tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70338084462765502962024-03-13T17:08:32.960-06:00 Rebecca Green Gasper BlogRebecca Green Gasper, Author, Speaker, PhotographerRebecca Green Gasperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14487755367578898689noreply@blogger.comBlogger224125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033808446276550296.post-79041922684019202602017-10-19T10:33:00.000-06:002017-10-19T10:36:04.689-06:00Bullying, Body Image, and Eating DisordersStudies have shown that bullying can have a negative effect on self-image and body-image. I don't think we need a study to tell us that. Mean words, teasing about weight, comments about image...all of this will lead anyone to question his/her image.<br />
<br />
We do that anyway. We question if we are pretty, thin, nice, good...enough. We question what people think anyway. We don't need someone else to tell us.<br />
<br />
We don't like our hips. Our tummy is too fat. Our butt too round. We grip about our hair. We don't like our...the list goes on and on. Each of us has something we are self conscious about. We each have something that we dwell on.<br />
<br />
But...if we get bullied because of it. Bullied about our hips, our tummy, our butt...<br />
<br />
We can question it even more. We stop feeling good enough. And maybe, just maybe the best way to fix it is to get thinner. To slim those hips. Tighten that belly. Firm that butt.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7wVExU-cGa4ac7dXJQ1mvboLCuNeJqktIyhpLmbcegFMWG8V8DGuqyL0_LhyphenhyphenhZb6-nBDAK90hzf2hS0EC3NHU1zMFe2vENU-C8bAFmOfQis3ifcmt87qxspd5e1X7OCbbL547aGdcsh4/s1600/stopbullying.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="968" data-original-width="1200" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7wVExU-cGa4ac7dXJQ1mvboLCuNeJqktIyhpLmbcegFMWG8V8DGuqyL0_LhyphenhyphenhZb6-nBDAK90hzf2hS0EC3NHU1zMFe2vENU-C8bAFmOfQis3ifcmt87qxspd5e1X7OCbbL547aGdcsh4/s320/stopbullying.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(photo courtesy web)</span></div>
<br />
The tragedy of bullying.<br />
<br />
Bullying can and will destroy self-esteem and damage body image. This can lead a teen (or adult) to develop an eating disorder.<br />
<br />
Eating disorders are serious. It's not just a diet. It's not just about trying to eat better. An eating disorder is an obsession. And it can be fatal.<br />
<br />
An eating disorder describes a serious condition in which one has irregular eating habits and severe distress. Bulimia, anorexia, binge eating, over-eating, chew and spit, are all some of the different types of eating disorders.<br />
<br />
We are all susceptible to bullying. We are all susceptible to eating disorders. If you or someone you know has the signs and symptoms...get help. Reach out to someone you know and trust. Find help.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyocWB-QEXwXcBMylBMsGiVnw3QWiOOAk0JN6puogSH4_BJs0pvctPsYYWWMh2DKjeTOvBm_1Hw4X0b6liO3HWftUPhclW4ZT_ZdTu8k7sU50CIX1ir-j5Xvumgi2s_FKbb0KPMEMkfF8/s1600/octbullymo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyocWB-QEXwXcBMylBMsGiVnw3QWiOOAk0JN6puogSH4_BJs0pvctPsYYWWMh2DKjeTOvBm_1Hw4X0b6liO3HWftUPhclW4ZT_ZdTu8k7sU50CIX1ir-j5Xvumgi2s_FKbb0KPMEMkfF8/s1600/octbullymo.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
October is National Bullying Prevention Month<br />
<br />
Best to all, BeccaRebecca Green Gasperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14487755367578898689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033808446276550296.post-8017430904220432012017-09-19T09:59:00.000-06:002017-09-19T10:00:31.741-06:00 It's Still September so Let's Keep Raising Awareness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimpR0JPl8w1Ttx3qc21F7ET3lOesB9gd-mFQROSsRs9Kw9tEx-Ug8VSzl6hag5Qzcr_g-9YoGlNfnCfyfjC5a7tyRZz_dB8LS00i3G1MSHBFfL5y6IPGVIXATbjuLSp5mbvSnJ4A3Kd8I/s1600/2017-SP-Week-head-Banner-Month-J.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="518" data-original-width="1600" height="103" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimpR0JPl8w1Ttx3qc21F7ET3lOesB9gd-mFQROSsRs9Kw9tEx-Ug8VSzl6hag5Qzcr_g-9YoGlNfnCfyfjC5a7tyRZz_dB8LS00i3G1MSHBFfL5y6IPGVIXATbjuLSp5mbvSnJ4A3Kd8I/s320/2017-SP-Week-head-Banner-Month-J.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-family: , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Even though there is only a week and a half left in the month of September, it is still important to keep the conversation going. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among teens between the ages of 15 and 24. Prevention by raising awareness will help decrease the rate and save lives. Don't be afraid to have the conversation. Don't be afraid to get help. </span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-family: , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"></span><br />
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-family: , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-family: , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-family: , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
While suicide prevention is important to address year-round, Suicide Prevention Awareness Month provides a dedicated time to come together. We can all benefit from the conversation. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9dNZhDZg6oQ72xd1Mhn0by2lyoDdRygBTUOA_Ofloxakl1G4gGOMtmUHlOBCnNnT6yql5Ta0sLYcGirF8AqUheLCy60E6d0F4RgqnjCKddezLCyxZfGrIQnWjkZJj_1UfuafyV71PDfM/s1600/suicide+banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="174" data-original-width="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9dNZhDZg6oQ72xd1Mhn0by2lyoDdRygBTUOA_Ofloxakl1G4gGOMtmUHlOBCnNnT6yql5Ta0sLYcGirF8AqUheLCy60E6d0F4RgqnjCKddezLCyxZfGrIQnWjkZJj_1UfuafyV71PDfM/s1600/suicide+banner.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-family: , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #353535; font-family: , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">One conversation can change a life.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #353535; font-family: , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<h2 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #353535; font-family: MuseoSlab-700, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 28px; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 30px; margin: 20px 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; text-transform: capitalize;">
Know The Warning Signs</h2>
<ul style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #353535; font-family: ProximaNova-Regular, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 11px; margin-top: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; max-height: 1e+06px;">Threats or comments about killing themselves, also known as suicidal ideation, can begin with seemingly harmless thoughts like “I wish I wasn’t here” but can become more overt and dangerous</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; max-height: 1e+06px;">Increased alcohol and drug use</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; max-height: 1e+06px;">Aggressive behavior</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; max-height: 1e+06px;">Social withdrawal<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; max-height: 1e+06px;"> </strong>from friends, family and the community</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; max-height: 1e+06px;">Dramatic mood swings</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; max-height: 1e+06px;">Talking, writing or thinking about death</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; max-height: 1e+06px;">Impulsive or reckless behavior</li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="color: #353535; font-family: , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">(from <a href="https://www.nami.org/suicideawarenessmonth)">https://www.nami.org/suicideawarenessmonth)</a></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h2 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #353535; font-family: MuseoSlab-700, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 28px; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 30px; margin: 20px 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; text-transform: capitalize;">
Know How To Get Help</h2>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #353535; font-family: MuseoSlab-700, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; text-transform: capitalize;">
Crisis Resources</h3>
<ul style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #353535; font-family: ProximaNova-Regular, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 11px; margin-top: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; max-height: 1e+06px;">If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; max-height: 1e+06px;">911</strong> immediately.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; max-height: 1e+06px;">If you are in crisis or are experiencing difficult or suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Hotline at <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; max-height: 1e+06px;">1-800-273 TALK (8255)</strong></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; max-height: 1e+06px;">If you’re uncomfortable talking on the phone, you can also text <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; max-height: 1e+06px;">NAMI to 741-741 </strong>to be connected to a free, trained crisis counselor on the Crisis Text Line.</li>
</ul>
<h3 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #353535; font-family: MuseoSlab-700, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; max-height: 1e+06px; text-transform: capitalize;">
</h3>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaRVKYK8GtUec2uKlkEFRFT7X8s3dmzL8ZcoovRL2jB-1QFLSPUtlV5qnI2Y8nWgQayTlnIE-JkPkxqHoKxuuBsM0Lhrx1b694yoUrOjTcsmhNsISnoulKHJNgEg48iZOpNN9ysW_4YdA/s1600/everyones+buis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="170" data-original-width="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaRVKYK8GtUec2uKlkEFRFT7X8s3dmzL8ZcoovRL2jB-1QFLSPUtlV5qnI2Y8nWgQayTlnIE-JkPkxqHoKxuuBsM0Lhrx1b694yoUrOjTcsmhNsISnoulKHJNgEg48iZOpNN9ysW_4YdA/s1600/everyones+buis.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
Suicide is hard to talk about but the conversations need to be had. How do you start the conversation? Do you know the warning signs?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Best, Becca</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Rebecca Green Gasperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14487755367578898689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033808446276550296.post-1486371832180943182017-04-25T10:07:00.000-06:002017-04-25T10:07:56.661-06:0013 Reasons Why Controversy Is Netflix's (and Jay Asher's) <i>13 Reasons Why</i> too controversial to show on TV? Many experts think yes, and many others think it should be mandatory viewing for young teens.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I heard about this Netflix's show from a friend. Her teen and his friends were all watching it, and the show was the center of their daily chatting. She decided she needed to sit down and binge watch it to see what they were all talking about it. In passing, she had mentioned it to me. I had not yet heard of this show, however, <i>13 Reasons Why</i> by Jay Asher is one of my favorite books, and I have read and reread it many times. So I was more than curious. I had to look it up. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here is the description of both the show and the book:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4nqvQXoqxZad1jvLlGBiJUdNaprIaxtO1vnkkVE1XkJY6LRVdtr1g-ba3caoNifDMQ-BJfcyWpqfd0PG0xF50jj65q2J6VhP1JRHjShkizKPeY9gkq5IY0pQHUsSDy0aVN9tq3TvQKXc/s1600/13+book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4nqvQXoqxZad1jvLlGBiJUdNaprIaxtO1vnkkVE1XkJY6LRVdtr1g-ba3caoNifDMQ-BJfcyWpqfd0PG0xF50jj65q2J6VhP1JRHjShkizKPeY9gkq5IY0pQHUsSDy0aVN9tq3TvQKXc/s200/13+book.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<div>
<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">You can’t stop the future. </i></div>
<div>
<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">You can’t rewind the past.</i><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">The only way to learn the secret . . . is to press play.</i><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a strange package with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers several cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker—his classmate and crush—who committed suicide two weeks earlier. Hannah's voice tells him that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out why. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Clay spends the night crisscrossing his town with Hannah as his guide. He becomes a firsthand witness to Hannah's pain, and as he follows Hannah’s recorded words throughout his town, what he discovers changes his life forever.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXJYyfOvkl5GhtmSbkDks10H3JvnP18DfBGbNZ_4K4KF0Xd59HM-gbi-S1ca7ZXEmJdgaLutZb7R1dzRR3DJ_RMwYH0Y5my4SWQ92IupFqFb7XiQSwh7zQxHHnWxkFhkKCKzjpn1M3HTc/s1600/13+movie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXJYyfOvkl5GhtmSbkDks10H3JvnP18DfBGbNZ_4K4KF0Xd59HM-gbi-S1ca7ZXEmJdgaLutZb7R1dzRR3DJ_RMwYH0Y5my4SWQ92IupFqFb7XiQSwh7zQxHHnWxkFhkKCKzjpn1M3HTc/s200/13+movie.jpg" width="135" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Newcomer Katherine Langford plays the role of Hannah, a young woman who takes her own life. Two weeks after her tragic death, a classmate named Clay finds a mysterious box on his porch. Inside the box are recordings made by Hannah -- on whom Clay had a crush -- in which she explains the 13 reasons w</span><span class="_dgc" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">hy she chose to commit suicide. If Clay decides to listen to the recordings, he will find out if and how he made the list. This intricate and heart-wrenching tale is told through Clay and Hannah's dual narratives.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And the movie trailer:<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JebwYGn5Z3E" width="560"></iframe><br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
I am intrigued. And very interested in how they brought Jay Asher's book to life on the television screen. And beyond that, I am curious on how they presented the difficult issue of suicide. The book is based primarily on the topic.<br />
<br />
This show has created an uproar...<br />
<br />
Many experts are concerned and feel this program will result in suicide contagion. <i>(<b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Suicide contagion</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> is the exposure to </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">suicide</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> or </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">suicidal</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> behaviors within one's family, one's peer group, or through media reports of </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">suicide</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> and can result in an increase in </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">suicide</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> and </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">suicidal</b></i><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"><i> behaviors.)</i> They feel it will cause vulnerable teens to end their lives. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">While many others are saying it will help start the ever-hard conversation of suicide and bring to the surface the tough issue of depression and bullying. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Which side is right? Do we avoid these issues? Does making a TV show like this bring to light these types of concerns? Or does something like this make it worse?</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;">I have never shied away from the tough issues. I think it is important to bring to light difficult situations and always feel that books, movies, and shows are a great way to start the conversation. I do know, however, that glorifying tough issues can and will result in a contagion. Should this stop us from seeing or letting our teens see this show? I have not yet seen this show. I can not speak to how this show may or may not glorify the topic of suicide. I do love the book and feel it is a great conversation starter. I strongly feel that a conversation must be had, regardless of how difficult it is for us. I think avoiding these issues will make it worse, not better. And maybe, just maybe a book or show like this will save a life, not destroy one. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;">This is a very controversial issue, however. And one most people would prefer to avoid. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;">What are your thoughts??? Would you let your teen see this show? How do you talk about tough issues with your teen or your friends?</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;">Let me know in the comments below. I would love to hear from you.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;">Best, Becca</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">For more information h</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">ere is a great article from CNN on the controversy </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2017/04/25/health/13-reasons-why-teen-suicide-debate-explainer/" target="_blank">http://www.cnn.com/2017/04/25/health/13-reasons-why-teen-suicide-debate-explainer/</a></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Rebecca Green Gasperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14487755367578898689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033808446276550296.post-42924453905061188032017-02-01T10:28:00.000-07:002017-02-01T10:28:05.651-07:00February is...Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglO82eIGfhDp7IFo1PbiNJsb3nC_UYGoa4SbrNniB50r0fzNgoOy-KtBXX3Tv8L3Wz4C0PrACxfBtHngLM09ORu9kBEDgSHbHYUa8lXwRUV8F1sP2dZLK4Vl0Ui8sXBRJc17mZ64EdOM8/s1600/tdm2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglO82eIGfhDp7IFo1PbiNJsb3nC_UYGoa4SbrNniB50r0fzNgoOy-KtBXX3Tv8L3Wz4C0PrACxfBtHngLM09ORu9kBEDgSHbHYUa8lXwRUV8F1sP2dZLK4Vl0Ui8sXBRJc17mZ64EdOM8/s200/tdm2.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Although we should be talking about this all year young...February is a good place to start.<br />
<br />
It's teen dating violence awareness month. The statistics are overwhelming...1 in 3 teens are victims. And sometimes we have no idea how to talk about it. As adults, we need to spark a conversation. As a teen, we need to talk to others about what's right and wrong in our lives and relationships. And now's a good a time as any!<br />
<br />
Start by talking about healthy relationships...Ask the question--What is a healthy relationship?<br />
<br />
It can be hard to even answer that question, but this is a great place to start. Ask questions and determine what a healthy relationship means to you, to your teen, to your friends. Then build from there.<br />
<br />
Throughout the month, I will be covering healthy relationships in more detail. We will talk about signs of an unhealthy relationship. I will share information on how to spot signs and how to get help.<br />
<br />
Make sure you keep coming back throughout the month for fun facts, important information, and fun contests and give-a-ways!!!!<br />
<br />
<br />
And while you are at it, join in and help raise awareness on this serious issue.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAxUbbIGU3iY0m50y7j9Fem6dPPPwn1m7ms4mcDXrgBNdPk5fq56ryymVstetBuzadzYKz9moOkD08qoOsm77zPDIa54tH6Lwz0JzV6IKgEQzYwgtKzQ9EyQEFNwcXu61u0nP9JI7Fssc/s1600/tdm1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAxUbbIGU3iY0m50y7j9Fem6dPPPwn1m7ms4mcDXrgBNdPk5fq56ryymVstetBuzadzYKz9moOkD08qoOsm77zPDIa54tH6Lwz0JzV6IKgEQzYwgtKzQ9EyQEFNwcXu61u0nP9JI7Fssc/s1600/tdm1.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
It's important to get involved. Join <a href="http://loveisrespect.org/">Loveisrespect.org</a> throughout the month...<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3 style="background-color: white; border: 0px rgb(225, 225, 225); box-sizing: border-box; color: #080808; font-family: "Open Sans", HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.1em; margin: 0.75em 0px 8px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
How Can You Get Involved? (From <a href="http://loveisrespect.org/">loveisrespect.org</a>)</h3>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px rgb(225, 225, 225); box-sizing: border-box; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: "Open Sans", HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 0.85em; margin-top: 0.85em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
There are lots of ways you can join the conversation and help raise awareness about dating violence! Mark your calendars for our events:</div>
<ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px rgb(225, 225, 225); box-sizing: border-box; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: "Open Sans", HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: outside; margin: 0px 0px 20px 7px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px rgb(225, 225, 225); box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 0px 1em; padding: 3px 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px rgb(225, 225, 225); box-sizing: border-box; color: #fc7114; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Feb. 8</strong>: “Love is Respect, Online and Off!” Twitter chat at 6:30 p.m. CT. Cohosted by <a href="http://www.thatsnotcool.com/" style="border: 0px rgb(225, 225, 225); box-sizing: border-box; color: #fc7114; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">That’s Not Cool</a>! Follow <strong style="border: 0px rgb(225, 225, 225); box-sizing: border-box; color: #fc7114; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">#teendvchat</strong> to join.</li>
<li style="border: 0px rgb(225, 225, 225); box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 0px 1em; padding: 3px 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px rgb(225, 225, 225); box-sizing: border-box; color: #fc7114; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Feb. 13-17</strong>: Respect Week! Download our Respect Week Guide on the <a href="http://www.loveisrespect.org/resources/teendvmonth" style="border: 0px rgb(225, 225, 225); box-sizing: border-box; color: #fc7114; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Teen DV Month page</a> for event and activity ideas.</li>
<li style="border: 0px rgb(225, 225, 225); box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 0px 1em; padding: 3px 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px rgb(225, 225, 225); box-sizing: border-box; color: #fc7114; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Feb. 14</strong>: On Valentine’s Day, we wear <strong style="border: 0px rgb(225, 225, 225); box-sizing: border-box; color: #fc7114; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">#orange4love</strong>! Let us know you’ll be wearing orange on our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/2211493259076813/" style="border: 0px rgb(225, 225, 225); box-sizing: border-box; color: #fc7114; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Facebook event page</a>, and be sure to share your pics with us!</li>
<li style="border: 0px rgb(225, 225, 225); box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 0px 1em; padding: 3px 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px rgb(225, 225, 225); box-sizing: border-box; color: #fc7114; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Feb. 15</strong>: ”Let’s Talk About Respect + Sex, Baby” Twitter chat at 7 p.m. CT. Follow <strong style="border: 0px rgb(225, 225, 225); box-sizing: border-box; color: #fc7114; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">#teendvchat</strong> to join.</li>
<li style="border: 0px rgb(225, 225, 225); box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 0px 1em; padding: 3px 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px rgb(225, 225, 225); box-sizing: border-box; color: #fc7114; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Feb. 17</strong>: National Respect Announcement. <a href="https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/52197-national-respect-announcement" style="border: 0px rgb(225, 225, 225); box-sizing: border-box; color: #fc7114; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Join our Thunderclap</a> and help spread the message that everyone deserves a healthy relationship!</li>
<li style="border: 0px rgb(225, 225, 225); box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 0px 1em; padding: 3px 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px rgb(225, 225, 225); box-sizing: border-box; color: #fc7114; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Feb. 23</strong>: Join our webinar, “Teens Helping Teens: Empowering Young People to Support Each Other” at 3:30 p.m. CT. During this webinar, aimed at adult allies (educators, parents, programs, organizations), we’ll be discussing tips and strategies for empowering young people to support one another. <a href="https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8044988422072321539" style="border: 0px rgb(225, 225, 225); box-sizing: border-box; color: #fc7114; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Register here</a>!</li>
</ul>
Hope to see you joining in!<br />
<br />
Come back here for more information and fun give-a-ways throughout the month<br />
<br />
Best,<br />
<br />BeccaRebecca Green Gasperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14487755367578898689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033808446276550296.post-48814445704572700832017-01-16T11:51:00.000-07:002017-01-16T11:51:28.700-07:00Stalking Happens in Teens, Too<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieTb6qL0YfIvxUJYpItxlOwCN2cotxVPJxa7XqpY2wzYBZWZtVjKGAMoFKGsxvo9AIXLwMRY5NAWqYbFvDS7IYpwYt-lpGD3BmFz1uV11asGaB16W97fpXPdc42Nizw8lxa2aJPHOuvfA/s1600/stalking1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieTb6qL0YfIvxUJYpItxlOwCN2cotxVPJxa7XqpY2wzYBZWZtVjKGAMoFKGsxvo9AIXLwMRY5NAWqYbFvDS7IYpwYt-lpGD3BmFz1uV11asGaB16W97fpXPdc42Nizw8lxa2aJPHOuvfA/s1600/stalking1.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
January is National Stalking Awareness Month. So let's take a moment and talk about stalking...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmlln5IwfHQtxuD42FzWp7IUNgUPkIJHKUUfhdHxecPEc0LJUiUje6OU9tBsUuksV0kEUU_b7e4rKeSnMTo-vt1Y_i752oDB0wkq8ffrIA1OVRsx1UKpnlkuISbVzFCBxaRAKi3jfVrKA/s1600/stalking2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmlln5IwfHQtxuD42FzWp7IUNgUPkIJHKUUfhdHxecPEc0LJUiUje6OU9tBsUuksV0kEUU_b7e4rKeSnMTo-vt1Y_i752oDB0wkq8ffrIA1OVRsx1UKpnlkuISbVzFCBxaRAKi3jfVrKA/s320/stalking2.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Facts- As many as 1 in 7 teens have been a stalking victim. 18-25 year olds experience the most amount of stalking than any other age group. Stalking is commonly done by someone the victim knows?<br />
<br />
<br />
First off, what is stalking?<br />
<br />
Stalking is defined as a pattern of behavior directed at a specific person that would put a reasonable person in fear.<br />
<br />
Stalking can occur in person, at school, in public, and online.<br />
<br />
You are being stalked if a person repeatedly watches you, follows you, harasses you, or makes you feel unsafe. A stalker can be someone you know such as a friend or an ex or current boy/girlfriend.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPcs4mirUBiTi53LDvkdSMApMj7fAe3MyB2KBd-zgB4bo0kbZj9GehPEK7hq0ykrnsBXOTg-VIbbYyq_rOaD3vuCaYZQw3PkXmM0ipZ7WWRWno51Hy2SChyphenhyphenMuzlxochsAxLJIw_7bZ3To/s1600/stalking3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPcs4mirUBiTi53LDvkdSMApMj7fAe3MyB2KBd-zgB4bo0kbZj9GehPEK7hq0ykrnsBXOTg-VIbbYyq_rOaD3vuCaYZQw3PkXmM0ipZ7WWRWno51Hy2SChyphenhyphenMuzlxochsAxLJIw_7bZ3To/s1600/stalking3.jpg" /></a></div>
If you are being stalked get help. Call 911 if you are in immediate danger. Save all texts, posts and other evidence. Let others know, including an adult or teacher. Get professional help. Obtain a protection order.<br />
<br />
For more information check out <a href="http://loveisrespect.org/">loveisrespect.org</a> and <a href="http://stalkingawarenessmonth.org/about">http://stalkingawarenessmonth.org/about</a><br />
<br />
Be safe!<br />
<br />
Best,<br />
BeccaRebecca Green Gasperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14487755367578898689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033808446276550296.post-26283373308522677812017-01-05T22:11:00.001-07:002017-01-05T22:11:35.520-07:00A New Year, A New Road, and a Million Goals to Get There<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIoE7XxK1acrqILXBsEcoWsCaj0A2X4suK9qzGJz9EBjU5kNx8QBIZdwENj32gx1u15q-V4W994ATTHMh-njqvnWJo-dRrVhR88H_OJGLaAOfXhCpVRZBgise0TQt0Dr_EvolkdVc5w64/s1600/20150802_135218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIoE7XxK1acrqILXBsEcoWsCaj0A2X4suK9qzGJz9EBjU5kNx8QBIZdwENj32gx1u15q-V4W994ATTHMh-njqvnWJo-dRrVhR88H_OJGLaAOfXhCpVRZBgise0TQt0Dr_EvolkdVc5w64/s320/20150802_135218.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Well, it's a new year. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I hope to find new adventures down new roads. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And I hope to reach new heights through new goals. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm ready for a new start.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cheers to what's to come.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And a big thank you to all that's been.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's to wishing you all good luck on your new adventures.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Best, Becca</div>
Rebecca Green Gasperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14487755367578898689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033808446276550296.post-16600466198353525402016-12-05T10:20:00.000-07:002016-12-05T10:20:30.719-07:00Get Your Read On for ChristmasI love this time of year and all the wonderful books out there to read.<br />
<br />
And I now have a new favorite Christmas book from my most favorite person ever.<br />
<br />
This story is so darn cute and amazing, and the pictures are bright and beautiful! Make sure you order your copy today. And pick some up for friends, too. I think they will love it.<br />
<br />
Inflatable, Santa's Secret Army<br />
By: Sara Gurule<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrf3mOnqJCjiSwhdkJs71CJ2k5MSKLkOcdQg9bUUyzFNYgfiyNrdbjCnRG-kV1jyMFSpwHFEtMl7eSHPB5puOvhE6bBKysDRf8tqpWY5Vj1FSisXzYMM7CjxpKqxDQZPCwWv7Igi_LJ-M/s1600/inflatables.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrf3mOnqJCjiSwhdkJs71CJ2k5MSKLkOcdQg9bUUyzFNYgfiyNrdbjCnRG-kV1jyMFSpwHFEtMl7eSHPB5puOvhE6bBKysDRf8tqpWY5Vj1FSisXzYMM7CjxpKqxDQZPCwWv7Igi_LJ-M/s320/inflatables.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">When old man Tubbs sets out to stop Santa's Christmas Eve landing, an unlikely group prepares for battle. Santa's secret army, the Inflatables, are tasked every year with protecting Christmas. Perched on lawns and disguised as decorations they must foil Tubbs plan before it's too late. If they fail they risk there being no Christmas at all.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
Buy it now in either paperback or ebook at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Inflatables-Sara-Gurule/dp/1681395940/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1480956263&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=sara+g+inflatables">Amazon.com</a><br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
Happy Holidays,<br />
Becca<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Rebecca Green Gasperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14487755367578898689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033808446276550296.post-69725239220478285002016-11-29T13:42:00.001-07:002016-11-29T13:42:26.374-07:00#givingtuesdayGiving Tuesday is a global event that falls on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving in the US. It is fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. Check out https://www.givingtuesday.org/ for more information.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Give</div>
<div>
Create</div>
<div>
Community</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Take time today and kick of the season of giving by donating to a charity or clause close to your heart. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGhPLSoT6AlxEkgcfP7p_kUNsXM4IYKIv7F_mV0LGoO9u1mc4otaSzDRAn_Fc0o4Ze2luVvWpnKxueU5U-9B2CUmWDqxz_1zEkLB1zS7SyiwmXnVo9flq1QNXJNK9k69lOyOFeoVXn3-g/s1600/givintues.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGhPLSoT6AlxEkgcfP7p_kUNsXM4IYKIv7F_mV0LGoO9u1mc4otaSzDRAn_Fc0o4Ze2luVvWpnKxueU5U-9B2CUmWDqxz_1zEkLB1zS7SyiwmXnVo9flq1QNXJNK9k69lOyOFeoVXn3-g/s320/givintues.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Rebecca Green Gasperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14487755367578898689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033808446276550296.post-58811649805221123932016-11-11T10:50:00.003-07:002016-11-11T10:50:46.361-07:00In Honor of Veterans DayThank you to all Veterans for their sacrifices. I am grateful for my freedom. God Bless!<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfOnomJFbZQwtVnDqi8M2xLP1p1qZu5X_6PuQxvDe0wvosg2M0rT5-YaMdVI0nd2zascFpHPlAAsH6bT6dJo5mu3Yi-z7C0urlbnIr4NryHnYkViJrQhLkUxXg2x3jWmHlJfL9tjQiL2Y/s1600/IMG_3425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfOnomJFbZQwtVnDqi8M2xLP1p1qZu5X_6PuQxvDe0wvosg2M0rT5-YaMdVI0nd2zascFpHPlAAsH6bT6dJo5mu3Yi-z7C0urlbnIr4NryHnYkViJrQhLkUxXg2x3jWmHlJfL9tjQiL2Y/s320/IMG_3425.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /><div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Rebecca Green Gasperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14487755367578898689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033808446276550296.post-67390666968742931332016-11-03T10:05:00.000-06:002016-11-03T10:05:11.665-06:00Timeless by Crystal Collier<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvfJTSIJQ8b-941XidTklmHH09cJigMxGgKlQhllspv-gWwxOojofr9qyjy0TF-hoA7cZohugxnVHPQ2PbOK4yV64qTRM-Bw8oHIxbymDqNg9d85jrR3NQCXGlhT-oxwMbMTVrfUbXZ4/s1600/Timeless-Banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="color: #9966cc; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvfJTSIJQ8b-941XidTklmHH09cJigMxGgKlQhllspv-gWwxOojofr9qyjy0TF-hoA7cZohugxnVHPQ2PbOK4yV64qTRM-Bw8oHIxbymDqNg9d85jrR3NQCXGlhT-oxwMbMTVrfUbXZ4/s400/Timeless-Banner.png" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-size: medium;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span><span style="color: magenta; font-size: medium;"><b><u>Introducing Timeless by Crystal Collier!</u></b></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif;">I'm so excited to announce Crystal Collier's new book in the Maiden of Time Series! On sale now at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Timeless-Maiden-Time-Book-3-ebook/dp/B01LWCZGCH/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8">Amazon.com</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif;">Here is Timeless!!!! Go buy it now!!!!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 14.85px;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaCmbFkrqdAXSacxvBdC7CTKAG0ffpVmgD_wiqP6xDAitPBmu2zgSh0Ya54wzzEx-4aKkEGIhN8K4TdS2RjvPTVLlVSs3GARIVW0FuaVs94_pDR8a7ZMb_uR5GCT7MW0BDxFfd8-ZzJFk/s1600/Timeless+Web.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #9966cc; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaCmbFkrqdAXSacxvBdC7CTKAG0ffpVmgD_wiqP6xDAitPBmu2zgSh0Ya54wzzEx-4aKkEGIhN8K4TdS2RjvPTVLlVSs3GARIVW0FuaVs94_pDR8a7ZMb_uR5GCT7MW0BDxFfd8-ZzJFk/s320/Timeless+Web.png" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="200" /></a><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Title:</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> TIMELESS<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Author:</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Crystal Collier<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Publisher:</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Raybourne Publishing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Series:</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Maiden of Time, #3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Publication:</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> November 1, 2016<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Category:</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Young Adult (YA)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Genre:</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Paranormal Historical<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span><b style="font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">
<b> </b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Alexia races against her own clock, and the birth of her child, to stop the Soulless from existing.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">TIME IS THE ENEMY</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;">
<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">In 1771, Alexia had everything: the man of her dreams, reconciliation with her father, even a child on the way. But she was never meant to stay. It broke her heart, but Alexia heeded destiny and traveled five hundred years back to stop the Soulless from </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1KzvrBFcOQtAZ9LGF6Xa5L8Ucsps0bLhUNX2BG325bu96WXElQVBKhkGrFuyjkO8uKdMiLB4v1DxTvUf_FCUH3T2QI97_eUImAF312cHKaCEZjkpTp1X0jmHA9e8NzvwE0WkqpQjbIEw/s1600/TimelessPrint.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #9966cc; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1KzvrBFcOQtAZ9LGF6Xa5L8Ucsps0bLhUNX2BG325bu96WXElQVBKhkGrFuyjkO8uKdMiLB4v1DxTvUf_FCUH3T2QI97_eUImAF312cHKaCEZjkpTp1X0jmHA9e8NzvwE0WkqpQjbIEw/s320/TimelessPrint.png" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="color: purple; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">becoming.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;">
<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">In the thirteenth century, the Holy Roman Church has ordered the Knights Templar to exterminate the Passionate, her bloodline. As Alexia fights this new threat—along with an unfathomable evil and her own heart—the Soulless genesis nears. But none of her hard-won battles may matter if she dies in childbirth before completing her mission.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;">
<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;">
<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: purple;">Can Alexia escape her own clock?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: purple;">The first two books in the series are available now at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Crystal-Collier/e/B00FCA7IBW/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1478131918&sr=8-1">Amazon.com</a></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPIEoEy-nffD7QWE66pdO4KUKyOgkfWJADQBLKNcIH6_GrY5D7cEO0lGVGxojgUIPkA7VWdtmEVLOpGyWY0Ux996Q_oq5mt6ythTGVdmQ4yqqHuQ5ljUNjw-WoKgmaA_PGgwoxn_36ew/s1600/covermoonless.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPIEoEy-nffD7QWE66pdO4KUKyOgkfWJADQBLKNcIH6_GrY5D7cEO0lGVGxojgUIPkA7VWdtmEVLOpGyWY0Ux996Q_oq5mt6ythTGVdmQ4yqqHuQ5ljUNjw-WoKgmaA_PGgwoxn_36ew/s200/covermoonless.gif" width="125" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4bF7cQ4S8EGJnuuyt3t2zJV0YigPDdOVDwo-umP0kBrYdQjL1ztCjK9tx-ZK-QTr7yO_sj3Cng87IfKRKPiLDDNxBLDoLeoXuFQu18avFWCg8STCKBBVSYihtikNLFRFd8c1K7BVqBhY/s1600/WebSoulless.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4bF7cQ4S8EGJnuuyt3t2zJV0YigPDdOVDwo-umP0kBrYdQjL1ztCjK9tx-ZK-QTr7yO_sj3Cng87IfKRKPiLDDNxBLDoLeoXuFQu18avFWCg8STCKBBVSYihtikNLFRFd8c1K7BVqBhY/s200/WebSoulless.jpg" width="125" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_QpvU-EALErxy2_NARBDQ7ff7FzR3Q84MD7OUg9Vh_qfKxmSde_TleRwcjT0GzC7Aj2pP79IjrrrFFF5oMxaFXLBWyJqpAQIyTPQyVTK_P5oxNsPEZPCxrNHHpBQ58E3rkOp2U7pdHU/s1600/Croppedsmaller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #9966cc; float: left; font-size: 14.85px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_QpvU-EALErxy2_NARBDQ7ff7FzR3Q84MD7OUg9Vh_qfKxmSde_TleRwcjT0GzC7Aj2pP79IjrrrFFF5oMxaFXLBWyJqpAQIyTPQyVTK_P5oxNsPEZPCxrNHHpBQ58E3rkOp2U7pdHU/s1600/Croppedsmaller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #9966cc; float: left; font-size: 14.85px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_QpvU-EALErxy2_NARBDQ7ff7FzR3Q84MD7OUg9Vh_qfKxmSde_TleRwcjT0GzC7Aj2pP79IjrrrFFF5oMxaFXLBWyJqpAQIyTPQyVTK_P5oxNsPEZPCxrNHHpBQ58E3rkOp2U7pdHU/s1600/Croppedsmaller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #9966cc; float: left; font-size: 14.85px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_QpvU-EALErxy2_NARBDQ7ff7FzR3Q84MD7OUg9Vh_qfKxmSde_TleRwcjT0GzC7Aj2pP79IjrrrFFF5oMxaFXLBWyJqpAQIyTPQyVTK_P5oxNsPEZPCxrNHHpBQ58E3rkOp2U7pdHU/s1600/Croppedsmaller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #9966cc; float: left; font-size: 14.85px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_QpvU-EALErxy2_NARBDQ7ff7FzR3Q84MD7OUg9Vh_qfKxmSde_TleRwcjT0GzC7Aj2pP79IjrrrFFF5oMxaFXLBWyJqpAQIyTPQyVTK_P5oxNsPEZPCxrNHHpBQ58E3rkOp2U7pdHU/s1600/Croppedsmaller.jpg" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="145" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><b><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.5333px;"></span></b></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><b><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.5333px;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><b><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.5333px;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><b><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.5333px;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><b><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.5333px;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><b><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.5333px;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><b><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.5333px;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><b><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.5333px;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><b><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.5333px;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><b><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.5333px;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><b><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.5333px;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><b><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.5333px;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><b><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.5333px;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><b><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.5333px;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;">
<b style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.5333px;"></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="display: inline !important; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;">
<b style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.5333px;"><b style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.5333px;"><br /></span></b></span></b></div>
<b style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.5333px;">
</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;">
<b style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.5333px;"></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="display: inline !important; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;">
<b style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.5333px;"><b style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.5333px;">Crystal Collier is an eclectic author who pens clean fantasy/sci-fi, historical, and romance stories with the occasional touch of humor, horror, or inspiration. She practices her brother-induced ninja skills while teaching children or madly typing about fantastic and impossible creatures. She has lived from coast to coast and now calls Florida home with her creative husband, four littles, and “friend” (a.k.a. the zombie locked in her closet). Secretly, she dreams of world domination and a bottomless supply of cheese. You can find her on her </span><a href="http://crystalcollier.blogspot.com/" style="color: #9966cc; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.5333px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">blog</a>,<span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.5333px;"> </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/crystalcollierauthor" style="color: #9966cc; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.5333px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Facebook</a><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.5333px;">, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7073992.Crystal_Collier" style="color: #9966cc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>, or follow her on </span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/crystalcollier1" style="color: #9966cc; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.5333px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Twitter</a><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.5333px;">.</span></b></span></b></div>
<b style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.5333px;">
</span></b></div>
</span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><b><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.5333px;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><b><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.5333px;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><b><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.5333px;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><b><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.5333px;">To see more of the blog tour check out Crytal's website at <a href="http://crystalcollier.blogspot.com/">crystalcollier.blogspot.com</a></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Enjoy!</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Best to all, </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Becca</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><b><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.5333px;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><b><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.5333px;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><b><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.5333px;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><b><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.5333px;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
Rebecca Green Gasperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14487755367578898689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033808446276550296.post-59246620251348635602016-10-03T16:19:00.001-06:002016-10-03T16:19:19.236-06:00Stand Up, Speak Up, Stomp Out BullyingOctober brings the change of seasons, but it also brings up National Bullying Awareness and Prevention Month. School and organizations everywhere join in and raise awareness on bullying.<br />
<br />
<br />
Did you know???<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #459fdb; font-family: changa-one, sans-serif; font-size: 48px; line-height: 58px; text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #459fdb; font-family: changa-one, sans-serif; font-size: 48px; line-height: 58px; text-align: center;">160,000</span><br />
<div class="clearfix colelem" id="u2421-4" style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px solid transparent; clear: both; display: inline; float: left; font-family: glegoo, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; line-height: 29px; margin: 8px 0px 0px; min-height: 36px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center; transform-origin: left top 0px; width: 282px; z-index: 103;">
<div style="background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px solid transparent; max-height: 1e+06px; padding: 0px; transform-origin: left top 0px;">
Kids stay home each day to escape bullying</div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
During October, take the time to raise awareness and spread the word.<br />
<br />
The month starts with Wear Blue day on October 3rd. Even if you missed it today, it's not too late to pull on a blue shirt and raise awareness.<br />
<br />
The week of October 10th- Make a new friend. Ask someone you don't know to sit with you at lunch or hang out after school. Be a leader and take action. Don't let isolation consume you or someone else.<br />
<br />
The week of October 17th- Stand up for others. If you see someone being bullied, stand up and speak out. If you don't feel safe, find an adult.<br />
<br />
The week of October 24th- Raise awareness by speaking to others, sharing stories on social media, holding a function, or many other. Creating awareness is one speak closer to ending the epidemic of bullying.<br />
<br />
Let's stand up, speak up and stomp out bullying! Together we can all make a difference.<br />
<br />
<br />
A great organization dedicated to prevention and awareness of bullying:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.stompoutbullying.org/index.php/campaigns/national-bullying-prevention-awareness-month/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV5K-Ov0pInInGeqDWbSdUD3f4ZBMgN6LeEEYGANGbZ_v6qAVulP5EU1_5pPGiaO4JuXBMUYmTV_XdYuzcb5SBY-8qWnSyTd9lHRtuxCQB5YMIQWyxEMaweOzD6tDNIGcBRvQb3-d0XpE/s1600/stompout.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is one of my favorites organizations dedicated to prevention and awareness on bullying. Make sure you take the time to see all they do. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.standforthesilent.org/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSgB10cFqiYEF1jy1e6g8wwSDWLysLW3_-QVex59Xpw15blFvonkAbasTdgyuus2c_W3d1ycITv5xiAHOLpG5I-IpE3lZjxinx69-B_BhOIhWWf_2EpvNsCKqNC0TRRdX3Aqj2pcwPOwk/s320/ssl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
from Stand for the Silent: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: ubuntu, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 22px; text-align: justify;">Founded in 2010, Stand for the Silent has fast become one of the leading and most effective anti-bullying organizations. Our mission is simple: bring awareness to bullying and the real devastation it causes.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: ubuntu, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 22px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: ubuntu, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 22px; text-align: justify;">Stand For The Silent runs solely off of </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: ubuntu, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 22px; text-align: justify;">generous donations</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: ubuntu, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 22px; text-align: justify;"> from those who support our mission. We could not do what we do without each and every one of your giving and caring hearts. We encourage you to </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: ubuntu, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 22px; text-align: justify;">get involved</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: ubuntu, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 22px; text-align: justify;"> in SFTS, in whatever capacity you can. There is nothing too big or small. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: ubuntu, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 22px; text-align: justify;">Stand with us</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: ubuntu, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 22px; text-align: justify;"> and help us change the world!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: ubuntu, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 22px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;">Remember: We can each make a difference!</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;">Join me in stomping out bullying.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;">Best to all,</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;">Becca</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Rebecca Green Gasperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14487755367578898689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033808446276550296.post-78484619513209573292016-09-13T10:28:00.000-06:002016-09-13T10:28:23.762-06:00One Conversation Can Change a LifeSeptember is suicide prevention and awareness month. And it is so important to start a conversation and help promote resources and awareness on the prevention of suicide. It is important to learn how to talk about this sensitive issue without increasing harm.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCwIQfsjCYg6xR3uzqraq0ZxdMbBK6Q38XpGeBfIMOLZU5LwWSlqSB2xvzvZ_igK7G81RiNfmQ3Qu8XuQjY42kjrCfQQCMKYcFuyAyb4eGWWEPj5OifvD56qmA3bPWcZYl4-bkxJyFFQk/s1600/suicide+prevention+month.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCwIQfsjCYg6xR3uzqraq0ZxdMbBK6Q38XpGeBfIMOLZU5LwWSlqSB2xvzvZ_igK7G81RiNfmQ3Qu8XuQjY42kjrCfQQCMKYcFuyAyb4eGWWEPj5OifvD56qmA3bPWcZYl4-bkxJyFFQk/s320/suicide+prevention+month.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Mental illness can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, race, religion. The effects can leave one feeling lost and alone and without help. But it is okay to get help. Without help individuals are left vulnerable.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62CZI6Iw5hbsQdvxkQJBs6-DMAVLt-xYlD_rwMKQu1w9octHJqOKswUhqIpM9Ho3K4f_6l_UisOKvd9OR3KFnfRDQR5aU_Btw2QnevW1PyKMTbGPGU3AOMBdd4aWEgSXU3EccughmGb4/s1600/suicide+is+preventable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62CZI6Iw5hbsQdvxkQJBs6-DMAVLt-xYlD_rwMKQu1w9octHJqOKswUhqIpM9Ho3K4f_6l_UisOKvd9OR3KFnfRDQR5aU_Btw2QnevW1PyKMTbGPGU3AOMBdd4aWEgSXU3EccughmGb4/s1600/suicide+is+preventable.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Suicide is the third leading cause of death in the US. It is so important to know the warning signs and when and how to get help.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Warning signs:<br />
<br />
<li style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 22.8571px; max-height: 1e+06px;">Threats or comments about killing themselves, also known as suicidal ideation, can begin with seemingly harmless thoughts like “I wish I wasn’t here” but can become more overt and dangerous</li>
<li style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 22.8571px; max-height: 1e+06px;">Increased alcohol and drug use</li>
<li style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 22.8571px; max-height: 1e+06px;">Aggressive behavior</li>
<li style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 22.8571px; max-height: 1e+06px;">Social withdrawal<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; max-height: 1e+06px;"> </strong>from friends, family and the community</li>
<li style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 22.8571px; max-height: 1e+06px;">Dramatic mood swings</li>
<li style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 22.8571px; max-height: 1e+06px;">Talking, writing or thinking about death</li>
<li style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 22.8571px; max-height: 1e+06px;">Impulsive or reckless behavior</li>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 22.8571px;"><a href="http://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-Conditions/Related-Conditions/Risk-of-Suicide" target="_blank">- See more at: http://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-Conditions/Related-Conditions/Risk-of-Suicide#sthash.BpriPCWz.dpuf</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 22.8571px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 22.8571px;">It is important to know when to get help. But most importantly if you or you think someone you know is suffering, please reach out immediately. Prevention is the best cure.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 22.8571px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 22.8571px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 22.8571px;">Some great organizations to get help:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 22.8571px;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://afsp.org/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="72" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggLKFEx3ISZhZDfyTzkJK1EDPEr4fflov84wq0f7-3L0h4qgtNXu8QmjvvuZOGCqbOJlnP3R9ZKiSqPyGGqWhKtv8G-9F_CLdg1t2cvs6Msg1AXKgOZtcklB7qLb_C4PKN_FbDGD6mNRo/s320/afsp+logo.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://towloha.org/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhViYTolOQGTem7s51hSilxBVi-08Wzox_vN50eOxAnrxhdJi3V9X407aZGb34vRwBiyuRGYIAx5amV5leGfraVYdyWwD-3VcGiA7QADoYR55u7aKu1WUX70EN_aDTddVObh7KEc1WacfE/s1600/toloha+logo.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.nami.org/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5GeDnRCpKv4oRduc5hZwvg_bFvJCOrjo57qSNLRfuMD-o_pfYNX59prOv2dX4mfYsBB0tT2FgkK4eMWf-OLzqMMDmSXuAgWUBYpzd1abvu-jyiZUSBHpAYgWVSdjZ9IkjCTyReeJATZA/s1600/nami+logo.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Take a minute and share what you know. Awareness on such a serious issue is important. We need to learn how to talk about these tough issues so we can all join in on preventing them.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Best to all,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Becca</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 22.8571px;"><br /></span>Rebecca Green Gasperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14487755367578898689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033808446276550296.post-85632674896675774192016-09-02T12:00:00.003-06:002016-09-02T12:00:40.732-06:00Saying Goodbye to SummerSo Labor Day is here. Officially it is a holiday in which we celebrate the dedication of social and economic advancements of the American worker. Unofficially, though, it is the end of summer. I know, I know, summer doesn't really end until September 22 when the fall solstice comes upon us. However, by Labor Day all the local pools shut down, our summer camping gear gets packed up, the RVs return to their storage lot, the days are shorter and cooler, and almost all kids have returned to school.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Don't get me wrong, I like fall--I like fall a lot. Especially in Colorado. The leaves turn a beautiful shade of yellow, orange, and red. The air gets crisp and cool. And most of all, things start to die off and my allergies calm down a bit. (I'm actually looking forward to that this year...what a season and the first freeze really helps with that. It also helps kill all the bugs...which is nice) Regardless of how much I love the fall, I always feel sad when this time of year comes. I love summer, and I mean LOVE summer.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZUtW6SwVJ5MD0k48c66BpVWVvuRpG6uRQq7jxEMwnSdoqnxmDY3ljv4IKQl4ECmDcapgXoxAx51h6S3lwUWboHkjKeK-lSgvXzRLdxKkOt4ae_U67AkUMph6l4Ii8wS0V8IpW6OyzJ8/s1600/20160729_121825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZUtW6SwVJ5MD0k48c66BpVWVvuRpG6uRQq7jxEMwnSdoqnxmDY3ljv4IKQl4ECmDcapgXoxAx51h6S3lwUWboHkjKeK-lSgvXzRLdxKkOt4ae_U67AkUMph6l4Ii8wS0V8IpW6OyzJ8/s400/20160729_121825.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Summer brings warmth and longer days. And I like to fill those days with fun outdoor activities. I know that in Colorado you can be outdoors almost all year long, but there is something about being able to just sit outside and not have to bundle up. In summer, there are concerts at the park, picnics, swimming, neighborhood parties. (Where in the winter, everyone snuggles up inside their own homes on those long, dark evening.) I love hanging out back and having a fire and roasting marshmallows with my family. And I love to hike. I hike in the winter, but in the summer I don't have to worry about how many layers to wear...a pair of shorts and a tee works just fine. And of course, I love to take the top of my jeep and go for mountain drives.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Summer makes me happy. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
So here we are...Labor Day has come around and I have must say goodbye to my favorite season and all the fun things I love to do during it...like hiking, rafting, swimming, biking, etc. And I have to put the top back on the jeep...bummer.</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBnkWTQj_XsmtXjvN-b9vBP72vZuBOo6jjiHFACAkDB8Oqu0UvnzIMHyIHcDBAOxt38shHajJJ59EiWiHQbrUz1LA15ntbndB6858JJfGRR5VJrRTLQLvbkRDPvFwY9vu-vcsYVt3uGU/s1600/20160902_115104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBnkWTQj_XsmtXjvN-b9vBP72vZuBOo6jjiHFACAkDB8Oqu0UvnzIMHyIHcDBAOxt38shHajJJ59EiWiHQbrUz1LA15ntbndB6858JJfGRR5VJrRTLQLvbkRDPvFwY9vu-vcsYVt3uGU/s200/20160902_115104.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
I'll embrace the upcoming seasons...I always do. But for now--Goodbye Summer! I'll miss ya until next year.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Happy Labor Day to all. Enjoy your weekend! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Best to you all,</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Becca</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Rebecca Green Gasperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14487755367578898689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033808446276550296.post-53956473182009769702016-08-25T07:00:00.000-06:002016-08-25T07:00:07.300-06:00Introducing...Piper MorganA new series by Stephanie Faris. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I highly recommend checking out Stephanie Faris' latest books. Piper Morgan is a great read and perfect for ages 6-9 years old. What a wonderful series to introduce to elementary age girls. Both books were funny and cute. The characters were adorable and easy to relate to. And I loved the little facts throughout the stories, very informative and interesting with a spice of mystery. I also loved the illustrations. I can't wait to see more of Piper Morgan. This is going to be a great series for young girls to get hooked on.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The first two books in the Piper Morgan series are on sale now at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=piper+morgan&rh=n%3A283155%2Ck%3Apiper+morgan" target="_blank">Amazon</a>. Make sure you head on over and get your copies now! You won't regret it.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnxklP2pgOeD3jZQbUmc8BXxl8ojY_U-Xt0OSI1WPNqPW2tG4GqS07kGX4FJENS0pYUA-awjju1nRZOZ6f76zGY50hGkqS_F06w_U2uk-JNvjpo7C2KF9WPkCwBpFQyHmM0CeZe3cDP-k/s1600/pipermorgan1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnxklP2pgOeD3jZQbUmc8BXxl8ojY_U-Xt0OSI1WPNqPW2tG4GqS07kGX4FJENS0pYUA-awjju1nRZOZ6f76zGY50hGkqS_F06w_U2uk-JNvjpo7C2KF9WPkCwBpFQyHmM0CeZe3cDP-k/s1600/pipermorgan1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: start;">When Piper Morgan and her mom have to move, Piper is sad to leave her friends behind, but excited for the new adventures coming her way. Her mom is looking for the perfect place for her and Piper to settle down, and dives into a series of odd jobs.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: start;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: start;">Mom’s first job? An assistant to the head of the Big Top Circus. And Piper is excited to learn she will be a part of The Little Explorers, a group made up of the circus workers’ kids. They may be small in size, but they play a big part in the circus, as they kick-off the big elephant routine in the show.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: start;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: start;">But during Piper’s debut as a Little Explorer, her high kicks and pointed toes don’t go quite as planned—and after causing a dance disaster, she has to prove to everyone—especially queen of the Little Explorers, Lexie—that she belongs in the spotlight.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizuxdYmIB2jF9V3L-2tp40r62gA0Xrzu-UFz1gyeULtpvTrBd0QwUZyOi5BuZSAvMQsV2pEcjUfQOtKL5HqIhA6VjZLQI7QzjIUnZoQWwyAX2IpbnfW5q6AakX8dZnpYR3qxJpCzfRzBQ/s1600/pipermorgan2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizuxdYmIB2jF9V3L-2tp40r62gA0Xrzu-UFz1gyeULtpvTrBd0QwUZyOi5BuZSAvMQsV2pEcjUfQOtKL5HqIhA6VjZLQI7QzjIUnZoQWwyAX2IpbnfW5q6AakX8dZnpYR3qxJpCzfRzBQ/s1600/pipermorgan2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: start;">Piper and her mother take on another new adventure in the second book of the brand-new Piper Morgan series.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: start;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: start;">After saying good-bye to her circus friends, Piper Morgan and her mom are on the move again, this time returning to mom’s hometown and to Piper’s beloved grandmother’s house after Piper’s mom takes a job in the local elementary school principal’s office. Piper is excited for a new school and new friends—and is thrilled when she is made an “office helper.” But there is one girl who seems determined to prove she is a better helper than Piper—and she just so happens to be the principal’s daughter. Can Piper figure out how to handle being the new girl in town once more?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipG7_NLAMq-OvxRSAxP-p7XyNIxYQA1ZHys__LmmFLoVa8MquYWinL-qIVfQiZEA6UD7Yu8NYLiKSiVUA7ir7j1ekiMvTf6UnFQzGQCkVoBh7fnDQjz6TvJ_lyw6L7PCv-tIz8UutNfPQ/s1600/stephfaris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipG7_NLAMq-OvxRSAxP-p7XyNIxYQA1ZHys__LmmFLoVa8MquYWinL-qIVfQiZEA6UD7Yu8NYLiKSiVUA7ir7j1ekiMvTf6UnFQzGQCkVoBh7fnDQjz6TvJ_lyw6L7PCv-tIz8UutNfPQ/s1600/stephfaris.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #7a7c84; line-height: 30px; text-align: start;">Stephanie Faris knew she wanted to be an author from a very young age. In fact, her mother often told her to stop reading so much and go outside and play with the other kids. After graduating from Middle Tennessee State University she somehow found herself working in information technology. But she never stopped writing. When she isn’t crafting fiction, Stephanie is indulging her gadget geek side by writing for online technology sites. Her work is regularly featured on a wide variety of blogs and websites, both </span><a href="https://stephaniefaris.com/freelance-writing/" style="background-color: white; box-shadow: 0px 1px 0px 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #2c313f; line-height: 30px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">under her own name</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #7a7c84; line-height: 30px; text-align: start;"> and as a ghostwriter. She lives in Nashville with her husband, Neil.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #7a7c84; line-height: 30px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #7a7c84; line-height: 30px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Find out more at <a href="http://stephaniefaris.com/">stephaniefaris.com</a></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Enjoy!!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Best to all,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Becca</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Rebecca Green Gasperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14487755367578898689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033808446276550296.post-72747198036844699562016-08-23T07:13:00.001-06:002016-08-23T07:13:26.458-06:00An Awesome Debut Novel from Mark NoceExciting news!<br />
<br />
Today is release day for Mark Noce's debut novel <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Between-Two-Fires-Mark-Noce-ebook/dp/B01BBXEZL4/ref=sr_1_1_twi_kin_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1471957396&sr=8-1&keywords=mark+noce" target="_blank">Between Two Fires</a>. What an amazing read. Mark has written a wonderful story centered around medieval times. His characters are well developed and believable. The story is highly engaging and hard to put down. I highly recommend this book. Mark Noce is definitely on my awesome list!<br />
<br />
You can pick it up today at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Between-Two-Fires-Mark-Noce-ebook/dp/B01BBXEZL4/ref=sr_1_1_twi_kin_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1471957396&sr=8-1&keywords=mark+noce" target="_blank">Amazon</a>. Don't wait. Get your copy now!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoEY3NmsFv9rz50fDhnGdCnaBnqRDIbJ8DA8nn_P6NpemQMvnBzRkHbIS5oAWIlNvj-22H4-chrRq4PDJQTph5clxOdcXo-5MMB8p8DGX6qIES_eAYAwVonk7sPygoqSOIulw0GWKrc6A/s1600/mark+noce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoEY3NmsFv9rz50fDhnGdCnaBnqRDIbJ8DA8nn_P6NpemQMvnBzRkHbIS5oAWIlNvj-22H4-chrRq4PDJQTph5clxOdcXo-5MMB8p8DGX6qIES_eAYAwVonk7sPygoqSOIulw0GWKrc6A/s320/mark+noce.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px; margin-bottom: 14px; padding: 0px;">
Saxon barbarians threaten to destroy medieval Wales. Lady Branwen becomes Wales' last hope to unite their divided kingdoms when her father betroths her to a powerful Welsh warlord, the Hammer King. But the fledgling alliance is fraught with enemies from within and without as Branwen becomes the target of assassination attempts and courtly intrigue. A young woman in a world of fierce warriors, she seeks to assert her own authority and preserve Wales against the barbarians. But when she falls for a young hedge knight named Artagan, her world threatens to tear itself apart.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px; margin-bottom: 14px; margin-top: -4px; padding: 0px;">
Caught between her duty to her people and her love of a man she cannot have, Branwen must choose whether to preserve her royal marriage or to follow her heart. Somehow she must save her people and remain true to herself, before Saxon invaders and a mysterious traitor try to destroy her.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px; margin-bottom: 14px; margin-top: -4px; padding: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWqsYN1OweZ99m8ziEd2y3iL1oH7IWecwjHoQVUfDEyYueCLXfYCsWWU-STtqaCXYxXPtGEuxHyhB8XZj1BfbL3UK-PBqe_xYbGnZN4fWyNGUnASWkErxvLNKFggerK_CMf-uPDW3IKYw/s1600/photo+mark+noce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWqsYN1OweZ99m8ziEd2y3iL1oH7IWecwjHoQVUfDEyYueCLXfYCsWWU-STtqaCXYxXPtGEuxHyhB8XZj1BfbL3UK-PBqe_xYbGnZN4fWyNGUnASWkErxvLNKFggerK_CMf-uPDW3IKYw/s1600/photo+mark+noce.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">MARK NOCE writes historical fiction with a passion. Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, he has been an avid traveler and backpacker. He earned his BA and MA from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, where he also met his beautiful wife. By day, he works as a Technical Writer, having spent much of his career at places like Google and Facebook. He also writes short fiction online. When not reading or writing, he's probably listening to U2, sailing his dad's boat, or gardening with his family. He is the author of</span><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Between Two Fires.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Between-Two-Fires-Mark-Noce-ebook/dp/B01BBXEZL4/ref=sr_1_1_twi_kin_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1471957396&sr=8-1&keywords=mark+noce" target="_blank">Pick up your copy at Amazon today!</a></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Best to all!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Becca</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px; margin-bottom: 14px; margin-top: -4px; padding: 0px;">
<br /></div>
Rebecca Green Gasperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14487755367578898689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033808446276550296.post-19816683689897058252016-08-18T11:16:00.001-06:002016-08-18T11:16:23.188-06:00Success and Failures- Olympic Style<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYNZ-3dL-oG0RtbOwPwO9ejUqqWZPFn0vcVDMPCCo3d-o_cITnaDkbecCEzUmugNe4pkn-w4EqkJxJmZvb-GcD4u_SH3Llz1msP2aFqDTo47EEUzfdc_NsFX14D-le8EtPVyFDp0xlQOQ/s1600/olympic+rings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYNZ-3dL-oG0RtbOwPwO9ejUqqWZPFn0vcVDMPCCo3d-o_cITnaDkbecCEzUmugNe4pkn-w4EqkJxJmZvb-GcD4u_SH3Llz1msP2aFqDTo47EEUzfdc_NsFX14D-le8EtPVyFDp0xlQOQ/s1600/olympic+rings.jpg" /></a></div>
I'm obsessed with the Olympics. And I mean obsessed! I specifically love the swimming with beach volleyball a close second, but I don't stop there. I watch Olympic prime time every night and get caught up in all the athletes, their stories, their successes and their failures. And during the day while I am writing, and especially when I work out, I make sure the Olympics are playing in the background.<br />
<br />
<br />
It amazes me how much work goes in to a few seconds performance. And how little time races and sports are won by...like hundredths of seconds or points. I cry with the winners. I cry with the losers. But I am inspired by each and every story.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzgFPmeUoyP8shhlCK5E1Iu_zY5qyZv7n26J06TbgRHiPZ81kgKBttLO_Bv2m5YODrae_LJK79Vm_dIPwvdjT3y9ucugP9U4HsoN6uWpQCC3daYGC07cmZ1JKlGB0mRT6ynCep4RFggog/s1600/olympic+rings+sports.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzgFPmeUoyP8shhlCK5E1Iu_zY5qyZv7n26J06TbgRHiPZ81kgKBttLO_Bv2m5YODrae_LJK79Vm_dIPwvdjT3y9ucugP9U4HsoN6uWpQCC3daYGC07cmZ1JKlGB0mRT6ynCep4RFggog/s320/olympic+rings+sports.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I'm bummed knowing that the Olympics are coming to an end this weekend. It always seems to go too quickly and never come around again quickly enough. And it's hard to keep up with each and every sport throughout the years in between. Each sport has their own championships, world games, etc. and there is no other event that brings all these sports together at once for the world to watch.<br />
<br />
I'm always so inspired when watching the games. There's something about other's journeys that make me want to get out there right now and do something...anything. I mean, sure I could play beach volleyball (ummm,,,yeah right) Or maybe I could get that vault (hahaha...) Or sure, I could swim that fast (in my dreams...) Yeah! No...age might be my first downfall...but skill definitely is a close second. :)<br />
<br />
Okay, okay in all reality. Olympic-type success comes in all different shapes, sizes, and styles. I think what the Olympics do for me is bring that sense and desire of wanting to achieve a goal no matter what might stand in my way. They remind me that hard work, determination and skill can get me far, that I can reach for the stars and actually touch them someday! And if I fail, I should never stop trying. And although I joked about age...that really is just a number and should never stop me from my dreams.<br />
<br />
The stories from the Olympics are truly amazing. Those athletes seem super human. But maybe we all can be a little super human sometimes! Don't ever stop reaching for your dreams. You can and will get there someday!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcLrLd61K8V4e-6vy_-pddX4gPl2undAwFBWBv63cLwgh11qo3TyCR8zU4DWT6QeDYMthjkrbCCOhL6-CdXp9SF1Kz6UdouYtDQ2sf1xb6tRBWjmoOFXyJaZMe_ByiUxtKuvrdmjGedY/s1600/goal+ahead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcLrLd61K8V4e-6vy_-pddX4gPl2undAwFBWBv63cLwgh11qo3TyCR8zU4DWT6QeDYMthjkrbCCOhL6-CdXp9SF1Kz6UdouYtDQ2sf1xb6tRBWjmoOFXyJaZMe_ByiUxtKuvrdmjGedY/s1600/goal+ahead.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Inspirations comes in all forms, and we are all extraordinary!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRoJIvMNHskrH4hXhJr3R6qreBuO2xOZm7f0GvDL5BqTmUQD6vi4vx1aV2T-u-Sm60497K0w2wGd-HybDxokz0ZR9QibIxKemhdU1Sg55440U4zD8CRB8YajZyaJoeuJeIbNBRgXoS8hw/s1600/eforextraordinary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRoJIvMNHskrH4hXhJr3R6qreBuO2xOZm7f0GvDL5BqTmUQD6vi4vx1aV2T-u-Sm60497K0w2wGd-HybDxokz0ZR9QibIxKemhdU1Sg55440U4zD8CRB8YajZyaJoeuJeIbNBRgXoS8hw/s320/eforextraordinary.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So...are you keeping up with the Olympics? How do they make you feel?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The Olympic games may be coming to an end, but I do look forward to the Paralympics and plan to watch what I can. They aren't cover as closely as the Olympics, but trust me, I'll find a way.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXue6QVcFBNYIv3CRma2YKdEl2fen17c190YDg9jdAP2BVHtq581zihtMhhAyvNvNXSvCeb-omCh2B4nQjZEBFhmUBUXuEkYemu_Y-MSJ0EHaipEkYDhYj91IZ_fS4Fo7uSogxLKGU40s/s1600/rio.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXue6QVcFBNYIv3CRma2YKdEl2fen17c190YDg9jdAP2BVHtq581zihtMhhAyvNvNXSvCeb-omCh2B4nQjZEBFhmUBUXuEkYemu_Y-MSJ0EHaipEkYDhYj91IZ_fS4Fo7uSogxLKGU40s/s1600/rio.png" /></a></div>
Best to you,<br />
BeccaRebecca Green Gasperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14487755367578898689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033808446276550296.post-65709898777897094372016-08-08T10:48:00.001-06:002016-08-08T10:48:43.214-06:00Gone Hiking...Be Back Soon<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
It was time to hang up one of those "Gone (Something)" signs and take a break. A much needed break. When the kids are home for summer everything gets thrown off, including my writing, blogging, social networking, and etc. The schedule is no longer. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
So what to do when you can't beat them? Join them, of course. And that is just what I did. But don't get me wrong...the writing, plotting, and inspiring never stopped. I just disappeared for a bit online. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
And this is what my inspiring journey took me on...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
(I took a bunch of selfies to share with you.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
Hiking in the beautiful Colorado outdoors:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj73NtznVcSClUp1T297e7mCelFFlYrQVL9tOYOq6TAeDgV15k06q6EiNkQL98B3Ho1GXrcT-ulYrHMYgpDbHBECI05hCmyC0V2M6ijJpA_YJ-iL6346a7PlCPdJRuScVHgI8bfhVP3-Gs/s1600/20160515_134326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj73NtznVcSClUp1T297e7mCelFFlYrQVL9tOYOq6TAeDgV15k06q6EiNkQL98B3Ho1GXrcT-ulYrHMYgpDbHBECI05hCmyC0V2M6ijJpA_YJ-iL6346a7PlCPdJRuScVHgI8bfhVP3-Gs/s320/20160515_134326.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTnSlnKPOu14hTCXmSIPrRKdvFPgm7Vb2j_HPObYfbqKAapdq-sfMbIchVMSrfUjQO8p154V-peX1KFhKLOrzHgOBoswyzFnkJbBlJ9ucxLFaQS53-TnK2BzBDhxUiad_dBoQtMg3rW5U/s1600/20160521_152319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTnSlnKPOu14hTCXmSIPrRKdvFPgm7Vb2j_HPObYfbqKAapdq-sfMbIchVMSrfUjQO8p154V-peX1KFhKLOrzHgOBoswyzFnkJbBlJ9ucxLFaQS53-TnK2BzBDhxUiad_dBoQtMg3rW5U/s320/20160521_152319.jpg" width="180" /></a><br />
<br />
Enjoying the Colorado rivers:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHAklSsxuI-UQllkp68gzWAarrEoQEdgOCE2eA7j3b_xzLdIr9k7YRahw9a3qCVo3PFpjQrm1Ouw4qTEuOmmP5fTLp9sbAFrfNJQscYDJm_Mg_qn0inVJN9pSoY6A7xxlF_-vd_nZRGM4/s1600/20160723_161947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHAklSsxuI-UQllkp68gzWAarrEoQEdgOCE2eA7j3b_xzLdIr9k7YRahw9a3qCVo3PFpjQrm1Ouw4qTEuOmmP5fTLp9sbAFrfNJQscYDJm_Mg_qn0inVJN9pSoY6A7xxlF_-vd_nZRGM4/s320/20160723_161947.jpg" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHAklSsxuI-UQllkp68gzWAarrEoQEdgOCE2eA7j3b_xzLdIr9k7YRahw9a3qCVo3PFpjQrm1Ouw4qTEuOmmP5fTLp9sbAFrfNJQscYDJm_Mg_qn0inVJN9pSoY6A7xxlF_-vd_nZRGM4/s1600/20160723_161947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hiking in Grand Junction at the National Monument:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_od8ConnUOPjNOa2FBAy6aJ1wJc6QtXzxpTdg1NiP1DvWTL0L6HK_sf3TXrAsx8meMnPkeKqu9DtRvZ-I3mV3ULfW2UwwJUo4sQPn11K2yCT_1-5Il2u-DuGbrCVdN6zxoS_Js-uKRUA/s1600/20160722_153000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_od8ConnUOPjNOa2FBAy6aJ1wJc6QtXzxpTdg1NiP1DvWTL0L6HK_sf3TXrAsx8meMnPkeKqu9DtRvZ-I3mV3ULfW2UwwJUo4sQPn11K2yCT_1-5Il2u-DuGbrCVdN6zxoS_Js-uKRUA/s320/20160722_153000.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXPZhP1QCYHeg5q2XJFERgiGgS1xCIq499K9eV8vH_EXUB2tw65-hD-ooe-iCbiJ4614USsGj9gYZr9wSrT8J1EWr4EpKr_GMsm_cVKupYaVDz_seUGdW6pyLk-CVFBMZPMbZ_Y2JFcDI/s1600/20160722_152940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXPZhP1QCYHeg5q2XJFERgiGgS1xCIq499K9eV8vH_EXUB2tw65-hD-ooe-iCbiJ4614USsGj9gYZr9wSrT8J1EWr4EpKr_GMsm_cVKupYaVDz_seUGdW6pyLk-CVFBMZPMbZ_Y2JFcDI/s320/20160722_152940.jpg" width="180" /></a><br />
<br />
Atop a 14er:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmFBBvaDrSiYgj5Yus9rrRRcLhtEU_tda7DHdL9zKzeMM42ZT1VyHVJo3mQ8Iw5dWoQBimHEWJTvnGfZyRZCIVijLjbCMmFKSOE0AttaKb_nQNCHIjfyWlJumLSsqNcZ4J16pZCQsmajQ/s1600/beirstadt+crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmFBBvaDrSiYgj5Yus9rrRRcLhtEU_tda7DHdL9zKzeMM42ZT1VyHVJo3mQ8Iw5dWoQBimHEWJTvnGfZyRZCIVijLjbCMmFKSOE0AttaKb_nQNCHIjfyWlJumLSsqNcZ4J16pZCQsmajQ/s320/beirstadt+crop.jpg" width="229" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTZdSQtvoZY7gAlPdbSi5OaQm_wVMgZL5FGbFty0-C4cLsL10gciEj1fQb_c9_dF-DtczQGIeTheQxjT1zB36U_Nb0S2fiJ8-x_hKfq4d3GGDMJijX_V_VyEpXCgerVlQjnkH4BksahJQ/s1600/20160726_083733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTZdSQtvoZY7gAlPdbSi5OaQm_wVMgZL5FGbFty0-C4cLsL10gciEj1fQb_c9_dF-DtczQGIeTheQxjT1zB36U_Nb0S2fiJ8-x_hKfq4d3GGDMJijX_V_VyEpXCgerVlQjnkH4BksahJQ/s320/20160726_083733.jpg" width="180" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Rafting the Colorado River:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi234zxacphgCNkA3gJOCX4QvXmOAz0-VDZPe6eEMf6L9Hp65ChIwIGZ3CLtCJ5iXqTTjyr5K6lTbPITqIhxNOU81N_ZXux1mI1hxfsTXyW0RXTqUu7pLZgFgHsZbOEKB3rbFjdMYm2z8A/s1600/20160729_121300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi234zxacphgCNkA3gJOCX4QvXmOAz0-VDZPe6eEMf6L9Hp65ChIwIGZ3CLtCJ5iXqTTjyr5K6lTbPITqIhxNOU81N_ZXux1mI1hxfsTXyW0RXTqUu7pLZgFgHsZbOEKB3rbFjdMYm2z8A/s320/20160729_121300.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And now I'm back...with exciting things to come. I have loads of exciting guest posts and author's new releases coming this month. I'm also gearing up for guest speaking events. And look out for my new releases...a non-fiction, Harley book two is in the works, and keep an eye out for my next full length novel- a new historical fiction.<br />
<br />
How are things are your end?<br />
<br />
Best to all,<br />
Becca<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Rebecca Green Gasperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14487755367578898689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033808446276550296.post-24250189726034338372016-06-09T06:00:00.000-06:002016-06-09T06:00:27.148-06:00YA Books with Tough Issues to Start a Conversation This SummerDo you find it hard to start the must-have tough topic conversation sometimes?<br />
<br />
It isn't always easy to talk about tough issues. Sometimes it's down right impossible. However, having a hard conversation with tweens and teens is important. And when you find it hard...a lot of times a good book can help. Here is a list of some of my favorites. Pic up a book this summer...read, share, and chat.<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher<br />
<br />
This is by far a great book. It tackles the topics of bullying and suicide. Great for boys, too, since it is written from the point of view of a teen boy by a male.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyPGyZRAm171gLEY0QJt8NxF4PjBEnDp_ZHWBZmS6ZLDYsGfCQWA1zdxyOUJzjazLnitZcATTyz4MQOm7wxL6DrWlLaNAteNJ4emAu7_VAI3T137pEb7GZNWNwbwmV_ndQjosXfvun0q8/s1600/13reasonswhy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyPGyZRAm171gLEY0QJt8NxF4PjBEnDp_ZHWBZmS6ZLDYsGfCQWA1zdxyOUJzjazLnitZcATTyz4MQOm7wxL6DrWlLaNAteNJ4emAu7_VAI3T137pEb7GZNWNwbwmV_ndQjosXfvun0q8/s200/13reasonswhy.jpg" width="133" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">When Clay Jenson plays the casette tapes he received in a mysterious package, he's surprised to hear the voice of dead classmate Hannah Baker who committed suicide 2 weeks earlier.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
Paper Towns by John Green<br />
<br />
Most books by John Green are great and tackle tough issues. You really can't go wrong with any of them. I truly enjoyed Paper Towns because it not only touched on social issues and suicide, but it also focused on friendship and taking risks. Very humorous and a fun read. Again, it is a great book for boys with the main character being a teen boy and is also written by a male. And when you are done reading this book, make a date for a movie night and rent the flick starring Natt Wolff.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIVR8hFFdfDA9s9c109_Gdkh6IGXggAJ30Ky2rpy-lleFHdYOd-7H8fRkwIrFTaaC-6v2y4ZNpPmi6n9d4WMJhN_oG7ZWYy0XwmH735pe-F5H0Z0yl9HgT4AvT_zH6e2Mel1iJZxew_Rk/s1600/papertowns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIVR8hFFdfDA9s9c109_Gdkh6IGXggAJ30Ky2rpy-lleFHdYOd-7H8fRkwIrFTaaC-6v2y4ZNpPmi6n9d4WMJhN_oG7ZWYy0XwmH735pe-F5H0Z0yl9HgT4AvT_zH6e2Mel1iJZxew_Rk/s200/papertowns.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , , sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Young and shy Quentin (Nat Wolff) is in for the night of his life when Margo (Cara Delevingne), the most popular student in high school, recruits him to help her play mischievous pranks on the friends who betrayed her. The next day, however, the mysterious Margo is nowhere to be found. With help from a few buddies and some cryptic clues that she left behind, Quentin embarks on an obsessive mission to find the girl who stole his heart and made him feel truly alive.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , , sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , , sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , , sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , , sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , , sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span>
But I Love Him by Amanda Grace<br />
<br />
This book tackles the tough topic of dating abuse. About a love gone horribly wrong, But I Love Him, tells a dark tale of what could happen in an abusive relationship. Expect to have a deep conversation after reading this book. It is a tough read, but worth it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyE5x83NXBNwCGuS4j_PWyzohF9EaDqjeHI_cq9LJ06tI2ZUHiwhmzPsBv30gfEft_3zBPnaebAI7vrd247oS3QovCutBfHvGt10Ux9tVe4mkfPTRaHvAr1Vgh3Mer3R3RVObUhyBHZLs/s1600/butilovehim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyE5x83NXBNwCGuS4j_PWyzohF9EaDqjeHI_cq9LJ06tI2ZUHiwhmzPsBv30gfEft_3zBPnaebAI7vrd247oS3QovCutBfHvGt10Ux9tVe4mkfPTRaHvAr1Vgh3Mer3R3RVObUhyBHZLs/s1600/butilovehim.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">At the beginning of senior year, Ann was a smiling, straight-A student and track star with friends and a future. Then she met a haunted young man named Connor. Only she can heal his emotional scars; only he could make her feel so loved - and needed. Ann can't recall the pivotal moment it all changed, when she surrendered everything to be with him, but by graduation, her life has become a dangerous high wire act. Just one mistake could trigger Connor's rage, a senseless storm of cruel words and violence damaging everything - and everyone - in its path.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span>
Dreamland by Sarah Dessen<br />
<br />
This is another great book tackling the issue of dating abuse.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW3-9GKzUIbqIw4RQFQ1IGYOgC6z7EnbAzfg60Ksvgogrxxro7xc6NoG6qTleKPnCptwPpgG8nPrUZyQDoVX4B5FoueVjxAp7dl3-EJkra6ob6t8SjjbZ_n_UayvEILtGDm61j3TiwDKs/s1600/dreamland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW3-9GKzUIbqIw4RQFQ1IGYOgC6z7EnbAzfg60Ksvgogrxxro7xc6NoG6qTleKPnCptwPpgG8nPrUZyQDoVX4B5FoueVjxAp7dl3-EJkra6ob6t8SjjbZ_n_UayvEILtGDm61j3TiwDKs/s1600/dreamland.jpg" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">After her sister left, Caitlin felt lost.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">Then she met Rogerson.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">When she’s with him, nothing seems real.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">But what happens when being with Rogerson becomes a larger problem than being without him?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">A Few Historical Fictions by Ruta Sepetys: Out of the Easy, Salt to the Sea, and Between Shades of Gray</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">Although these books aren't contemporary tough issue books, they are amazing reads. All three books tackle tough issues/topics and dive into what is may have been like coming of age in a difficult time. They are all must reads.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU09Ws5rleR05SV-e2q4DOIo8VaNs2cGW_H8KvzRB9jNLODpfdmRkLbx7_zwYuAprc_dh52QRXwGX0FqURniH6G5FRjxed05im-jNqUvlNfuzYj1ncoj3yguX9CpgjFH72Sc-HpUA2YD8/s1600/outoftheeasy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU09Ws5rleR05SV-e2q4DOIo8VaNs2cGW_H8KvzRB9jNLODpfdmRkLbx7_zwYuAprc_dh52QRXwGX0FqURniH6G5FRjxed05im-jNqUvlNfuzYj1ncoj3yguX9CpgjFH72Sc-HpUA2YD8/s1600/outoftheeasy.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">It’s 1950, and as the French Quarter of New Orleans simmers with secrets, seventeen-year-old Josie Moraine is silently stirring a pot of her own. Known among locals as the daughter of a brothel prostitute, Josie wants more out of life than the Big Easy has to offer.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4DA0t_KP6kMZxC6Ggcm-ldD6BJAYdW8aeD3Ex3hYalSedtlMx3s1sLKjJM6wO1KYTTQpUZVxUevMPS32vRUkTYe9vzQlC4H-VxyoCz6ODc1Tq9H5PGQnwcq_3kqX0GGy5yXyFB_-NzGw/s1600/salttothesea.jpg" imageanchor="1"><br /></a></div>
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: start;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4DA0t_KP6kMZxC6Ggcm-ldD6BJAYdW8aeD3Ex3hYalSedtlMx3s1sLKjJM6wO1KYTTQpUZVxUevMPS32vRUkTYe9vzQlC4H-VxyoCz6ODc1Tq9H5PGQnwcq_3kqX0GGy5yXyFB_-NzGw/s1600/salttothesea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4DA0t_KP6kMZxC6Ggcm-ldD6BJAYdW8aeD3Ex3hYalSedtlMx3s1sLKjJM6wO1KYTTQpUZVxUevMPS32vRUkTYe9vzQlC4H-VxyoCz6ODc1Tq9H5PGQnwcq_3kqX0GGy5yXyFB_-NzGw/s1600/salttothesea.jpg" /></a><span style="background-color: white; clear: left; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Told in alternating point of views, Ruta Sepetys unearths a shockingly little-known casualty of a gruesome war, and proves that humanity and love can prevail, even in the darkest of hours.</span></div>
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: start;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR6BmREDOS8kQLwn86ZgK3mhUZk0E-uO6Y7zPSajb1fPBmLumAcDbKl_2v3Sqbno_PXsZKxkhBUELPZAJIa8Kj07mKcc3oJGWQchIUmg2rCI4n9SykDVM3CjdINahvOVATd6dIVqIXhjM/s1600/betweenshadesofgray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR6BmREDOS8kQLwn86ZgK3mhUZk0E-uO6Y7zPSajb1fPBmLumAcDbKl_2v3Sqbno_PXsZKxkhBUELPZAJIa8Kj07mKcc3oJGWQchIUmg2rCI4n9SykDVM3CjdINahvOVATd6dIVqIXhjM/s1600/betweenshadesofgray.jpg" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">Fifteen-year-old Lina is a Lithuanian girl living an ordinary life--until Soviet officers invade her home and tear her family apart. Separated from her father and forced onto a crowded train, Lina, her mother, and her young brother make their way to a Siberian work camp, where they are forced to fight for their lives.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR6BmREDOS8kQLwn86ZgK3mhUZk0E-uO6Y7zPSajb1fPBmLumAcDbKl_2v3Sqbno_PXsZKxkhBUELPZAJIa8Kj07mKcc3oJGWQchIUmg2rCI4n9SykDVM3CjdINahvOVATd6dIVqIXhjM/s1600/betweenshadesofgray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR6BmREDOS8kQLwn86ZgK3mhUZk0E-uO6Y7zPSajb1fPBmLumAcDbKl_2v3Sqbno_PXsZKxkhBUELPZAJIa8Kj07mKcc3oJGWQchIUmg2rCI4n9SykDVM3CjdINahvOVATd6dIVqIXhjM/s1600/betweenshadesofgray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR6BmREDOS8kQLwn86ZgK3mhUZk0E-uO6Y7zPSajb1fPBmLumAcDbKl_2v3Sqbno_PXsZKxkhBUELPZAJIa8Kj07mKcc3oJGWQchIUmg2rCI4n9SykDVM3CjdINahvOVATd6dIVqIXhjM/s1600/betweenshadesofgray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR6BmREDOS8kQLwn86ZgK3mhUZk0E-uO6Y7zPSajb1fPBmLumAcDbKl_2v3Sqbno_PXsZKxkhBUELPZAJIa8Kj07mKcc3oJGWQchIUmg2rCI4n9SykDVM3CjdINahvOVATd6dIVqIXhjM/s1600/betweenshadesofgray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR6BmREDOS8kQLwn86ZgK3mhUZk0E-uO6Y7zPSajb1fPBmLumAcDbKl_2v3Sqbno_PXsZKxkhBUELPZAJIa8Kj07mKcc3oJGWQchIUmg2rCI4n9SykDVM3CjdINahvOVATd6dIVqIXhjM/s1600/betweenshadesofgray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR6BmREDOS8kQLwn86ZgK3mhUZk0E-uO6Y7zPSajb1fPBmLumAcDbKl_2v3Sqbno_PXsZKxkhBUELPZAJIa8Kj07mKcc3oJGWQchIUmg2rCI4n9SykDVM3CjdINahvOVATd6dIVqIXhjM/s1600/betweenshadesofgray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;"><br /></span>
For Tweens:<br />
<br />
30 Days of No Gossip by Stephanie Faris<br />
<br />
I just recently read this book and I loved it! It is definitely a must read for middle schoolers. A fun read that tackles social issues. Stephanie Faris does an amazing job keeping tough topics light and fun and easy to talk about. I love her characters and her voice. This book is perfect for your tween. I am looking forward to reading more of her books. Make sure you read this book this summer!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLnNZvUbwm_4jXYuJ6RaiXngH7W9r7LpbuMzqC2TnkuvlhU2kdMKRYsxv870k6ijWzEJejufy2RuLgoXbyl4qoWibMwCwOVvAmm6woDAq5nVFqudpAljAiG9c8mKOO_Yc-azGL5BcxaRg/s1600/30days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLnNZvUbwm_4jXYuJ6RaiXngH7W9r7LpbuMzqC2TnkuvlhU2kdMKRYsxv870k6ijWzEJejufy2RuLgoXbyl4qoWibMwCwOVvAmm6woDAq5nVFqudpAljAiG9c8mKOO_Yc-azGL5BcxaRg/s200/30days.jpg" width="134" /></a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">Can a middle school gossip queen change her ways, or will she lose her BFF for good?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">There are so many amazing and well written books that tackle tough issues. I will make sure to give you more soon! </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">What YA books on tough issues to do like? Have you used books to start a tough conversation?</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">Best, Becca</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;"><br /></span>Rebecca Green Gasperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14487755367578898689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033808446276550296.post-87973829110652099252016-05-31T11:37:00.000-06:002016-05-31T11:38:34.314-06:00A Closer Look at Harley's World<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbL2b9QAWlIdgUNXXamUWM5V-I6wg-r0kwKiBdGFWYWMukse2Eijl7QS2-_1IFZgblw4H6zvpS8TTmYPGOsFQ-kmc3JoeRqM1_jqWItVltYs1MkwF-QDi8MUFHEg9Ok-ZRLxuJN7AYIY/s1600/harleyfilesbanner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="47" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbL2b9QAWlIdgUNXXamUWM5V-I6wg-r0kwKiBdGFWYWMukse2Eijl7QS2-_1IFZgblw4H6zvpS8TTmYPGOsFQ-kmc3JoeRqM1_jqWItVltYs1MkwF-QDi8MUFHEg9Ok-ZRLxuJN7AYIY/s400/harleyfilesbanner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "dancing script"; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></b>
<b style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "dancing script"; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Harley’s
World</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Harley lives in an unnamed
college town north of Denver, Colorado. Although The Harley Files are a work of
fiction, and </span><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">names, characters,
places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are
used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead,
business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental, Harley’s
world is inspired by the beautiful northern Colorado town of Fort Collins,
Colorado. Harley grew up in this unnamed town north of Denver and now attends
the local university. Her parents still reside in the town, along with her
aunt, Jen. Harley’s brother, Gray, lives in Denver where he is a detective.
Here is some facts and fun information of the town of Fort Collins,
Colorado.</span><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "dancing script"; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The Town
of Fort Collins, Colorado: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_SqyGABKyI9UKU0XDlL0XarUIJM-tQIeNTxBCRaFIW3JLWHsYsw9un_JaqnJ02_Fn7LhaseSadUmPkQEPfizNQw1AFJ3sQvXeE09i9gmnWd0ykHRkgeld5XrQ9t18136PuFz94iU4F1U/s1600/ftcollins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_SqyGABKyI9UKU0XDlL0XarUIJM-tQIeNTxBCRaFIW3JLWHsYsw9un_JaqnJ02_Fn7LhaseSadUmPkQEPfizNQw1AFJ3sQvXeE09i9gmnWd0ykHRkgeld5XrQ9t18136PuFz94iU4F1U/s320/ftcollins.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">History
and Facts: </span></b><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Fort Collins is a city of about 150,000
residents located in northern Colorado about 65 miles from Denver, Colorado and
45 miles south of Cheyenne, Wyoming. Fort Collins is in Larimer County,
Colorado and is home to Colorado State University. Fort Collins was founded as
a military outpost by the US Army in 1864. It was known as Camp Collins and is
located on the Cache La Pourdre River.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Geography:
</span></b><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Fort
Collins is at the base of the Rocky Mountain foothills in the northern front
range of Colorado. The Great Plains of Colorado lies to the east of the city. The
elevation is about 5,000 ft above sea level. Longs Peak, reaching just over
14,000 ft. above sea level can be seen clearly from the city. The Cache La
Pourdre River runs through the city. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Climate:
</span></b><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Fort
Collins has a semi-arid climate with low participation and four distinct
seasons. Summer ranges from mild to hot and can reach above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Winters can be mild to moderately cold. Average snowfall is about 55 inches and
snow melts within a few days of falling. Colorado experiences lots of sunshine
with approximately 300 plus days of sunshine a year. The average temperature is
70 degree Fahrenheit. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg62Oc87SuGRAbcZCEb16Phjqsm9q7SNrj6A8E3Hiw404Jp_vK-ChkdANoRqpAUKQ0sZtYcDz-TrItpDVsaMj3PMJTZzNi4ftFMJel7sslbKumUZNwZoPPgPadgj_HF677UPedLFJPUa6I/s1600/downtown+ftcollins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg62Oc87SuGRAbcZCEb16Phjqsm9q7SNrj6A8E3Hiw404Jp_vK-ChkdANoRqpAUKQ0sZtYcDz-TrItpDVsaMj3PMJTZzNi4ftFMJel7sslbKumUZNwZoPPgPadgj_HF677UPedLFJPUa6I/s320/downtown+ftcollins.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Culture:
</span></b><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Most
of Fort Collins’ culture is focused around the university. There is a local
music circuit which is highly influenced by its college town atmosphere. Fort
Collins is also home to many well-known microbreweries. The city hosts a number
of festivals each year in the historic downtown area.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Major
Industries: </span></b><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Fort Collins' economy has a mix of
manufacturing and service-related businesses. Some of the largest employers
include: Colorado State University, Hewlett Packard, Poudre Valley Health
Systems, Budweiser and more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Rebecca Green Gasperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14487755367578898689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033808446276550296.post-29491649174662892192016-05-19T07:00:00.000-06:002016-05-19T07:00:38.910-06:00A Closer Look at Claustrophobia- The Harley Files<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbL2b9QAWlIdgUNXXamUWM5V-I6wg-r0kwKiBdGFWYWMukse2Eijl7QS2-_1IFZgblw4H6zvpS8TTmYPGOsFQ-kmc3JoeRqM1_jqWItVltYs1MkwF-QDi8MUFHEg9Ok-ZRLxuJN7AYIY/s1600/harleyfilesbanner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbL2b9QAWlIdgUNXXamUWM5V-I6wg-r0kwKiBdGFWYWMukse2Eijl7QS2-_1IFZgblw4H6zvpS8TTmYPGOsFQ-kmc3JoeRqM1_jqWItVltYs1MkwF-QDi8MUFHEg9Ok-ZRLxuJN7AYIY/s640/harleyfilesbanner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
In The Harley Files, Harley suffers from claustrophobia. She embraces her quirks but struggles constantly as she tries to not only go about her daily life, but seek the truth behind unsolved mysteries. She ends up getting herself stuck in some funny and odd situations.<br />
<br />
Let's take a closer look at<br />
<b style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Dancing Script"; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></b>
<b style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Dancing Script"; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Claustrophobia:</span></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Definition:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Claustrophobia is defined as
the fear of being closed in without an escape, or the fear of dying in a closed
space without an escape. It is typically related to, and is a symptom of, anxiety
disorder.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Someone with claustrophobia is
not afraid of the space itself, but afraid of what could happen should one be
confined to the space. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The anxiety associated with
claustrophobia can be triggered by many situations and stimuli such as small
offices, elevators, crowded areas, windowless rooms and even tight clothing.
Some individuals’ anxiety will be triggered even in large areas when there
isn’t an obvious way to escape. Examples are large, crowded rooms, boats or
cruise ships, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">It has been studied that
around 6% of the world population is affected by severe claustrophobia but only
a small percentage of these people actually seek help. The percentage of mild
claustrophobia may be even higher. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Symptoms:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Claustrophobia has two key
symptoms: fear of restriction and fear of suffocation or death. The fear can
lead to panic attacks. Panic attacks are defined as a sudden surge of
overwhelming, acute and disabling anxiety. Some symptoms of a panic attack are:
palpitations, pounding heart, sweating, trembling and shaking, shortness of
breath, feelings of choking, chest pain, nausea, dizziness, fear of going
crazy, and/or fear of dying.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="page-break-before: always;" />
</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Causes:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The exact cause of
claustrophobia is unknown, but there are some theories: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Generalized Anxiety Disorder,
Panic Disorder, and Social Phobia can all be causes of Claustrophobia. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Some believe anxiety and claustrophobia
are centered around, and/or located in, the brain. The amygdala is one of the
smallest structures in the brain but also one of the most powerful. The
amygdala is needed for the conditioning of fear and the “fight-or-flight”
response. Some believe that the phobia’s roots are in this area of the brain
and are over-reactive. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">There has also been a link
between one’s own phobias and the phobias of their parents. This could be due
to genetics and/or learned behavior.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">(Resources:
The Mayo Clinic, Center for Disease Control, Merriam-Webster Dictionary,
Claustrophobia-Google, about.com, Wikipedia, the Calm Clinic, Anxiety and
Depression Association of America, WebMD, National Institute of Mental Health.)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Check out Book 1- A Spy in Me from The Harley Files</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOTrPmUjbxE0PyBd_8RaCWKheTrstXMJdNzQ1QCXYrHUtGEt13cfUI-IsMu9awpXYCGds8Uedn8BvDxXRCtzk9YAoWsl3oQ0S37iRzRJRE0fRrUvCzVpmF9Ar94bwPZI0gl9XQI69Nrtw/s1600/Harley+F1B1FinalCover_a+spy+in+me1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOTrPmUjbxE0PyBd_8RaCWKheTrstXMJdNzQ1QCXYrHUtGEt13cfUI-IsMu9awpXYCGds8Uedn8BvDxXRCtzk9YAoWsl3oQ0S37iRzRJRE0fRrUvCzVpmF9Ar94bwPZI0gl9XQI69Nrtw/s320/Harley+F1B1FinalCover_a+spy+in+me1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Best,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Becca</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></div>
Rebecca Green Gasperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14487755367578898689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033808446276550296.post-79665878888273852612016-05-17T05:00:00.000-06:002016-05-17T05:00:05.178-06:00It's Release Day!!!! Available Now- The Harley Files, Book 1, A Spy in Me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5deTXGU8jKLW39iEsEz2yPxq09DucPHuw0moQDxnWPpI1kAVA9lfYYSXcV4i78BNW7J_fXMM8tFDvOMVKfJxN5nSKqHmdtSpgrDLiVjfUJ0sxPzbaeMuURYp1z59H58BAFHB9LXepGI0/s1600/harleyfilesbanner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5deTXGU8jKLW39iEsEz2yPxq09DucPHuw0moQDxnWPpI1kAVA9lfYYSXcV4i78BNW7J_fXMM8tFDvOMVKfJxN5nSKqHmdtSpgrDLiVjfUJ0sxPzbaeMuURYp1z59H58BAFHB9LXepGI0/s640/harleyfilesbanner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Book 1: A Spy in Me (Note the name change from Falling For You)</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTz2lhq0Zdhb7WwVENiS34YRuP2VvflcepKzLKQU6mVPeXN1HQh3FsuGbxcROr34kSeLf6htslF__ZgtPr_Da1dmLrKWnc8j9-U9IE9L4LWru5pLFP-VD0AGDMnduPyYYydGsm8BN2R78/s1600/Harley+F1B1FinalCover_a+spy+in+me1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTz2lhq0Zdhb7WwVENiS34YRuP2VvflcepKzLKQU6mVPeXN1HQh3FsuGbxcROr34kSeLf6htslF__ZgtPr_Da1dmLrKWnc8j9-U9IE9L4LWru5pLFP-VD0AGDMnduPyYYydGsm8BN2R78/s400/Harley+F1B1FinalCover_a+spy+in+me1.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: #fcfcfc; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #fcfcfc; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #fcfcfc; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #fcfcfc; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #fcfcfc; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #fcfcfc; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">When college student Harley Jenkins finds out she’s on probation with her university for something her roommate has done, she decides to distract herself with the mysterious death of a local girl by hiding out in small spaces even though she’s claustrophobic. Will Harley be able to solve the mystery before it takes the lives of more girls, or will she be forced to focus on her own problem?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fcfcfc; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #fcfcfc; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #fcfcfc; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #fcfcfc; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #fcfcfc; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #fcfcfc; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #fcfcfc; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #fcfcfc; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;" /></span>
<span style="background-color: #fcfcfc; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">Join Harley during her freshman year as she takes on mysteries around her college town. This is Book One in a series</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fcfcfc; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #fcfcfc; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #fcfcfc; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Available now at:</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/632248" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwH7Czc7kqHAZEpUMQ2y-IuPrpqNSoRJm-2xTuj-HYFBbryb1-fvHM8IP7rSvfx4Mf3wBQlJmR15Km_d_xyibn6hOA0Gllk5BX-A8iVFsTli9TF5qPzYoXKtRJhTMFgPH99GZ4X5LE41E/s1600/smashwords1.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Harley-Files-Sleuth-Mystery-Freshman-ebook/dp/B01FQ71Q8G/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1463455941&sr=1-1" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhKjGfx8IdkcZQyY6w0Lv8CDLEKqvLfdZ-H_J_w5ke8yqapAO8ItVJQqvvWOWj5T6iAfX4lD4eq18UGjAwQugXFK6BHhUDH8VTBXPY5bg2g0bL4nP9Vo4EXmYuJeHLracU_LH-15VTD0/s1600/amazon.jpg" /></a></span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Enjoy!</span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Best,</span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Becca</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fcfcfc; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: #fcfcfc; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span>Rebecca Green Gasperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14487755367578898689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033808446276550296.post-25736716837146801372016-05-04T09:30:00.000-06:002016-05-15T09:05:25.983-06:0013 Days and Counting- Meet HarleyThere are 13 days left until the release of A Spy in Me, (Previously called, Falling For You,) The Harley Files, Freshman Year, Book 1!<br />
<br />
Meet Harley Jenkins:<br />
<br />
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXFF1cbZ7N_hsiiseeuWfVRv0jvxaZiZ77nmmEc5JK5ccAVLc7xb4koNf0BKvYO2CpF0YmP-UbbOAjjkaUgbsZ98eG-D3xqZFbgX6lJj4q7YTUeUnQksJPr_pzKRONEpwiLPY-kULBhJg/s1600/Harley+Jenkins+Drawing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXFF1cbZ7N_hsiiseeuWfVRv0jvxaZiZ77nmmEc5JK5ccAVLc7xb4koNf0BKvYO2CpF0YmP-UbbOAjjkaUgbsZ98eG-D3xqZFbgX6lJj4q7YTUeUnQksJPr_pzKRONEpwiLPY-kULBhJg/s320/Harley+Jenkins+Drawing.jpg" width="227" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "dancing script"; font-size: 24.0pt;">Harley
Quinn Jenkins<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b style="text-indent: 0in;"><u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b style="text-indent: 0in;"><u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Basic Statistics</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Name: </span></b><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Harley Quinn Jenkins. Sadly, she’s not named
after the motor cycle but the jester, Harley Quinn, from the Batman Comics. Her
dad is obsessed with the comics.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Age: </span></b><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">18 years old <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Gender: </span></b><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Female<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Birthday: </span></b><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">August 3rd<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Zodiac Sign: </span></b><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Leo <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Hometown: </span></b><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> Town in Northern Colorado<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Current Residence: </span></b><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Town in Northern Colorado<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Occupation: </span></b><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">College Student, Freshman Year at start of
story<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Education: </span></b><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0in;">She is studying for a degree in liberal arts,
with a major in political science and minors in sociology and journalism.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Hobbies: </span></b><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Writing, investigating journalism, hanging with
friends, and anything that doesn’t have to do with fashion. She is not fashion
trendy, nor does she understand all those girls who are. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b style="text-indent: 0in;"><u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b style="text-indent: 0in;"><u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Physical Characteristics</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Height: </span></b><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">5’4”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Weight: </span></b><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">125</span><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Eye Color: </span></b><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Green<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Hair Color: </span></b><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dark Brown</span><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Distinguishing Features: </span></b><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Curly hair that she
loves to put streaks in. She changes the color all the time depending on her
mood. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Tattoos:</span></b><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> None </span><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b style="text-indent: 0in;"><u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b style="text-indent: 0in;"><u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Family</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Birth Order: </span></b><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">She is the youngest of two<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Siblings: </span></b><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">She has a much older brother, Grayson Wayne
Jenkins. He’s 34 years old and is named after Batman himself. Much cooler than her
name…she got stuck with the jester-the Joker’s girl.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Mother: </span></b><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Kate Rozenberg Jenkins, 54 years old. She had
Gray when she was 20 years old and 36 when she had Harley. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Father: </span></b><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Charles “Charlie” Jenkins, 58 years old. He had
Gray when he was 24 years old and 40 when he had Harley.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Extended Family: </span></b><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Aunt Jennifer “Jen” Rozenberg. Harley
has always called her “Crazy Aunt Jen”. You’ll see why.</span><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Life Goals: </span></b><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">She is focusing on school. She want to be an
investigative journalist and loves to get into the investigation and report
what really happens. She’s contacted the well-known local PI, Ray Frankton,
hoping he will help her solve some of the mysteries and puzzles she’s come
across. And with his help, she’s hoping to gain experience in investigation.</span><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Back Story and/or other facts: </span></b><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">She was born to older
parents. They both considered her a “miracle” child, but she’s pretty sure she
was just an “opps”. Harley has severe anxiety and is claustrophobic. Don’t
worry, she can handle things just fine…mostly. She relies on her coping skills
often. But it doesn’t matter, she’s quirky and fun, and her friends love me. At
least, she hope they do because she loves them. Her family is supportive and
caring. She doesn’t consider myself very popular or trendy, however, she’s not
a dorky nerd either. Not really. She’s just a little crazy, though. Well, maybe
more than a little. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 16.6667px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQc2SoopoyEtrVtHIWWpBuyNhd4MeeGI3mtXfUXXpGBqYb0Rwrba5pgs1BJu-8GRcLc5XtKSVFPU3dGB-KJhWIxJgbfWXBep-5v_bP5mi0Beaxb85Ylh6RRKcrhf3niOlJgHepm2eAxY/s1600/Harley+F1B1FinalCover_a+spy+in+me1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQc2SoopoyEtrVtHIWWpBuyNhd4MeeGI3mtXfUXXpGBqYb0Rwrba5pgs1BJu-8GRcLc5XtKSVFPU3dGB-KJhWIxJgbfWXBep-5v_bP5mi0Beaxb85Ylh6RRKcrhf3niOlJgHepm2eAxY/s320/Harley+F1B1FinalCover_a+spy+in+me1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; line-height: 20px;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 16.6667px;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; line-height: 20px;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Release Date: May 17, 2016</span></b></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 16.6667px;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 16.6667px;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Harley Files, Freshman Year</b></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 16.6667px;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 27px;">When college student Harley Jenkins finds out she’s on probation with her university and has been demoted from local news to fashion in her school’s online paper for something her roommate has done, she decides to distract herself with various mysteries by hiding out in small spaces even though she’s claustrophobic.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 27px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 27px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 27px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 27px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 27px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 27px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 27px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 27px;">Best,</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 27px;">Becca</span></div>
Rebecca Green Gasperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14487755367578898689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033808446276550296.post-87652496472364465302016-04-30T07:00:00.000-06:002016-04-30T07:00:01.114-06:00Z is for ZestZest<br />
<br />
<br />
: <span style="color: #3b3e41; font-family: 'Open Sans', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; letter-spacing: 0.04em; line-height: 1.5em;">lively excitement : a feeling of enjoyment and enthusiasm</span><br />
<span style="color: #3b3e41; font-family: 'Open Sans', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; letter-spacing: 0.04em; line-height: 1.5em;"><br /></span>
<div class="inner-box-wrapper" style="float: left; font-family: Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 778px;">
<div class="definition-block def-text" style="font-family: 'Open Sans', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px 0px 0.875em; padding: 0px;">
<ul class="definition-list no-count" style="float: left; letter-spacing: 0.04em; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 778px;">
<li style="counter-increment: nums 1; letter-spacing: 0.094em; list-style-position: outside; margin: 0px 0px 1.1875em; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><div class="definition-inner-item" style="clear: both; color: #3b3e41; font-size: 1em; letter-spacing: 0.04em !important; line-height: 1.5em !important; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<span style="display: block; margin: 0px 0px 0.125em; padding: 0px;"><span class="intro-colon" style="display: initial; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;">:</span> a lively quality that increases enjoyment, excitement, or energy</span></div>
</li>
<li style="counter-increment: nums 1; letter-spacing: 0.094em; list-style-position: outside; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><div class="definition-inner-item" style="clear: both; color: #3b3e41; font-size: 1em; letter-spacing: 0.04em !important; line-height: 1.5em !important; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<span style="display: block; margin: 0px 0px 0.125em; padding: 0px;"><span class="intro-colon" style="display: initial; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;">:</span> small pieces of the skin of a lemon, orange, or lime that are used to flavor food</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3sj2RgOyYnMFbMcqf472cQtF3gdTRC0hLDlB4tlEPCIuWcnU-Qc45MkyvphZdnrpRHG5N69v_nZB0dgOSCYWnwmWLr0NLmuBVf_KDoaYjxBkkaWBaNO2IuusC9hlRjd8YPgFmt-oNP9g/s1600/z+for+zest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3sj2RgOyYnMFbMcqf472cQtF3gdTRC0hLDlB4tlEPCIuWcnU-Qc45MkyvphZdnrpRHG5N69v_nZB0dgOSCYWnwmWLr0NLmuBVf_KDoaYjxBkkaWBaNO2IuusC9hlRjd8YPgFmt-oNP9g/s640/z+for+zest.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">
And we've reached the end...</div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXY.....and finally Z. Oh what a challenge. Hope you all enjoyed a journey through the alphabet. </div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">
The month seemed to have flown by. I had a wonderful time blogging the A to Z Challenge. It was great to meet new bloggers and find new blogs to follow. Hope to see you all soon!</div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">
Best to all,</div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">
Becca</div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 27.72px;">
My A-Z Theme- Positive attributes and inspirational ways to make a difference.</div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 27.72px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 27.72px;">
All definitions are from <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/" style="color: #00acd1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.merriam-webster.com/</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 27.72px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 27.72px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 27.72px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Rebecca Green Gasperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14487755367578898689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033808446276550296.post-77774149394358623012016-04-29T07:00:00.000-06:002016-04-29T07:00:12.808-06:00Y is for YourselfYourself<br />
<br />
: the person that is being addressed<br />
: your normal or healthy self<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqK5FKEKmGnKtIUdDlv2_PRTQwNzlZMSyJuZgHlJu2D8iUMNK78HBWlhd27whC5Xp-k08mDFYnxIBu5vbnycPEDfgBd-KB2br1Du_0JiYCcZa2Y87NddNZfzLvPaoMv_1hjVkbcgoHwzA/s1600/Y+for+yourself.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqK5FKEKmGnKtIUdDlv2_PRTQwNzlZMSyJuZgHlJu2D8iUMNK78HBWlhd27whC5Xp-k08mDFYnxIBu5vbnycPEDfgBd-KB2br1Du_0JiYCcZa2Y87NddNZfzLvPaoMv_1hjVkbcgoHwzA/s640/Y+for+yourself.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Always be you and believe in you!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Best,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Becca</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 27.72px;">
My A-Z Theme- Positive attributes and inspirational ways to make a difference.</div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 27.72px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 27.72px;">
All definitions are from <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/" style="color: #00acd1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.merriam-webster.com/</a></div>
<br />Rebecca Green Gasperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14487755367578898689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7033808446276550296.post-69102488572509279232016-04-28T07:00:00.000-06:002016-04-28T18:25:50.068-06:00X is for XenodochialXenodochial<br />
<br />
: Friendly to strangers<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR_s63S8KH-QHzhyemIGZUJtjkODbImkgp4S4LGBZkmfNq6AiGu30ghE03ls5Yw5Aw536TLG6WAH1KmUCHOgQFjKSUlTE6ucnjRzGzJKGZWLrOOQE_eHH20uZABRXhb72mfE9paDmpm-k/s1600/x+for+xenodochial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR_s63S8KH-QHzhyemIGZUJtjkODbImkgp4S4LGBZkmfNq6AiGu30ghE03ls5Yw5Aw536TLG6WAH1KmUCHOgQFjKSUlTE6ucnjRzGzJKGZWLrOOQE_eHH20uZABRXhb72mfE9paDmpm-k/s640/x+for+xenodochial.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ok- so this was a tough one... according to multiple sources on the web, xendochial means being friendly to strangers.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
From whatis.techtarget.com, <b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.2px;">Xenodochial</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.2px;"> is an adjective describing something – such as a person, place or software application -- that is friendly to strangers. “Xenos” is a Greek word for “strangers;" according to the Oxford English </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.2px;">Dictionary</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.2px;">,</span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.2px;">xenodochial</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.2px;"> means "hospitable."</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.2px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.2px;">Best,</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.2px;">Becca</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.2px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.2px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 27.72px;">My A-Z Theme- Positive attributes and inspirational ways to make a difference.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.2px;"><br /></span></div>
<br />Rebecca Green Gasperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14487755367578898689noreply@blogger.com0