartes. Ryle states that it is behavior that creates “self,”
not thought. Right now, I am not so sure who is right as I try to dig my way
out of this rabbit hole- both thinking and acting. I dig, therefore, I think.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><i> (I wanted to end this saying that Hamlet is the real Ghost in the Machine, but I thought better about that action.) <br /></i></span></p>
<br /><br /><br /><br />Noreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650800106309671981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355322359801163179.post-91102143715385199342024-01-23T11:13:00.001-05:002024-01-23T11:25:24.491-05:00I'm Not Crying ... Yes I am. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="381" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/J7711tVOzJQ" width="613" youtube-src-id="J7711tVOzJQ"></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p><p> </p><h1 style="text-align: left;">I don't know how I missed this the first time around... <a href="https://www.bizcatalyst360.com/joyfest-360/">Check out how you can participate in JoyFest <br /></a></h1><p><br /></p>Noreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650800106309671981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355322359801163179.post-52356622886256439992024-01-19T08:04:00.004-05:002024-01-19T08:21:44.186-05:00“Fear Strikes Out” Jimmy Piersall and Me<p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvOnTqJ3wJqCZbkiLGrDGV2YAhNiWpafRaaMUGAawPl-RfLlXupWevXxCO-n5AL_7QixDUtevJgOxo2C0igzM0rMCFtvQqL-BNMjSH0bBDfbBGgYb_iMvhhctzJ0Cdc_4NcBIj7PlTUKXinpu796z7LhlDbVmk8p_LArgQrqcQBjNmATGILCLQJS8iaKtH/s1000/Screenshot%202024-01-19%20at%208.19.24%E2%80%AFAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="674" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvOnTqJ3wJqCZbkiLGrDGV2YAhNiWpafRaaMUGAawPl-RfLlXupWevXxCO-n5AL_7QixDUtevJgOxo2C0igzM0rMCFtvQqL-BNMjSH0bBDfbBGgYb_iMvhhctzJ0Cdc_4NcBIj7PlTUKXinpu796z7LhlDbVmk8p_LArgQrqcQBjNmATGILCLQJS8iaKtH/s320/Screenshot%202024-01-19%20at%208.19.24%E2%80%AFAM.png" width="216" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />Every so often, especially when anxiety is getting the best
of me, I think of Jimmy Piersall, a gifted, but trouble baseball player who
spent some time playing with my beloved Mets. It was his book, written the year
I was born, that made the greatest impact on me. Eventually, what was then referred
to as “crazy behavior,” we now understand as bipolar disorder. </span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">I read the book at a young age, finding some comfort in
knowing that others grew up in dysfunctional families. His mother, on occasion,
needed to be hospitalized due to her mental health issues – she may even have
been catatonic at times. I felt a kinship to Piersall’s childhood. My mother
was never hospitalized, but it was alcoholism that kept her aloof and silent. I
read his book over and over. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Many years later, I worked for someone who was scheduled to
meet with Piersall at his post-baseball job. My boss couldn’t believe how
excited I was, and I convinced him to take my well-worn book along with a note,
asking for his signature and thanking him for writing about a then-taboo
subject.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">I still think that running backward around the bases to
celebrate his 100<sup>th</sup> home run a was celebratory tribute to his fans
as well as his tenacity to sticking with baseball, despite his mental health
challenges. The Mets, however, didn’t see it that way and he was released two
days later.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Yesterday, I had an anxiety attack, and I wrote about how I
was feeling in raw terms. I realize that came as a surprise on a blog called “Living
on the Smile Side of Life.” However, for all of us, there are days when smiles
are hard to come by, resilience is depleted, and our brains slide toward the dark
side. Those are the times when dark poetry inhabits my keyboard – and with
every keystroke, I help myself transfer the thoughts to the page. Although Jimmy
Piersall struggled for most of his life, I am grateful to him, and others, who were
able to transfer their trauma to the page. What habit, practice, hobby, or
action helps you strike out fear? I’m considering, once winter is over, finding
an empty baseball diamond and jogging around the bases, backwards.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://youtu.be/_N9ni1rTBTM?feature=shared"><span style="font-size: large;">Piersall's 100th Home Run </span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p>
<p><style><font size="5">@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}@font-face
{font-family:Aptos;
panose-1:2 11 0 4 2 2 2 2 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:swiss;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:536871559 3 0 0 415 0;}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:8.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Aptos;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Aptos;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Aptos;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-font-kerning:1.0pt;
mso-ligatures:standardcontextual;}.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
mso-ascii-font-family:Aptos;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Aptos;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Aptos;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}.MsoPapDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-bottom:8.0pt;
line-height:115%;}div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}</font></style></p>Noreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650800106309671981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355322359801163179.post-64695747027245506322024-01-18T20:37:00.000-05:002024-01-18T20:37:36.360-05:00Feeling Extreme Anxiety Repeating<p>
</p><h4 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq0mOhHCDMmDZkYxsnT9qKBU28xrtWkf0eLybF2k2-GvUBANg1B4obMKtQmtT5nqNMRJdhP0IfayFrd9WWaZdTil34WQLNe7l6maQvTbUo6jpuviit1suykxVIMtdmQt3sY2W7WXi4JosBN4ED-AyawAN6GKSb9KK95D-sQuOH8-f3f5E-xq-aW7LHWyvW/s1280/face-7054038_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="905" data-original-width="1280" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq0mOhHCDMmDZkYxsnT9qKBU28xrtWkf0eLybF2k2-GvUBANg1B4obMKtQmtT5nqNMRJdhP0IfayFrd9WWaZdTil34WQLNe7l6maQvTbUo6jpuviit1suykxVIMtdmQt3sY2W7WXi4JosBN4ED-AyawAN6GKSb9KK95D-sQuOH8-f3f5E-xq-aW7LHWyvW/w640-h452/face-7054038_1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> </span></span></h4><h4 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">All it
took was a mention on the radio of a play featuring a 100-year-old woman. My
gut clenched, my breath quickened, and in flooded the thoughts of death. Of
course I am writing about this now because the feeling just keeps coming back,
and it has brought friends.</span></span></h4><h4 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></span></h4>
<h4 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Feeling 1 –
You are going to die.</span></span></h4>
<h4 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Feeling 2-
<span> </span>You ARE going to die.</span></span></h4>
<h4 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Feeling 3- You’re a failure.</span></span></h4>
<h4 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Feeling 4 –
you are old, you are a failure, you are going to die.</span></span></h4>
<h4 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Feeling 5 –
silence. Just creepy physical waves of fear.</span></span></h4>
<h4 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">I’ll be recycling
these five for a while. Talk amongst yourselves.</span></span></h4>
<p><style>@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}@font-face
{font-family:Aptos;
panose-1:2 11 0 4 2 2 2 2 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:swiss;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:536871559 3 0 0 415 0;}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:8.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Aptos;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Aptos;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Aptos;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-font-kerning:1.0pt;
mso-ligatures:standardcontextual;}.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
mso-ascii-font-family:Aptos;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Aptos;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Aptos;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}.MsoPapDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-bottom:8.0pt;
line-height:115%;}div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}</style></p>Noreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650800106309671981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355322359801163179.post-24853993698751012752024-01-12T09:52:00.002-05:002024-01-12T09:52:57.719-05:00A Message to My Friends and Supporters - especially the members of Innovation Women<p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i> Contemplations continues. Today I start the decisions about what to step back from, and what to keep moving forward. Time to blaze a path through 2024, with eyes wide open, and heart comforted. It isn't easy, but resolving to work with "who I am" instead of "who I might be," is a heavy, serious, undertaking. And I'd like to see where it takes me, you know, before I have anything to do with undertakers.</i></b></span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_Q2D5qMJbCJrkTbRwvWGVqjzHEytyQp803JtlpYyLLGs9QR_br3bb8nl7iAqpwirxhz20drITR67qjDRGpUrLvndIqjLe_YPiNLS2823LGT2nk6eY-D7LyWDHjzLq9HCn-mTEqNc5uRJEMTSlnswS881bL_iNF1v6IvjNZyoEwIvYG9HecpGYPetPuXS/s466/Screenshot%202024-01-12%20at%209.33.08%E2%80%AFAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="466" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_Q2D5qMJbCJrkTbRwvWGVqjzHEytyQp803JtlpYyLLGs9QR_br3bb8nl7iAqpwirxhz20drITR67qjDRGpUrLvndIqjLe_YPiNLS2823LGT2nk6eY-D7LyWDHjzLq9HCn-mTEqNc5uRJEMTSlnswS881bL_iNF1v6IvjNZyoEwIvYG9HecpGYPetPuXS/s320/Screenshot%202024-01-12%20at%209.33.08%E2%80%AFAM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x3x7a5m x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1yc453h" dir="auto" style="font-family: arial;">Good morning to my dear <a href="https://innovationwomen.com/" target="_blank"><span><span class="xt0psk2"><span>Innovation Women</span></span></span></a>
friends! I am sending you this message to let you know how much I
appreciate everything that all of you do, and your generosity in sharing
tips, tricks, and tell-alls! </span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x3x7a5m x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1yc453h" dir="auto" style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x3x7a5m x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1yc453h" dir="auto" style="font-family: arial;">In 2024 I will be stepping back from
speaking engagements - the "tale of the tape" reveals a lot of effort
for a small reward. As <a href="https://www.anniemeehan.com/" target="_blank">Annie Meehan</a> advised me, "You can't go full time
until you can replace the income." And that just isn't happening. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x3x7a5m x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1yc453h" dir="auto" style="font-family: arial;">I will
continue my <span></span>laughter work with
occasional presentations at my full time job, and I will be spending
more time writing - the one thing that has been with me all my life and
helps me fulfill my mission and purpose. I will also continue teaching
well-being-related classes at the <a href="https://olliru.rutgers.edu/" target="_blank">Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Rutgers University.</a> (The Spring catalog is out, and I have two classes
scheduled - all virtual!) </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x3x7a5m x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1yc453h" dir="auto" style="font-family: arial;">I also have some personal reasons, including
being available to family who are experiencing medical issues. Being Mom
will always come first. Again, thanks for all you do, and I'll catch
you down the road.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x3x7a5m x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1yc453h" dir="auto" style="font-family: arial;"><i>one more thing: With writing being focus of all things in my life, I would be remiss if I didn't take time to shamelessly promote my work.<br /></i></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x3x7a5m x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1yc453h" dir="auto" style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.lulu.com/spotlight/noreenbraman">Buy My Books</a></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x3x7a5m x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1yc453h" dir="auto" style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.bizcatalyst360.com/author/noreenbraman/">Read My Articles on BizCatalyst</a></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x3x7a5m x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1yc453h" dir="auto" style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://noreenbraman.medium.com/">Read My Articles on Medium</a></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x3x7a5m x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1yc453h" dir="auto" style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://30seconds.com/NoreenB/tips/">Read My Articles on 30Seconds</a></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x3x7a5m x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1yc453h" dir="auto" style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/2951875.Noreen_Braman">Goodreads </a></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x3x7a5m x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1yc453h" dir="auto" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p>Noreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650800106309671981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355322359801163179.post-73126625689655466062024-01-05T21:51:00.001-05:002024-01-05T23:07:35.745-05:00Contemplation #3 - Thanks, Socrates<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8c1ah9laR8yXm5TA8NIJ5rSTM4I3yDC1F55mxMVq8CNHHHoxAlsPWki_8IO7gDSBNaIBTQjcc_D5hiVLH2fDXWOt6HRFGt55uNwDfoFMm8ZQNO0Lz6LT-sn5lTJChV209k-WjhphqaDVWxpTu55rBBxlA_ZHV5aj7WotOWw6eSFGiuGi5uTXYnMSPDmDQ/s1386/Screenshot%202024-01-05%20at%209.13.51%E2%80%AFPM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="658" data-original-width="1386" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8c1ah9laR8yXm5TA8NIJ5rSTM4I3yDC1F55mxMVq8CNHHHoxAlsPWki_8IO7gDSBNaIBTQjcc_D5hiVLH2fDXWOt6HRFGt55uNwDfoFMm8ZQNO0Lz6LT-sn5lTJChV209k-WjhphqaDVWxpTu55rBBxlA_ZHV5aj7WotOWw6eSFGiuGi5uTXYnMSPDmDQ/w640-h304/Screenshot%202024-01-05%20at%209.13.51%E2%80%AFPM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b><i>Well, thanks for that bit of encouragement, Socrates.
</i></b></span>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The Twelfth Day of Christmas occurs tomorrow, the unofficial
signal that the holiday season has come to an end, the decorations should be
put away, and the twinkly lights turned off. There are smatterings of
decorations and lights for various celebration coming up, but basically,
January starts the “let’s get serious” time of year. Since I have already
designated 2024 as the ramp up to my 70<sup>th</sup> birthday, complete with
resolutions to stop thinking about “who I could be” and start focusing on “who
I am,” I’m starting off the countdown with a stream-of-consciousness assessment
of “where I am.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span><span>1.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span>Career/job/hobby</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span><span>a.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span>I am a still full-time employee who is also
working 2 other gigs on the side. </span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span><span>b.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span>Is the necessity of the money from one source
preventing success with the other gigs?</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span><span>c.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span>Since those other gigs live in the “who I could
be” world, do I give them up?</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span><span>d.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span>Conclusion: Who I am in this realm</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-align: left; text-indent: -1.5in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span><span><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span>i.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>I
am staying employed to support myself.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-align: left; text-indent: -1.5in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span><span><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span>ii.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>I
am doing other activities because they fulfill my purpose.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-align: left; text-indent: -1.5in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span><span><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span>iii.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>I
am not giving up, but I am reassessing cost/benefit realities.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span><span>2.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span>My roles/emotions/responsibilities</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span><span>a.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span>I am feeling the love of a mother, a
grandmother, a life partner, a friend, a woman, a citizen.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span><span>b.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span>I am feeling the pain of ostracism, exclusion,
disrespect, and grief.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span><span>c.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span>I am responsible for my own happiness, satisfaction,
and contentment, as well as managing disappointment, failure, sadness, and anger.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span><span>d.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span>Conclusion: Who I am in this realm</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-align: left; text-indent: -1.5in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span><span><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span>i.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>I
am accepting my multifaceted roles.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-align: left; text-indent: -1.5in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span><span><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span>ii.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>I
am also accepting the roles that have been thrust on me.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-align: left; text-indent: -1.5in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span><span><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span>iii.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>I
am living in the present, taking care of my resilience in both good times and bad.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">What does this tell me about myself? Each one of these
conclusions are tiny, young, plants just bursting through the soil, feeling
sunlight for the first time, and attached to long, deep, multi-branching roots.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">This is only the start. Who knows what I will end up doing
with this, maybe some insight into my life as lived, maybe a philosophical
diatribe, maybe a pie-throwing contest.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Even the greats aren’t sure.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.</span> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: red; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Aristotle
</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: red; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: red; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: red; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The examined life is no picnic. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">Robert Fulghum</span> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span> </span></span></p>
<style>@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:swiss;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536859905 -1073732485 9 0 511 0;}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-font-kerning:1.0pt;
mso-ligatures:standardcontextual;}p.MsoListParagraph, li.MsoListParagraph, div.MsoListParagraph
{mso-style-priority:34;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.5in;
mso-add-space:auto;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-font-kerning:1.0pt;
mso-ligatures:standardcontextual;}p.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst
{mso-style-priority:34;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.5in;
mso-add-space:auto;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-font-kerning:1.0pt;
mso-ligatures:standardcontextual;}p.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
{mso-style-priority:34;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.5in;
mso-add-space:auto;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-font-kerning:1.0pt;
mso-ligatures:standardcontextual;}p.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast
{mso-style-priority:34;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.5in;
mso-add-space:auto;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-font-kerning:1.0pt;
mso-ligatures:standardcontextual;}.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}ol
{margin-bottom:0in;}ul
{margin-bottom:0in;}</style>Noreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650800106309671981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355322359801163179.post-2505531417800935742023-12-28T18:33:00.004-05:002023-12-28T18:44:44.652-05:00"To Be or Not to Be?" The Question That Answers Itself<p><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"></b></span></p><p></p><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHSVGShezt1k3bDZI6K5HYp1GS0wr7qfr3JK0VaMFND6MdI3FkOJo148NAPlffYiHBftx5PkgDiiCePzpUPXl8tQcjWGV4WUp0S0y6MsABqPKceoIxP6Y1f-bIu9v88OzU-1AhSbMfGqMhXF-SdvKxiUpJVsnq7nBMpFvYNp0fF8sR05E1U6cauTc-85O/s1280/be-2009202_1280.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="989" data-original-width="1280" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHSVGShezt1k3bDZI6K5HYp1GS0wr7qfr3JK0VaMFND6MdI3FkOJo148NAPlffYiHBftx5PkgDiiCePzpUPXl8tQcjWGV4WUp0S0y6MsABqPKceoIxP6Y1f-bIu9v88OzU-1AhSbMfGqMhXF-SdvKxiUpJVsnq7nBMpFvYNp0fF8sR05E1U6cauTc-85O/s320/be-2009202_1280.png" width="320" /></a></div></i></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>contemplation #2 </i></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Twenty years ago, I chronicled blog posts leading up to my milestone
50<sup>th</sup> Birthday. At that time, I was dreaming about what I was going
to “be when I grow up.” Children off to college, divorce drama quieted, and a
career doing what I considered good work. Life was finally opening for me,
giving me the opportunity to do “all those things” I had planned. </b></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Who knew I would be unceremoniously perp-walked (along with
the majority of the award-winning team I was part of) out of the job I thought
I would have for life. Who knew that seeking a new position would become a
trudge through unanswered applications, waste-of-time interviews, and real
anxiety about bankruptcy and homelessness. I had never in my life not gotten a
job I applied for. The employment world threw water on me, and I melted like the
Wicked Witch of the West. “Oh, what a world!”</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I’m not going to recite the adventures of those intervening
years, except to say, my children grew up to be successful adults (and
parents), I’ve been gainfully employed, (in fact I have three areas of “work”
to keep me busy), and—after suspecting, and being content with a home for just
me and my dog—I found the love of my life. We were committed to each other in
Vegas, at the top of the Stratosphere with enthusiastic onlookers hanging over
the railings of the next floor. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I’m ready to chronicle 2024 to mark a new one-year countdown
to another landmark birthday. I know that I am less interested in what I want
to “be” and more focused on who I “am.” <span> </span>I
am reducing my fixation on distant success landmarks. I am not giving up on any
of the work I love to do, just teaching myself to be more in the present. And
if, in the present, I must backtrack, change my path or forge through a
quagmire, I will do it mindfully.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> It does come as a
surprise that “are you still working?” is a constant query, by medical
professionals, casual acquaintances, and every piece of medical plan
solicitation, “Hurry up! Time is running out!” I know they mean the “enrollment
period,” but it is a reminder that time is running out in a more final way. Of
course, just as in the Wicked Witch’s hourglass timer, the sand starts pouring
the day we are born, and eventually runs out. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">January 1, 2024 is right around the corner. April 7, 2025 is
not that far away. Time to grab that broomstick, because I’ll soon be cruising
somewhere at 70 – whether it is a milestone, steppingstone or stumbling block!</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>©2023 Noreen Braman</i></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5x3l8JfFWkwS46fnrholfifwRqQvZQbraEiLKMZtig35i4LeMRwrXrHk5kYV_cZooShoVwjL-R190Dl7X3hNghzOYZYUxRe9BxUM_tFf1Bvcf4m-93CH4u52LLirdjzsGJaDhx-L2exKmbyyV-ygZ8ABBeP1GmV0js56Wz-KIlnRpPaIzrCs0MgC26jZs/s528/Screenshot%202023-12-28%20at%206.41.28%E2%80%AFPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="272" data-original-width="528" height="82" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5x3l8JfFWkwS46fnrholfifwRqQvZQbraEiLKMZtig35i4LeMRwrXrHk5kYV_cZooShoVwjL-R190Dl7X3hNghzOYZYUxRe9BxUM_tFf1Bvcf4m-93CH4u52LLirdjzsGJaDhx-L2exKmbyyV-ygZ8ABBeP1GmV0js56Wz-KIlnRpPaIzrCs0MgC26jZs/w159-h82/Screenshot%202023-12-28%20at%206.41.28%E2%80%AFPM.png" width="159" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p><style>@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:swiss;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536859905 -1073732485 9 0 511 0;}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-font-kerning:1.0pt;
mso-ligatures:standardcontextual;}.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}</style></p>Noreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650800106309671981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355322359801163179.post-83134524348604714952023-12-28T18:21:00.000-05:002023-12-28T18:21:05.548-05:00“To be, or not to be?” That is the wrong question. <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b><i></i></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgecC5pXYeo2qgXb5Q8BqS8S84jHGLXrXk26eJkRRSTkL8H5W4cWaHuM950IsJCn2YiaWkh1Kuu8Zyny7emMy53c9KkPzC_9mtm4nVrW4d0q-aVgQ8VXSgIb1dVwq-KKYlBLefano9scJvfWKenlCFG64Uv_djVlzjznEYLu8WDDc2DtF0d4BCBBhF_yqz7/s1280/hamlet-62850_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="879" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgecC5pXYeo2qgXb5Q8BqS8S84jHGLXrXk26eJkRRSTkL8H5W4cWaHuM950IsJCn2YiaWkh1Kuu8Zyny7emMy53c9KkPzC_9mtm4nVrW4d0q-aVgQ8VXSgIb1dVwq-KKYlBLefano9scJvfWKenlCFG64Uv_djVlzjznEYLu8WDDc2DtF0d4BCBBhF_yqz7/w275-h400/hamlet-62850_1280.jpg" width="275" /></a></i></b></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i>contemplation #1</i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br />Hamlet’s
question was a contemplation of death. The choice to exist or not exist. One of
the answers is final. The other answer is what leads to my contemplation –
“What happens when you choose ‘to be’?”</i></b></span>
</p><div class="x6s0dn4 xkh2ocl x1q0q8m5 x1qhh985 xu3j5b3 xcfux6l x26u7qi xm0m39n x13fuv20 x972fbf x9f619 x78zum5 x1q0g3np x1iyjqo2 xs83m0k x1qughib xat24cr x11i5rnm x1mh8g0r xdj266r x2lwn1j xeuugli x18d9i69 x4uap5 xkhd6sd xexx8yu x1n2onr6 x1ja2u2z" style="text-align: left;"><div class="x1qjc9v5 x1q0q8m5 x1qhh985 xu3j5b3 xcfux6l x26u7qi xm0m39n x13fuv20 x972fbf x9f619 x78zum5 x1r8uery xdt5ytf x1iyjqo2 xs83m0k x1qughib xat24cr x11i5rnm x1mh8g0r xdj266r x2lwn1j xeuugli x4uap5 xkhd6sd xz9dl7a xsag5q8 x1n2onr6 x1ja2u2z"><div class=""><div class="x78zum5 xdt5ytf xz62fqu x16ldp7u"><div class="xu06os2 x1ok221b"><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x3x7a5m x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1yc453h" dir="auto"></span></span></p><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">In early
childhood, the question starts “What do you want to be when you grow up?” For
some of us a vision of becoming a “grown up,” and all that it entails is a
straight line. Career paths, family choices, carried in our heads as vague
ambitions or firm plans. Others of us take the long and curvy “someday” path, even
sometimes backtracking. In fact, there are people, like me, who spend most of
their lives looking for, working for, or dreaming about what we will BE-come.
Eventually.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I’ve
decided that it is time for me to get off the “someday I’ll be…”
merry-go-round. No, unlike Hamlet, it is not a consideration of death. It is
perhaps inspired by the inevitability of death, creating a pivot point on that
curvy road. Notice to stop waiting for what I am going to be, and concentrating
on what I am – more precisely, who I am.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">At this
moment, who and what I am is an amalgamated construction of all I have
experienced up to today. Wonderful life experiences, heartbreaking trauma.
Family life, professional life, and the puzzle pieces that haven’t quite fit
into the picture, but are still out there on the table.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Recently,
I’ve been exploring my personal strengths, learning about the idea of spending
more time using and improving them, rather that trying to cure my weaknesses.
For 68 years I’ve been hiking up a mountain, waiting to finally get to the top,
the place where I will finally be me. I’ve forgotten to stop, turn around, and
look at how far I have come. How many hills and bumps and icy streams I’ve
passed – and heights I have already reached. And yes, I see the muddy
butt-slide trails where things didn’t go as planned. Even more important than
taking all that in, is feeling what is under my feet, embracing the place where
I am at, and recognizing who, and what I am. Taking that knowledge and those
personal strengths as a new path, a new map, supporting who I am. As long as I
be.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">©2023
Noreen Braman</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p>
<style>@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:swiss;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536859905 -1073732485 9 0 511 0;}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-font-kerning:1.0pt;
mso-ligatures:standardcontextual;}.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}</style></span></div><p></p></div></div></div></div></div>Noreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650800106309671981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355322359801163179.post-26025756215676828162023-12-24T10:33:00.004-05:002023-12-24T11:22:00.672-05:00Here We Come A'Caroling, like it or not!<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMQFts9hLrD7Yzr7rYd90papZvYcAwfLwstLLhVa5Vo2A8kDx5xUa8qYveNlPpAJ-75cdFLFiNIgjJ2hBJ9oeigobNwohNSogS5JWotlNOAJjvE75rUGP34keUU70m9u1TBAwhKDU4dQdbd-X7X6KbgnIJ11p1I1PteJDYqyAWNBHK0nM1Azqpd_KX553K/s1280/christmas-7625951_1280.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMQFts9hLrD7Yzr7rYd90papZvYcAwfLwstLLhVa5Vo2A8kDx5xUa8qYveNlPpAJ-75cdFLFiNIgjJ2hBJ9oeigobNwohNSogS5JWotlNOAJjvE75rUGP34keUU70m9u1TBAwhKDU4dQdbd-X7X6KbgnIJ11p1I1PteJDYqyAWNBHK0nM1Azqpd_KX553K/w640-h426/christmas-7625951_1280.png" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<p></p><p style="margin-left: 0in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.1pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial; line-height: 150%;"><b><i>The year is 2023. <span> </span>On television, a choir is performing a very
entertaining version of The Twelve Days of Christmas. I am smiling at their
wonderful voices and song-related pantomime. Then, they get into the
troublesome part of the song. The part where the number of drummers, pipers,
and lords-a-leaping get mixed up. This version was different from the version I
grew up with.<span> </span>“Bah Humbug!” I thought.
And then, I reminded myself of this, written when my children were young. I don’t
even want to know what they are singing with their own kids this year.<span> </span>Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!</i></b></span></span></p>
<h1 style="margin-left: 0in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.1pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial; line-height: 150%;">Here we Come A’ Caroling</span></span></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="border: medium; line-height: 150%; margin: 6pt 0in 14pt; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.1pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; line-height: 150%;"> After one endures the trauma
and turmoil of divorce, it is hoped that certain life lessons are learned.
Lessons that one vows to never repeat, never tolerate, or never live through
again. Unfortunately, one makes the mistake of thinking that these lessons are
related to huge issues such as trust, money, in-laws and leaving up the toilet
seat. And we vow to discuss these things before ever entering another serious
relationship. However, I am here to tell you that there are other, more subtle
areas of discussion. One of the most important is Christmas Music.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="border: medium; line-height: 150%; margin: 6pt 0in 14pt; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.1pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; line-height: 150%;">Most of us think of Christmas music
as that group of “ho ho ho,” and “fa la la,” songs that permeate the air from
the Fourth of July through January. Pleasant enough, a bit repetitive, and
mostly undistinguished. We hear it on the radio, in the mall, and in the
background of every television commercial – no matter what the product. It
seems that “Christmas Music” is something everyone can agree on – especially in
the home. The Christmas Music stand-off was not a cause of the divorce (or was it?) but it hung over my head as our children grew up.<br /></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="border: medium; line-height: 150%; margin: 6pt 0in 14pt; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.1pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; line-height: 150%;">I never discussed Christmas music
before I got married – he never told me about his, and I never told him about
mine. As we arranged our combined music collection in our newlywed apartment,
we took turns laughing at some of the ridiculous selections we had. Somehow, we
each assumed that those “silly” selections (both his and mine – although
secretly I didn’t think any of my choices were silly) would never be heard
again. We should have been warned: in our now-huge assortment of music, there
were no duplicates. My classical music stood rigidly on the shelf next to his
acid rock. John Denver and Mick Jagger eyed each other suspiciously inside the
cabinet. It was a minor annoyance for months, until our first Christmas
arrived.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="border: medium; line-height: 150%; margin: 6pt 0in 14pt; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.1pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; line-height: 150%;">For me, the holiday is not complete
without songs performed by Perry Como and Johnny Mathis, as well as several
renditions of the Nutcracker. Growing up, I truly believed that the only “real”
Christmas music was on the three albums my mother dusted off every year and
played on her “hi-fi.” In church, I belted out all the English and Latin verses
to “Oh Come All Ye Faithful,” without even glancing in the hymnal. Years later,
I realized that there were a multitude of recordings available, but by then
they just didn’t sound “right.”</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="border: medium; line-height: 150%; margin: 6pt 0in 14pt; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.1pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; line-height: 150%;">However, I soon found out, just the
mention of my favorites would make my husband’s blood pressure rise. Older than
me, he was a true devotee of classic rock and roll. While I was playing big
band classics in my high school jazz band, he was grooving with the flower
children. I should have realized that a Rolling Stones fan would have a
different concept of holiday music, but soon the sound of Yoko Ono warbling in
the house made me want to crush the stereo.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="border: medium; line-height: 150%; margin: 6pt 0in 14pt; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.1pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; line-height: 150%;">Although we had met during the disco
era, and had sentimental feeling about most of that music, the worst thing
forced on me during Christmas was my husband’s collection of obnoxious disco
“medley” recordings. With titles like “High on Christmas,” they featured
holiday songs homogenized into one long-playing disco beat monstrosity.<span> </span>It was fun to hustle with John Travolta and
sing “YMCA” with the Village People, but hearing “Joy to the World” a la Disco
Fever was unbearable.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="border: medium; line-height: 150%; margin: 6pt 0in 14pt; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.1pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; line-height: 150%;">Imagine my surprise to find records
by Mario Lanza! The majestic sound of his voice does justice to any carol. I
thought, finally, my husband was coming to his senses, accepting the “right
sound.” Actually, Mario was a throwback to my husband’s own childhood and his
Italian heritage. I never could get him to admit that Lanza beats Springsteen
any day in the Christmas music department. Unfortunately, Bruce, Yoko and the
disco queens serenaded our holidays for many years.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="border: medium; line-height: 150%; margin: 6pt 0in 14pt; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.1pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; line-height: 150%;">Of course, once we had children, I
vowed to raise them on my holiday music. For years, their father and I raced to
the stereo to make sure they were hearing “real” Christmas music. Of course,
the kids were not listening at all. They were in their rooms, playing “Rainbow
Brite Sings Christmas Favorites.” (Where did that come from?) I’ve already made
a note to have a heart-to-heart talk with their future spouses.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: -0.1pt;"> </p>
<p><style>@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}@font-face
{font-family:Georgia;
panose-1:2 4 5 2 5 4 5 2 3 3;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}@font-face
{font-family:Garamond;
panose-1:2 2 4 4 3 3 1 1 8 3;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:647 2 0 0 159 0;}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
margin-left:-.05pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
mso-para-margin-left:-.01gd;
text-indent:-.05pt;
mso-char-indent-count:-.01;
mso-line-height-alt:.05pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
mso-outline-level:1;
mso-hyphenate:none;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Garamond",serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:Garamond;
mso-bidi-font-family:Garamond;
position:relative;
top:.5pt;
mso-text-raise:-.5pt;}h2
{mso-style-priority:9;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"Body Text Indent 3";
mso-style-link:"Heading 2 Char";
mso-style-next:Normal;
mso-margin-top-alt:auto;
margin-right:0in;
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
margin-left:-.05pt;
mso-margin-top-alt:auto;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
mso-para-margin-left:-.01gd;
text-indent:.3in;
mso-char-indent-count:-.01;
line-height:150%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
mso-outline-level:2;
mso-hyphenate:none;
font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Garamond",serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:Garamond;
position:relative;
top:.5pt;
mso-text-raise:-.5pt;
mso-font-kerning:14.0pt;
mso-ansi-language:#1000;
mso-fareast-language:#1000;
mso-bidi-font-weight:normal;}p.MsoBodyTextIndent3, li.MsoBodyTextIndent3, div.MsoBodyTextIndent3
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-link:"Body Text Indent 3 Char";
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
margin-left:.25in;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
mso-para-margin-left:-.01gd;
text-indent:-.05pt;
mso-char-indent-count:-.01;
mso-line-height-alt:.05pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
mso-outline-level:1;
mso-hyphenate:none;
font-size:8.0pt;
font-family:"Garamond",serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:Garamond;
mso-bidi-font-family:Garamond;
position:relative;
top:.5pt;
mso-text-raise:-.5pt;}span.Heading2Char
{mso-style-name:"Heading 2 Char";
mso-style-priority:9;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-locked:yes;
mso-style-link:"Heading 2";
mso-ansi-font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Garamond",serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Garamond;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-hansi-font-family:Garamond;
mso-bidi-font-family:Garamond;
position:relative;
top:.5pt;
mso-text-raise:-.5pt;
mso-font-kerning:14.0pt;
mso-ligatures:none;
mso-ansi-language:#1000;
mso-fareast-language:#1000;
font-weight:bold;
mso-bidi-font-weight:normal;}span.BodyTextIndent3Char
{mso-style-name:"Body Text Indent 3 Char";
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-locked:yes;
mso-style-link:"Body Text Indent 3";
mso-ansi-font-size:8.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:8.0pt;
font-family:"Garamond",serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Garamond;
mso-fareast-font-family:Garamond;
mso-hansi-font-family:Garamond;
mso-bidi-font-family:Garamond;
position:relative;
top:.5pt;
mso-text-raise:-.5pt;
mso-font-kerning:0pt;
mso-ligatures:none;}.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}</style></p>Noreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650800106309671981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355322359801163179.post-26434867473514573182023-12-22T21:34:00.001-05:002023-12-22T21:34:31.467-05:00The Daughter of Laughter & Chaos<iframe style="background-image:url(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/A3J2X9B_Jsc/hqdefault.jpg)" width="480" height="360" src="https://youtube.com/embed/A3J2X9B_Jsc?si=KAoqMDBihQOM1tXu" frameborder="0"></iframe>Noreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650800106309671981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355322359801163179.post-66132221032005739182023-12-22T15:43:00.004-05:002023-12-22T15:45:56.071-05:00December Solstice -The Longest Night of the Year<p> </p><p class="ember-view reader-content-blocks__paragraph" id="ember589">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRl7jVWLcIeA6hWW5SSCTqTrigr9Uiyfn3E562txjTvUpmxhPdE3ekhyphenhyphenWLSWf2BG90L53_kNVbmdfDD0xl8ALBdT2f_bmq8W3J5JYjjEm2VeXOqalev534-mOMJ8Qqdpgw2U6QOSQ8XrkT8D2vcM9gCTRsKlrxJI7hU4Z6uMyWaXCUPRgMcPdk8e8XAyWH/s1280/solstice-1436685_1280.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="910" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRl7jVWLcIeA6hWW5SSCTqTrigr9Uiyfn3E562txjTvUpmxhPdE3ekhyphenhyphenWLSWf2BG90L53_kNVbmdfDD0xl8ALBdT2f_bmq8W3J5JYjjEm2VeXOqalev534-mOMJ8Qqdpgw2U6QOSQ8XrkT8D2vcM9gCTRsKlrxJI7hU4Z6uMyWaXCUPRgMcPdk8e8XAyWH/w285-h400/solstice-1436685_1280.jpg" width="285" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Tonight is the Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year.
This observation may be one of the oldest events that humans recognized.
At least it was part of ancient systems of telling time by paying
attention to the movements of celestial objects.The Winter Solstice not
only marked the harsh winter season - the time of cold and snow - but
also the reassurance that the light would now be increasing. A reliable
sign that warmth and sunshine would return. It gave hope during a
difficult time of year.
</span></span><p></p>
<blockquote class="ember-view" id="ember590"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span>
<i>For me, the Winter Solstice helps me boost my resilience by
reminding me that difficult times come to our lives with regularity,
just as joyous times do. While dark days seem to arrive unbidden, we can
help ourselves "get through them" by creating and seeking ways to build
our resilience.
</i></span></span></blockquote>
<p class="ember-view reader-content-blocks__paragraph" id="ember591"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span>
As the New Year dawns with a few more minutes of light, let's
resolve to take advantage of that light, by looking for laughter, being
open to friendship and love, and finding appreciation and gratitude on a
daily basis. (remembering that there will be days that the only thing
you may be grateful for is that a difficult day is over, and you are
hopeful for a better day ahead.) With thanks to all of you for supporting
and following me, wishing you happiness in this season of celebrations,
and the gift of laughter in the coming New Year.
</span></span></p>
<p class="ember-view reader-content-blocks__paragraph" id="ember592">
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span>©2023 Noreen Braman<span class="white-space-pre"> </span></span></span>
</p>
<p class="ember-view reader-content-blocks__paragraph" id="ember594">
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><a class="app-aware-link" data-test-app-aware-link="" href="https://mailchi.mp/njlaughter.com/smilesiddecembersolstice2023?e=a1dc3de9dd" target="_blank">Read the rest of the December Solstice Smile Side of Life Newsletter</a></span>
</p>
<p class="ember-view reader-content-blocks__paragraph" id="ember595"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span>
You can also subscribe at:<span class="white-space-pre"> </span><a class="app-aware-link" data-test-app-aware-link="" href="https://www.njlaughter.com" target="_self">www.njlaughter.com</a></span></span>
</p>
<h3 class="mb6 t-sans t-16 t-black">
</h3>Noreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650800106309671981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355322359801163179.post-27943260119769664692023-11-19T10:10:00.002-05:002023-11-19T22:05:40.068-05:00Distance<p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Distance</b></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Bh8x6n0AK1KDTDwnefhA2DMe4ZZErvjPnpoZGQ7FGgseW6vMUG4hz_cs7M_7ya-t5Q9fOmF_DbvehZEo7kukn0Vvo7ikzi3DlUHACa-vEPU_O3ZCY36Ui14Tpt_34hXPybNZKQvA9GlCD3UgphwSl1i30pIHqDLCbTRu9DUfb_gUlxm28ciHt6x9HZFT/s1280/trees-4667860_1280.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Bh8x6n0AK1KDTDwnefhA2DMe4ZZErvjPnpoZGQ7FGgseW6vMUG4hz_cs7M_7ya-t5Q9fOmF_DbvehZEo7kukn0Vvo7ikzi3DlUHACa-vEPU_O3ZCY36Ui14Tpt_34hXPybNZKQvA9GlCD3UgphwSl1i30pIHqDLCbTRu9DUfb_gUlxm28ciHt6x9HZFT/w400-h266/trees-4667860_1280.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b></b></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Not what I dreamed of -<br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">the idealized life paths</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">bathed in golden sunlight</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">surrounded by the diverse ages,</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">treading the same road together</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">close enough to touch, to see, to feel</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">sharing the growing, the changing, </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">the Living.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Instead, Distance creeps in</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">miles, distractions, grudges,</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">physical, ideological, genealogical,</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">togetherness a rarity</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">felt intensely as lifetimes play out</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">slowly, suddenly, painfully, joyfully</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">the hourglass runs until</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">the Loss.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">©2023 Noreen Braman</p>
<p><style>@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:swiss;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536859905 -1073732485 9 0 511 0;}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-font-kerning:1.0pt;
mso-ligatures:standardcontextual;}.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}</style></p>Noreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650800106309671981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355322359801163179.post-32672758240617377862023-11-04T15:01:00.002-04:002023-11-04T15:01:39.446-04:00Quiet Realization<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIerK8KDTRwgii6lWjRrOGTvvLKj6grVCdPIwBfRMKvbGKrfCVXjK6dRSTXvN2PMntAin1EAOhYh0k6mIUCcYuZDyDNJmHwwNIlmRkNH9deV1P3tp2WAauXuvHqgIjvpCX7TUHWcOmK2Ti6gu60gH4jmqmb7hCeCnJaK4tBOmu8hVZUVxBFPypN1Up7NZ8/s1280/let-go-594531_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="989" data-original-width="1280" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIerK8KDTRwgii6lWjRrOGTvvLKj6grVCdPIwBfRMKvbGKrfCVXjK6dRSTXvN2PMntAin1EAOhYh0k6mIUCcYuZDyDNJmHwwNIlmRkNH9deV1P3tp2WAauXuvHqgIjvpCX7TUHWcOmK2Ti6gu60gH4jmqmb7hCeCnJaK4tBOmu8hVZUVxBFPypN1Up7NZ8/s320/let-go-594531_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Quiet Realization</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Today I wrap myself in the blanket of reality</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">no longer pushing it off me</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">allowing myself to embrace the folds</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">of calming warmth, familiar smell,</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">without melancholy, without regret.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Breathing in acceptance,</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">leaving blame behind</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">making no excuse, </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">letting the fog of fantasy</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">lift from my eyes.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">©2023 Noreen Braman</span></p>
<p><style>@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:swiss;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536859905 -1073732485 9 0 511 0;}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-font-kerning:1.0pt;
mso-ligatures:standardcontextual;}.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}</style></p>Noreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650800106309671981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355322359801163179.post-91574380231920132052023-10-21T21:17:00.002-04:002023-10-21T21:17:31.823-04:00Ancient Ceremony of Love<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9aoj_VgMQYz_gq2wNGiXtLunJibdC9wr9biIU9hOXdcSxdZbSDmlHR0u8R12zvD0DHaEZ7nVk1dtyp2ATuucjmlk9z7PbH2UM1-J3XPRacjMJHj_3OEBT_HaVGVLs5jFDtcw6svMg0qTdY55mlnfqWdeqqyN_0KFFgCkE_kXl6efyMtJeYAaFXwcZhrPW/s2000/D217-Handfast-Claddagh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9aoj_VgMQYz_gq2wNGiXtLunJibdC9wr9biIU9hOXdcSxdZbSDmlHR0u8R12zvD0DHaEZ7nVk1dtyp2ATuucjmlk9z7PbH2UM1-J3XPRacjMJHj_3OEBT_HaVGVLs5jFDtcw6svMg0qTdY55mlnfqWdeqqyN_0KFFgCkE_kXl6efyMtJeYAaFXwcZhrPW/w480-h640/D217-Handfast-Claddagh.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Hand-in-hand we honored the past,</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">the days of words given in commitment</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">the symbol of vows joining our hands,</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">our hearts, our spirits, our lives</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">bound together.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Kindred spirits, soul mates, the love of our lives,</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">traveling together the unknown road</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">whether smooth and level or rocky and steep,</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">step by step, side by side, year after year,</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Bound together.</span></p>
<p><style>@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:swiss;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536859905 -1073732485 9 0 511 0;}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-font-kerning:1.0pt;
mso-ligatures:standardcontextual;}.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}</style></p>Noreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650800106309671981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355322359801163179.post-43465893285737790472023-10-21T21:06:00.000-04:002023-10-21T21:06:00.935-04:00Grief, Laughter & the Amygdala<p> </p><h1 class="text-display-large-bold pt6" dir="ltr">
<span data-scaffold-immersive-reader-title=""><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4MCS7po9k-jBJmDJ2xeQZXUO4gq-eYUrZ4UTMDfb0f9zRpgfaDRRzl6P6OpmELi_2NMp_zOT6ywI4uwtkd2llEDJ1Rmimv9RA6KVg8gAm4wx2EcnTW4RbGpp4EUUYxE25OJM2ygPUhgwHHcv2pApFydccnGr5NJmoFsDTWkDku-By-x3rfeDlKqb47wFL/s1280/dirt-road-1789903_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="925" data-original-width="1280" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4MCS7po9k-jBJmDJ2xeQZXUO4gq-eYUrZ4UTMDfb0f9zRpgfaDRRzl6P6OpmELi_2NMp_zOT6ywI4uwtkd2llEDJ1Rmimv9RA6KVg8gAm4wx2EcnTW4RbGpp4EUUYxE25OJM2ygPUhgwHHcv2pApFydccnGr5NJmoFsDTWkDku-By-x3rfeDlKqb47wFL/w640-h462/dirt-road-1789903_1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></span></h1><div class="relative reader__grid mt6">
<div class="reader-author-info__container">
<div class="display-flex align-items-center justify-space-between">
<div class="artdeco-entity-lockup artdeco-entity-lockup--size-4 ember-view" id="ember5204">
<div class="reader-author-info__content artdeco-entity-lockup__content ember-view" id="ember5208">
<div class="reader-author-info__author-lockup--flex artdeco-entity-lockup__title ember-view" id="ember5209">
<a class="ember-view reader-author-info__meta-name align-items-center" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/smilesideoflife/" id="ember5210">
</a><h4><a class="ember-view reader-author-info__meta-name align-items-center" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/smilesideoflife/" id="ember5210"><h2 class="reader-author-info__text reader-author-info__name t-16 t-bold reader-author-info__meta-author-detail--has-hover mr2" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #2b00fe;">The Smile Side of Life Laughter & Happiness Club</span>
</h2></a></h4><a class="ember-view reader-author-info__meta-name align-items-center" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/smilesideoflife/" id="ember5210">
</a>
</div></div></div></div></div>
<div class="mv5">
</div></div><div class="mv5">
</div>
<p class="ember-view reader-content-blocks__paragraph" id="ember5212">
<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">At first, the laughter at my mom's funeral seemed inappropriate.
And yet, as friends and relatives shared numerous memories, we found
ourselves smiling, and yes, laughing. Sometimes, laughing with tears.
</span></p>
<p class="ember-view reader-content-blocks__paragraph" id="ember5213"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">
Later, as a member of the Association for Applied &
Therapeutic Humor, I learned how important laughter is in the grieving
process. In the midst of our pain we search our memories for happy
images of our loved ones. "This is how I want to remember them," you
might say. You may not realize that your brain, particularly your
amygdala, is a warehouse of memories - both of happiness and trauma.
Bringing those happy memories forward and reminiscing with friends and
family doesn't dishonor your grief. In fact, Rose Kennedy described her
grief as never really going away, but that it gets covered with a scar.
Happy memories and laughter can help that process.
</span></p>
<p class="ember-view reader-content-blocks__paragraph" id="ember5214"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">
Several years ago, I brought what would become "Taking a
Laughter Break for the Health of It," to a group of parents whose
children were suffering from addiction issues. Some of the parents had
lost that child, and were intensely grieving.
</span></p>
<p class="ember-view reader-content-blocks__paragraph" id="ember5215"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">
I led them gently through laughter exercises, giving them
permission to laugh for the health of it, to release feel-good hormones,
to boost their resilience, and feel safe doing so. After the class, a
number of people thanked me and I felt like I had helped them a bit.
</span></p>
<p class="ember-view reader-content-blocks__paragraph" id="ember5216"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">
However, as I approached my car, one of the moms stopped me. She
had tears rolling down her face, and was sobbing. Immediately I felt
that I must have done something wrong in the presentation and hadn't
helped her feel relief. As I started to apologize, she reached out,
grabbed my hand, and said, "No, no! These are happy tears! This is the
first time I have laughed since we lost our son. And now I am
remembering how funny he was, how he made us laugh. Especially during
the holidays. I wasn't going to decorate this year, but I will now,
remembering how my son enjoyed it."
</span></p>
<p class="ember-view reader-content-blocks__paragraph" id="ember5217"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">
Then, we shared happy tears together.
</span></p>Noreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650800106309671981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355322359801163179.post-3877139095240710372023-05-09T22:49:00.004-04:002023-05-09T22:49:50.901-04:00Post Poetry Month 2023<p>
</p><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSwdnrPSLxFL8b5HY-VtO1eNT_0WBzh5A4m41VkekO0mmPSAdRJp2-aEhbzmJtG0cfrK6MLrVVjS_VCafokUyyw6F3zjac1190wXXY6oM0xqOLyHOMrvUibsNL9nNnrMrYmpKM0_LCrfLWCzNmT_j5bmI1_zXRBrjg9l4jTRSkDKn3Q0fgweDw6gm0YQ/s1920/flower-g0de8d48c5_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1007" data-original-width="1920" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSwdnrPSLxFL8b5HY-VtO1eNT_0WBzh5A4m41VkekO0mmPSAdRJp2-aEhbzmJtG0cfrK6MLrVVjS_VCafokUyyw6F3zjac1190wXXY6oM0xqOLyHOMrvUibsNL9nNnrMrYmpKM0_LCrfLWCzNmT_j5bmI1_zXRBrjg9l4jTRSkDKn3Q0fgweDw6gm0YQ/w640-h336/flower-g0de8d48c5_1920.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> </b></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-family: verdana;">Sliding</b></h1>
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: normal;">seeing
it, feeling it:</span></h2>
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: normal;">slipping,
sagging, leaning, lagging -</span></h2>
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: normal;">falling
out, calling out:</span></h2>
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: normal;">failing,
slowing, trailing, going -</span></h2>
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: normal;">down
the icy, frozen path from which none return.</span></h2><h4 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: normal;"> ©2023 Noreen Braman</span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></h4>
<p><style>@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:swiss;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536859905 -1073732485 9 0 511 0;}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-font-kerning:0pt;
mso-ligatures:none;}div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}</style></p>Noreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650800106309671981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355322359801163179.post-64872284333309467052023-04-27T19:03:00.001-04:002023-04-27T19:03:21.979-04:00NAPOWRIMO April 27, 2023<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span>
</p><h4 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>I’ve
missed quite a few NAPOWRIMO days, but today, while at the AATH (Association
for Applied & Therapeutic Humor) Conference I was inspired by an
opportunity to follow my own advice.</i></span></h4><h4 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i> </i></span></h4><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><i><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">Today’s
disaster can be tomorrow’s funny story.</span></b></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><i><b><span style="font-family: verdana;"> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Noreen Braman</span></b></i></p><h4 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i> </i></span></h4>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p>
<h1 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5_C9UDsAkbEtspfwXnzTaZRWaVczS7yUyO95YjMVbZrK_swr-DFn2AHm0h0H2CbiJEcDTq7UqdSRbm16_up5hkHSJSBZqddRjrZhWYqsKgj7FnZn6LLSSOg8R1CqxgWEt8YuycOHFNv79B8yGA0kEk36oqgC2RtgP3V8ZGg9KX0G80xSFJUamMcsDNw/s1280/wet-gc5951247f_1280.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1269" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5_C9UDsAkbEtspfwXnzTaZRWaVczS7yUyO95YjMVbZrK_swr-DFn2AHm0h0H2CbiJEcDTq7UqdSRbm16_up5hkHSJSBZqddRjrZhWYqsKgj7FnZn6LLSSOg8R1CqxgWEt8YuycOHFNv79B8yGA0kEk36oqgC2RtgP3V8ZGg9KX0G80xSFJUamMcsDNw/w396-h400/wet-gc5951247f_1280.png" width="396" /></a></div><br /></span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Powerpoint
Disaster </span></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">There
was thunder and lightning in my presentation.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">No,
really, it was a sound file</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Carefully
placed and timed, I thought,</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">To
enhance the Laughter Lightning Round.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">But
Zeus was feeling disrespected</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">how
dare I use lightning for humor</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Only
he can control its form.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And
that is why lightning flashed</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">and
thunder roared</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">at
all the wrong times</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">in
my 4-minute speech</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">that
was rewarded with smiles and laughter,</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">instant
reframing of a disaster</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">turning immediately into humor.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">©2023 Noreen Braman <br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p>
<p><style><span style="font-family: verdana;">@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:swiss;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536859905 -1073732485 9 0 511 0;}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-font-kerning:0pt;
mso-ligatures:none;}div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}</span></style></p><br />Noreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650800106309671981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355322359801163179.post-40075223123216171362023-04-19T00:06:00.001-04:002023-04-19T00:06:19.317-04:00NAPOWRIMO April 16, 2023<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik3q80uFh0HzkHBX_1AkJs2dUdQNfJ-TkvkiJLPWIgBcGFBiDAxrOeOJ6iW8TdiqMI0VLSEuFOE5WUQu_9EqO3d3gLsoy-C-TzseSJbQDhh9G9sDyqerA14v4N-5pwfux3Hae5PClOADikQO7CnNUQvL_MgEuihp_V0Nq5C5ewo5ah3qTiOU5vk0E9bA/s1920/love-g062c575bb_1920.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik3q80uFh0HzkHBX_1AkJs2dUdQNfJ-TkvkiJLPWIgBcGFBiDAxrOeOJ6iW8TdiqMI0VLSEuFOE5WUQu_9EqO3d3gLsoy-C-TzseSJbQDhh9G9sDyqerA14v4N-5pwfux3Hae5PClOADikQO7CnNUQvL_MgEuihp_V0Nq5C5ewo5ah3qTiOU5vk0E9bA/w640-h426/love-g062c575bb_1920.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<p></p><h1 style="text-align: left;">Another Day to Die</h1>
<h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Death lurks in the closet, in the attic, on top of the refrigerator, in a
locked case with glass doors.</span></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Death takes the children playing, in the classroom, on the street, sleeping
in bed, watching a road race.</span></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Death creeps behind a candy store trip, rains down over city and farm,
ambushes from behind a patio door, in the middle of a birthday party, during a
chat outside a home.</span></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Death meets children betrayed, abused, stalked, ignored – absorbing breath
and closing eyes, taking more killed by man. than nature. </span></h4>
<span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">©2023Noreen Braman</span>
<p><style>@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:swiss;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536859905 -1073732485 9 0 511 0;}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}p
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-margin-top-alt:auto;
margin-right:0in;
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";}.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}</style></p>Noreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16650800106309671981noreply@blogger.com0