#i drink my respecting and loving christine juice

[sleepysailorjunko]

Sunshine and Scars

It has been a long time since Christine Royce was at peace. True, Elijah's death had relieved her of her duty, but to be at ease in the Sierra Madre was to die.

Christine had been glad to see the Courier. How strange, that her life had been so affected by couriers. She owed a lot to the couriers of the Mojave. Did the Mojave Express accept payment for life debts twice over?

She had spent part of the long and dangerous journey to the Mojave trying to put how they felt towards Antietam into words, so they would know how deeply grateful she was. Only, she hadn't needed to.

The Courier had grabbed her hand, ostensibly to pull her out of harm's way. After, their grip loosened, leaving Christine free to remove her hand. Instead, she tightened her grip. That was how they had returned to the Mojave, hand in hand.

The Courier had described their friends as they walked to Antietam's home. They spoke so kindly, so affectionately of their friends. It made Christine half-jealous and half-curious to see how she would be described.

Perhaps as a broken knight who passed off their duty to a courier like it was a mere package. Christine thinks that for a second, and then hates herself for it. The Courier would never speak of them like that.

Antietam had no obligation to return to the Madre for her, but they did anyway. They wouldn't have come for her if they saw her like that.

The Courier gently dances around the topic of Veronica, not trying to overwhelm or guilt Christine into seeing her before she felt ready. She was not at hotel Antietam had brought them to, but a man of equivalent height to the Courier was. He seemed greatly relieved to see the Courier, who hugged him tightly.

"Just like last time, huh?" He said, wrapping his arms around Antietam. He looked down at the Courier fondly, and then leveled a less fond look to Christine. "You and your friend make it back okay?"

The Courier let go of the man and stood back.

"Yeah. Everything okay here?"

"Yeah. Mostly just waiting for you and shooting legionaries."

"Ha, wish I'd been here."

The Courier's strength seemed to sap as they recognize they were in friendly territory. This is their home, Christine realized, and then thought that they had brought her without evaluating the threat she posed as a Knight.

She knew that she could not return to duty as a Knight. She had been through too much and the Brotherhood would not be the home she left. Still, perhaps she and the courier would visit, if only for the hilarity of Antietam passing for a paladin.

They rested in a hotel room that night. The way Antietam moved showed their familiarity with the room, if the key they had brandished and their belongings spread throughout the room didn't. Christine thought she saw the jumpsuit the Courier had worn in the Sierra Madre peaking out of a cupboard.

That was one thing Christine had learned of her friend-their insatiable need to pick things up, from checkerboards to boxes of abraxo. Even now, they're dropping off their haul.

"Courier." Christine heard herself say, only it wasn't really her voice but Vera's. It took getting used to.

"Yeah, Christine?"

"Thank you." And the courier smiled at that, ran their fingers through their hair.

"It's what I should have done. Ah, I have something for you." They walk over to the cabinet and produce a rifle and armor that's familiar to Christine. Her Circle of steel uniform. "It's yours. If you want it."

When she wakes in the morning, she asks them about travelling to the Divide.

"Sure thing," the Courier says, and then looks a little flustered. "But I have to warn you. It's very dangerous in the Divide and we can't go immediately. I used up too many supplies getting to and from the Madre. You can stay here if you'd like, or I can set you up somewhere else. Oh, and you're welcome to come with me if you'd like."

That was another thing the Courier did: give her options, return to the Brotherhood, visit Veronica, visit the Divide, stay with the Courier. Maybe they were trying to stop her from feeling trapped.

So she travelled with the Courier throughout the Mojave. The Sniper came as well, although he didn't talk much and neither did Christine. But she could tell that he respected her and that he cared about Antietam. That was enough for Christine to respect him.

Travelling with Antietam wasn't like it had been in the Madre. The sun shining down on them reminded Christine of that with every step. It felt good to breathe in fresh air and walk under the Mojave's blue sky. With every breath she took, the Sierra Madre's fog left her lungs a little.

While gathering supplies, she asks the Courier to accompany her to the Brotherhood bunker of Hidden Valley. They were at the 188 Trading Outpost, and the Courier had ran under the bridge rather than head to the outpost. It was only for a second, but Christine is sure of what she sees: Veronica.

Her chest pangs at the sight, and she knows then that she still loves her.

Christine did not think she would ever see Veronica again. Had planned on it actually, when she resolved to be the warden of the Sierra Madre. Although the Courier had swayed her from the casino, she didn't lend any creedence to the idea of seeing Veronica. She had nothing left to offer her; she was a broken and scarred person and Veronica deserved better than her.

Antietam would probably argue with that, but it's not their decision to make.

Arriving in Hidden Valley, the Courier is treated as a paladin, although they certainly haven't welcomed them into the fold. The recycled ammo and poor quality armor is proof of that.

Cristine almost says something, and then she remembers the Courier's great love of fixing things. The armor was probably just a repair job they hadn't gotten around to.

In some ways, the base feels like home. It's not home, however, not for Christine or Antietam.

They see the elder by simply walking in. If Christine had done that during her time in the Brotherhood, it would not have gone well. Still, everyone seems more or less afraid of the Courier. If the story Christine was told regarding their first encounter with the Brotherhood was accurate, they should be.

The elder accepts Christine as a member of the Circle of Steel, even though her uniform is ragged and her holotags are somewhere in the Big MT. The Courier vouches for them, swearing on Steel, that this woman is Knight Christine Royce of the Circle of Steel.

Once the elder accepts that, Antietam announces that Father Elijah is dead. The elder's eyes widen and then narrow, before he asks if they can verify this.

"Well, I'm sure he's dead. I pumped him full of shotgun shells and then dropped a casino on him." Saying this, the courier dropped a parcel of Elijah's belongings on the desk.

The elder's face looks as if he wants to scream and is narrowly holding it in.

"I'll be looking forward to your report, Paladin." He says, after he took a good second to compose himself.

Christine laughs at the Courier's exit, and then resigns her commission with the Brotherhood of Steel. No longer if she a Knight of Steel, but Christine Royce, Survivor.

The Courier leaves without writing a report.

When the Courier announces that they're ready to leave for the Divide, it has been a month. A voice chirps from Antietam's pipboy, but it's not Elijah, a much softer voice.

"Oh boy, is this your friend? She looks...Dangerous!" the voice says.

"Yeah, I know, yes." The Courier says, and then introduces it to Christine, holding up their wrist. "This is Yes-Man, he lives in my pipboy. He's not evil or anything, just curious. Yes-Man, this is Christine Royce, she's a friend of mine."

"Hello, Christine! The Courier's wrong, I'm a little evil!" Yes-Man greets.

"Hello, Yes-Man?" Christine responds.

"I give free will to one computer and it turns evil." Antietam mutters, and looks down at the trail ahead. "Ready to head into the Divide?"

"Ready as I'll ever be."

The trip is difficult, but the Courier is familiar with the path. As they walk, Antietam tells a story of the Courier who once walked this path, bringing death to their home. It fills maybe an hour of their long journey.

The rest is filled with near deaths and tapes played through Antietam's pipboy. Old world music, gameshows, and radio dramas copied onto holotapes and scrounged up throughout the wasteland. Unanimously, they skip Dean Domino tapes. Still, they come into rotation enough that the Courier removes the tape and holds it out for a second, like they were going to throw it away. They look at it real long and hard, and then put it back.

"It's too valuable to throw away."

Eventually, they make it to the cliffside at the end of the world. The man waiting there is the courier who saved her from the Big MT.

"Courier."He greets Antietam. "Didn't know we were having guests."

"You should know my name, Courier-you gave it to me." Antietam returns, and his eyes narrow in response.

"So I did. Did not expect to see you again, Knight Royce. Did you hunt your enemy?"

"Yes, and you?"

"Stands next to you now, no longer an enemy." Ulysses's eyes narrow on the Courrier. "Something else now."

Christine looked over at Antietam, a look in her eyes that says "you didn't mention this!".

"Well, that sure is something. I'm no longer a Knight, however."

"Put the Brotherhood behind you.... you are a changed man, Royce."

"You as well."

"I'll leave you two to get caught up." Antietam said with a smile, and turned to leave, but the voice on their pip boy spoke up.

"Aww, that's no fair! I wanna meet your friend!" Yes-Man whined.

The Courier rolled their eyes, and then flipped their wrist up.

"There, happy now?"

"Oh, I know you!" Yes-Man beeped. "You're that man that's been following us!"

"What? Yes, that's not right." The Courier ran their hands over their face. "Sorry, Ulysses. He's just a computer program and he doesn't mean anything. I'm not sure what he's on about."

Ulysses did not say anything.

"I am right!" Yes-Man argued. "I've seen him before!"

"No, you couldn't have. Ulysses was here, in the Divide, so he couldn't have been following us."

Christine thought about it. Antietam had known where Ulysses's camp was, but it didn't appear to be lived in for all that long. Could have meant anything.

"Sorry, I'll just...uhh leave. I'll talk to y'all later."

When the Courier was out of earshot, Christine looked at Ulysses.

"What's the truth?"

"Antietam came here for me. To the Divide. And then I followed them back to the Mojave."

"Didn't stop when they returned to the Mojave, did you?" Christine's voice is flat, unamused. "They didn't know they were being followed."

"No. Followed them through the mountains and deserts and into Vegas. Courier carries my heart, even if they don't know."

"They could. If you would stop following them and talk to them."

"Wouldn't matter. Couriers who have committed the wrongs we have and lived as we have...don't deserve happiness together."

"I understand. Before we met, I loved a woman named Veronica. But we were seperated by Elijah. And I hunted him despite how Veronica loved him like a father. Now I am free of that duty and too broken for Veronica to love."

"You argue despite that? Two of a kind, you and I." He thought for a second and then continued. "Perhaps you should return to the woman you love. Allow her to see you as you are now...to see if her feelings remain the same."

"Perhaps. Could say the same about you."

"Not the same. Courier and I were never lovers. Different history between the them and I, one filled with the death of our home."

"Cares about you though." Christine retorted, and when Ulysses didn't respond, she huffed. "I'm going to find them."

To Christine, the Divide screamed that she shouldn't be here. It wasn't her history that was buried under the ash. The land was still in the worst ways. Reminded her of the Madre, as she hunted through the land for Antietam.

Didn't have to go far, and Antietam smiled at her when their eyes met.

Christine opened her mouth to speak, but found that the words would not come.

"Did you and Ulysses have a good talk?" They asked.

"Yeah." Christine croaked out.

"Alright, I'm going to talk to him for a moment. We'll probably camp out here for a few days, then head home to the Mojave."

"Fine." She settled behind the Courier to follow them back to the camp.

The Courier laid close to Ulysses, putting down their heavy pack and pulling out supplies to show him. He looked amused as Antietam showed him their rollerskates and books they had brought their friend.

When they had emptied out their backpack and Ulysses had a stack of supplies littered around him, they leaned against him. Although Ulysses startled for a second, he relaxed and settled against Antietam.

"Hey, Ulysses...I've been thinking and I wanted to know..would you want to return to the Mojave with me and Christine?"

Ulysses didn't say anything for a moment, and then he responded.

"Perhaps it's time for me to leave this place." He rubbed at his jaw, and he looked at the courier, who was tucked into his side. "Yes, let the Divide belong to the past now."

It was like that then.

Christine held her friend's hand as they returned, just as they had when returning from the Madre. It feels right, the way their hands fit together.

The Divide has brought something back to her, she thinks, and she realizes her decision has been made. As the sun rises over the desert, she tells Antietam of her choice, and they wish her well.

Pack on her back, she leaves for Veronica.

She doesn't think that Veronica will recognize her. It has been years since they met, and her hair has been shaved, scars carved over her face and throat. Even her voice is different.

The 188 is her destination, as it's the last time she saw her. It takes her a few days, but she finds her way there.

She dons her Circle of Steel uniform, even if she no longer belongs to the Brotherhood.

"Excuse me," She greets. "May I speak with you for a second?"

"I'm sorry, do I know you?" Veronica responds, lowering her eyebrows.

"You did, once. You were Scribe Veronica Santangelo, and I was Knight Christine Royce." Veronica startles back from her, and Christine thinks that this was a bad idea, and maybe listening to Ulysses on romantic advice was doomed from the start. "I know it's hard to believe-I don't look the same and my voice is different. Please let me explain."

"Alright, explain." Veronica responded, although she still looked hesitant.

"I was sent by the Circle of Steel to hunt Elijah down for his crimes. He elluded me and escaped to Big MT, a land controlled by robots who experimented on humans. After I confronted Ellijah, the robots captured me and they...cut into my head. A courier freed me and helped me back to health, but we parted ways so I could track Ellijah to his final destination."

"The Sierra Madre." Veronica breathed.

"Yes. However, when I arrived, I was trapped in an Auto-Doc. It tore out my vocal cords, leaving me mute. Another Courier freed me, and helped me to enact vengence on Ellijah. When our work was done, I decided to stay there."

"And yet you're here?" She shifted her weight from one fit to another.

"They convinced me to return. I believe they are a friend of yours."

"Christine...I can't believe it's you. I thought you were dead. Everyone did."

"I didn't think I would ever see you again." Christine smiled a little.

"I just don't know how to handle this. What do you want from me?"

"Anything you are willing to offer me. If you want nothing, I'll disappear and you'll never see me again. If you'd like to be friends, I'll be your friend."

"And if I want more?" Veronica said.

"I could be more. I'm not the same person I was."

"I don't want to push you away, but I don't know what I want. I didn't think I would see you either."

"Maybe we just need to take things as they come. See where the road takes us."

"I'd like that."

And Christine was at peace.

#fallout new vegas #fnv #ulysses fnv #ulysses #courier antietam #courier six #tw: stalking #christine royce #i drink my respecting and loving christine juice #antietam having the yes-man pipboy is forever #hhhh when they said fnv makes you question your gender...they weren't kidding...that fnv can make you question #craig boone #veronica santangelo #yes man

[distraughtlesbian]

the phantom at the end of point of no return, blatantly copying raoul’s expression of his pure and undying love: say you want me with u here beside u lead me save me from my s

raoul, from the seats: bro shut the FUCK up

#thinking abt how the phantom was like hm. how do i convince christine that my love is ALSO pure and undying #ah yes. ill just become dollar store raoul. #anyway erik is an incel send tweet #the phantom of the opera #poto #christine daae #raoul de chagny #erik destler #r/c #e/c #megstine is the only way to go actually #but raoul drinks his respect women juice so he’s the better choice of the two #no i DONT give a fuck that the phantom regularly churns out bangers

[couldntbedamned]

These Inconvenient Fireworks - 11, 12, 13, 14

Summary: After a battle, Mr. Stark crosses a line with Peter.  Peter, tired of being on the receiving end of Mr. Stark's anger, asks Stephen - who's witnessed everything - to take him away.  In doing so, Stephen starts down a path with Peter he didn't see coming.

Alternatively: Peter's heart gets broken and Stephen helps put it back together.

Warnings/AO3 Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Canon Divergence - Avengers:   Endgame (Movie), Endgame? I Don't Know Her, Peter Parker Needs a Hug, Tony Stark Has Issues, POV Stephen Strange, Peter Parker Stands Up For   Himself, Eventual Smut, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Smitten Stephen Strange, Stephen Strange Drinks His Respect May Parker Juice, Peter Parker is 18, Domestic Fluff, The Avengers are Good Bros, Team Bonding, Oral Sex, Stephen Strange Needs a Hug, College, Moving Day, Columbia University, May Parker Needs a Hug, Emotional Support Relic, No Seriously Stephen Needs a Hug, Wanda Maximoff Needs a Hug, Self-care, a gratuitous shower sex scene, Christine Palmer is a Good Bro, Video Sex, Student-Teacher Roleplay

<<<>>>

11.

Peter seemed pretty cheerful in the following weeks.

His friends would be returning home soon - Ned from visiting his grandparents in Florida and MJ from her internship in D.C. Stephen could tell that Peter was getting restless, eager to see his friends in person after spending the summer apart and only connecting with texts and video calls. Stephen, for his part, was somewhat apprehensive.

Ned and MJ were two of the most important people in Peter’s life. He hadn’t asked Peter if they knew about him, trusting that Peter would let him know what he needed to know. They knew Peter was Spider-Man, and knew that Stephen was the “Doctor Strange” referred to in the papers and blogs.

“I want to tell them in person,” Peter said, when Stephen finally did ask if they knew. “And alone.” He looked at Stephen. “It’s nothing personal, just, it’s what my spider tingle is telling me to do.”

“They’re your friends,” Stephen said. “Do what you think is best.”

Like he had.

He’d told Wong about his relationship with Peter when he’d been at Kamar-Taj getting Wanda settled. He’d found himself nervous as he’d done so. Wong had seemingly sized him up.

“Did you use the mystic arts to sway him?”

“No.”

“Then walk with him in peace.”

“That’s it?” Stephen had asked.

Wong rolled his eyes. “We’re not monks, Stephen. No laws - legal or mystical - are being broken.”

“Alright then,” Stephen said awkwardly. Wong always had a way of putting him off guard. “Good talk.”

Chapter 11

<<<>>>

12.

Stephen slid out of Peter’s memories, head spinning.

The stone between their palms had turned ice cold and he carefully unlaced their fingers.  His own were stiff and sending little spikes of pain up through his hand and arm.  Even still, he held Peter’s hand, aching thumb rubbing soothing circles.

Peter let out a shaky breath, huddled into himself as best he could.

“Peter?”

He looked at Stephen, tears running down his face that he hastily wiped away.  “Yeah?”

“Can I hold you?”

With a sob, Peter surged into Stephen’s arms, knocking them back so that they laid on the couch.  He cried as Stephen held him, broke down like he’d been trying not to do since he’d seen his friends.  For two days.

“It’s going to be okay,” Stephen said quietly when Peter eventually calmed down.  “Whatever you need, all you have to do is ask.”

Chapter 12

<<<>>>

13.

Time seemed to be a losing battle, as the day of Peter’s departure came closer.

There was so much to do and as prepared as Peter and May had been, Stephen felt far too out of sorts for his liking.

For Peter’s birthday, there had been a lovely dinner out at an upscale pan-Asian restaurant called Buddakan. Stephen had been there many times and insisted on treating both Peter and May. He hadn’t let either of them see the final bill, nor would he let them handle the tip. “It’s for your birthday, Peter. I’m not letting you pay for dinner on your birthday.”

There had also been the party held at the Compound as thrown by the Avengers. Peter had been surprised, but honestly pleased with the care put into the gifts he received. (Even if Sharon’s gift of a set of everyday items that secretly held knives was more terrifying than she probably realized. He was going to start calling her the Blonde Bond if she wasn’t careful.) What had particularly blown him away was that Tony and Stephen had collaborated to put a portal from Peter’s closet to the roof. Stephen had created the portal, and Tony had provided the tech that would keep security systems from detecting Peter’s presence on the roof, as well as mask the portal from anyone who didn’t know to look for it.

“This is so cool!” Peter exclaimed!

“We know you’re gonna be cutting back on being Spider-Man while you’re living up the college life, but we figured you should have a secured way to get out if something happens and New York City’s Friendliest Arachnid is needed,” Tony said.

“Yeah, for sure!”

“So, who’s the moving team?” Sam asked.

“Um, probably just me and May,” Peter said.

“And me,” Stephen added. “Even if I was told I couldn’t use magic.”  He wasn’t bitter about that.  No, not a bit.

Chapter 13

<<<>>>

14.

The next month passed in a blur.

He and Peter texted every day, just simple messages back and forth letting each know the other loved him, that he hoped his day was going well.

Two weeks in Peter sent Stephen an email longer than some papers he’d written.  In it, Peter wrote everything about the people he met on his floor, and in his dorm.  He wrote about the RAs who’d gathered everyone in a common area the first night and gave them all pizza, saying they wanted to set the incoming freshman at ease because they remembered how hard their first night away had been.  He talked about the welcoming events, the presentation by campus police, the student groups determined to wrangle new members come hell or high water.  Classes were mentioned as well in even more detail than Stephen had expected.

Overall, Peter seemed to be doing well, though Stephen would be able to get a better sense of it once they had a date night.

Stephen threw himself into life at Kamar-Taj in the meantime.

Even with Wong back from his vacation - and carrying a bag full of thick stacks of cash that he wasn’t inclined to explain, Stephen continued to teach and oversee classes.  The students, Novices, Apprentices, Adepts, and Masters alike all served to reinvigorate him.  He liked teaching.  He didn’t think he’d like to do it full-time, because he did love his life back in New York.  But spending more time in Kamar-Taj was certainly something he intended to do.

“I’m glad you didn’t completely fall apart,” Wong said as he joined Stephen in watching over a class of Novices attempting to conjure portals with their new sling rings.

“With the overwhelming confidence in me from fine people like you, I knew I’d get through it,” Stephen replied.  “Truly, the support has been mind-boggling.”

Chapter 14

#spideystrange #spiderstrange #peter parker x stephen strange #stephen strange x peter parker #peter parker x doctor strange #doctor strange x peter parker #couldntbedamned fic

[sarahunfiltered-blog1]

The People Who Inspire/Motivate Me

Jeffrey - Gah, my brother... I have so much love, trust, respect, and admiration for Jeffrey. Growing up I knew I could always count on him. He’s never given up on me and he is one of my biggest cheerleaders in life. He’s always encouraging me to go after my dreams. I remember one time I was crying in my bed because I had no friends and deeply wanted a best friend and he sat down next to me and prayed with me that I would find my best friend and within less than 2 years I met Michael, my very best friend and now husband. There was also one time couple of years ago I remember him having me sit down and write out a bucket list. I thought he was crazy, but I did it and within a years time or so I crossed off 85% of that list. He took also took it upon himself to sit down and teach me the importance of all things money. He stayed up with me until 3 a.m. one night working out a budget for me. He challenged me time and time again on how important saving money is and I finally listened. I’ll forever be grateful for him stepping up in the areas I didn’t have support from our parents. I wouldn’t be where I am today without him.

Michael -  Michael has been my best friend for 10 years now. He’s been the most consistent non-family member I’ve ever known. We’re 2 completely different people, but we’ve learned over the years to work together really well. He’s really helped me come out of my shell, he helped me realize not all men are assholes and I could trust him, he can bring me from a 12 to a 3 (even though sometimes he’s the reason I go from a 3 to a 12.;) ) He’s taught me to stand up for myself and to not let everyone/anyone walk all over me, he pushes me to do my best always, he believes in me when I don’t, and is always a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on when I need it. Michael doesn’t take everything overly serious or to heart like I do and he’s helped me learn to better gauge what/who I give my time, attention and energy to. Maybe one day I’ll be able to say no like he can, but that’s still a working progress, but I love that he can say no and not think twice about it. One day, though...one day.

Meghann - My sister Meghann is older than me, so growing up it was the standard I was the annoying little sister and she was the mean big sister, lmao. But as we’ve grown up and matured we’ve gotten a lot closer. Meghann inspires me so much in the way she goes about what she eats and feeds her 2 little girls. I can honestly say that she is the reason I stopped eating things like Lean Cuisines and drinking Naked juice cause I thought it was healthy and good for me. She taught me how dairy isn’t the best choice and to try almond milk and how gluten really isn’t the best and why. These tips and tricks made me go out and research everything that much more and any time I have something new to share or talk about we’ll both bounce off each other about the topic. She’s definitely my go-to with finding a healthier alternative or more holistic way of going about eating.

Claire  - Ohhhh, Claire... Claire is one of my younger sisters, but closest to me in age. What I love most about Claire and what inspires me is that no matter WHAT life has thrown at her in her young and all through growing up she overcomes it all and doesn’t let it dim her light. She has more than one reason to be a jaded, closed off person, but she stills remains so loving and caring and keeps on keeping on. Her story so far inspires me to keep on keeping on and she is one of my biggest role models when it comes to not letting fear stand in your way of doing something you love or that you’re passionate about. 

Demi Lovato - Demi and I are the same age and I’ve always followed her journey and have been a fan. I have a cross tatted on my hand in the same spot she does. She didn’t become an inspiration to me until 2ish years ago when she kind of came of the closet and became this unapologetic person. She started writing and singing music that was true to her, she was open and honest about her recovery with her eating disorder and despite her bipolar disorder she works on herself on the daily and doesn’t use it as an excuse. She’s not shameful and her body or sexuality or any part of her being anymore and it just spoke to me so much because it’s something I work on daily. I cut all my hair off a few years ago and she was the inspiration about behind it. I tell all my friend and family that one day her and I WILL be friends and I am going to keep saying that until it happens, lmao. 

Lori Harder - 2 years ago I gave podcasts a go. I remember searching self-help and this pretty smiley blonde with bright red lipstick popped up as a suggestion and I gave it a go. I was blown away at how similar our stories were. It was almost too identical. She grew up and always struggled with her weight as a little girl, came from a super religious family, in a home where money was an ever present issue, suffered from severe anxiety and was home-schooled. I’m sorry, but did someone say Sarah Cannon? Jeez. I was hooked from the first episode. Lori has taught me to never let my fear and anxiety get in the way of what I want to do and I can always count on her to step on my toes in love to get something done or forgive or to work and move past something. You can find Lori at https://www.loriharder.com/

Jordan Younger aka The Balanced Blonde - I discovered Jordan through Lori 2 years ago and have been fascinated by her story of finding balance with her eating disorder. It really spoke to me and inspired me to find more balance in my life, especially with food. I love following her ever evolving story and how she’s into yoga and healthy foods and crystals and deepening her spiritual practice/journey and no matter what she stays true to herself, but isn’t afraid to learn and grow and doesn’t let anyone dictate what she believes in or how she goes about her which is something I’m learning to do on the daily. It’s not always easy, but knowing there is someone else out there sharing it so openly helps me tremendously. You can find Jordan at http://www.thebalancedblonde.com/

Elizabeth Dialto - I discovered Elizabeth through Lori’s podcasts and what I loved most about Elizabeth from that episode was how just REAL she was. She had a laugh that made me laugh and I wanted more. I went month’s without listening to any other podcast outside of her. I believe it was almost 2 years worth of podcasts she had out at that point. This podcast made me so so so unbelievably uncomfortable. Why? Well, I grew up and was conditioned a certain way and was very stuck in it and this podcast was un-conditioning me and I was fighting it. I had never heard about chakras or the moon cycles or meditation and crystals and all things outside of what I learned in church/growing up, so I automatically deemed it “bad” and “of the devil” and “oh my family would NOT approve of this”, but I kept going back and fighting the urge to run away from it because I learned something through all of this. It’s OK to let go of your old belief systems and working through your shit is needed to move on, and you can’t just stuff everything and think it’ll be OK. I have so much respect for this beautiful soul and can’t wait to meet her one day and give her the biggest hug. I use her oracle cards she created every single day and read her Wild Soul Woman pledge as well. Elizabeth is an amazing leader and guide and has given me so many tools to work through my shit and come out an untamed version of me that’s been there all along, but just had to peel back some layers and do some digging. You can find Elizabeth at http://untameyourself.com/

Christine Hassler - I found Christine either through Lori or Elizabeth. One of the two, I’m not 100% sure. When I think Christine I think peace, love, calmness and happiness. She is so loving and bubbly. Through her work I’ve been able to forgive certain family members and friends from past hurts and traumas. For the first few podcast episodes I just cried my eyes out at my desk because of the things her guests would talk about on her live coaching calls. Daddy issues, relationships, work, you name it. I was triggered... but she gave me the tools to work through it and I put all the tools to use and have never felt more free. You can find Christine at https://christinehassler.com/

Almost 30 Podcast Ladies - I recently discovered Krista and Lindsey through Lori’s podcast as well. What I loved most about them at first is that they’re around my age, which at the time I was listening to all these amazing people via podcasts, but they all had 10+ years on me and had it figured out and were living out their passions and had these amazing lives and I am over here listening to a podcast at my 8-5 desk job feeling like the life I am living is so wrong and off course and I needed to be something AMAZING now and making millions of dollars while doing so. So these ladies were a breath of fresh air and I love that they’re eager to learn and grow and take everyone along with them on the ride by learning from all these amazing guests and I’m able to relate SO much. They’re real, raw and hilarious and I’ve learned so much. You can find The Almost 30 ladies at https://www.almost30podcast.com/

Sahara Rose - I discovered Sahara and her work through the Almost 30 Podcast. When she started talking about Ayurveda and how it’s this 5000+ year old health/wellness system and how Pitta meant this and Vata meant that and Kapha and this and the mind, body and spirit are all connected I was HOOKED and just wanted more.  Sahara has really inspired me to live a more ayurvedic lifestyle through book The Idiot’s Guide to Ayurveda. I’ve incorporated dry brushing, self oil massage, tongue scraping, oil pulling, drinking warm water with lemon every morning to optimize my digestion and so many other things. It’s been a game changer for me and I’m forever grateful. You can find Sahara at https://www.iamsahararose.com/

I wouldn’t be where I am today without all of these amazing people and for that I am FOREVER grateful. 

- Sarah xo

#motivation #mentors #podcast #guides

[angryhausfrau-writes]

I Travel Troubled Oceans: Chapter 14 - Meditations

With one fashion show already under his belt, Jack approaches his second with much more equanimity. Ok, he's maybe still a frazzled mess, and both Anne and Charles have both kidnapped him on several occasions just to get him to take a break. But he's really handling this show much better than the last. He is.

He's gotten most of his designs mocked up in muslin, knowing now that his strong suit is doing and not planning, even if it's only in this one thing. Charles and Anne have both made fun of him for getting too wrapped up in his head, for coming up with grand plans and schemes and tricky plots when a boot to the face would be nearly as effective and vastly quicker. But that's the thing. Jack doesn't want nearly good enough. He wants perfection. He wants to be the best – and that requires careful planning.

But there's a saying that perfection is the enemy of good enough. And Jack certainly values the balance Anne as his partner and Charles as his second in command (and isn't that a change of circumstances that Jack is still getting used to) bring to their little team. Because Max too is a planner and if it were just the two of them, they might get bogged down in the minute details and miss valuable windows of opportunity. Or literal windows, like the one Anne climbed through into the posh bedroom of one of the city planning commission bigwigs to gather conclusive proof of his tawdry extramarital affair. And if Anne helped herself to some of his top shelf booze and cigars, well Jack likes a drink and a smoke of an evening as well as the next man. Except for Charles, who'd complained that the whiskey went down too smooth, but Charles would drink paint thinner if left to his own devices, so Jack is firmly NOT taking his opinion into account.

Although he thinks at least half of Charles's stubborn refusal to be domesticated is a front. Because honestly, who would rather live life at the ragged edge of survival when they could be safe and comfortable and happy? Who goes out to beat the shit out of other people nearly every day – and have the shit beaten out of them in turn – when there are a million other much more pleasurable ways to spend one's time? Idiots, that's who.

It all just smacks of the kind of hypermasculine male alpha bullshit that Jack has never had particular interest in. Obviously.

But despite their differences, the three of them – well, five if you count Mary and Max, the latter of which Jack has learnt never to disregard – they all make a pretty great team. Jack might think rather highly of himself – too highly, if Anne's to be believed – but he would never be able to pull off the con they're attempting without Max. Without her connections, yes, but it's more than that. She has a clarity of vision he hasn't known since Flint ran a crew, and it's a vision far less likely to cause them to wind up dead or incarcerated.

And Mary has been invaluable helping out with the social media angle of their little venture. So much of what they are doing rests on public perception – and a positive public perception at that. Both Flint and Vane had run crews on the power that fear gave them. But that has never been Jack's angle. Sure, he's ruthless – violent - when he needs to be, but it isn't his go-to method of garnering respect. But even for him, this is a great deal farther along the path of respectability than he's ever trod before. And Mary has helped guide them all down it with a keen eye to social mores and outside perceptions that Jack can't help but admire. Even if he dislikes his work being interrupted for an hour while Mary stages the perfect “candid” photo for his Instagram.

Speaking of his work, it also helps having Christine as an assistant this go round at creating a fashion show, since Fashion Week is somewhat more important than his debut show. Jack has a lot of eyes on his design studio, and those eyes want to see sketches and drawn out designs – proof that he can hack it in the cutthroat world of high fashion. Which, Jack ran a street gang for two years, he's got this covered. But he is garnering a fair bit of interest from the British critics for this new show, as well as some international interest and it serves their agenda to keep those guardians of haute coture appeased., since Max is banking on further exposure for the next stages of her plan.

Sewing the seeds of an international criminal empire is not the only goal, however. Jack is also supposed to be using this show to help Idelle become even more entrenched with Councilor Featherstone. Max has gotten a fair bit of insider information off the esteemed councilor through Idelle's rather pointed pillow talk. Nothing actionable at this stage, but they're still laying the groundwork, both through her efforts and with Jack's own weekly tennis dates with the man. Not to mention the occasional double dates he and Charles have been dragged on, usually to the poshest and most upscale of restaurants – where Charles still doesn't deign to button his shirt more than half way. And expecting him to wear a suite jacket is a complete lost cause.

Not that Jack particularly minds. And he doesn't think Idelle does either.

Frankly, the councilor's not much to look at. Sort of quiet and mousy. Even after all these months and months of trying to draw him out of his shell, Jack doesn't feel like he's been all that successful. The man's more withdrawn than a turtle faced with whatever the fuck eats turtles.

Some kind of bird maybe? Or a lizard? Jack's not a biologist, all right? Or any kind of scientist.

What he is is a conman masquerading as a rich idiot fashion designer. Who's been tasked with making a prostitute look upper crust enough for the nouveau rich government official they're conning to start thinking marriage, not just fun fling.

Because one of the side effects of Jack “befriending” the councilor is that he starts complaining about his life problems. Which is exactly what Jack wants to happen. He can't very well give Councilor Featherstone his heart's desire – fix all the little botherations currently vexing him – if he doesn't know what those botherations are. But God is it dull. His largest problem is an overbearing mother who constantly wonders why he hasn't settled down yet.

And so Featherstone has been agonizing lately over whether or not Idelle is the capital-O one. The real deal. The love of his life. The one he wants to spend forever with – or as much of forever as middle-aged rich fuckers care to believe in.

And for the sake of the con if nothing else, it's Jack's job to make Idelle into the councilor's one true love. His soulmate. His reason de etre.

And that means taking a corner girl and turning her into an upper-middle class enough woman that she can be a wife and not just a hot trophy girlfriend, to be used and then discarded when a newer, shinier model wanders into the councilor's view.

Jack's getting flashbacks of watching My Fair Lady – terrible musical and with a completely different ending to the book. Although the sugar sweet Hollywood ending, with enough romantic nonsense to start rotting teeth, is exactly what they're after.

And Jack is nothing if not adaptable, as evidenced by his turning the whole Flint debacle into something positive. So this go round, all the clothes are rich brocades and just dripping in jewels, like the whole fucking royal treasury is out on the catwalk. And the clothes are not exactly modest, not with the amount of cleavage Jack's showing. Idelle's got great tits and it would be a shame not to feature them prominently. But there's no skin tight latex or side slits up to the waist or plunging necklines that end at the groin.

No. It's respectable.

He's respectable. Which isn't a word Jack often uses to describe himself, much less Anne or Charles. But here they are.

--

Anne is having a great fucking time. Like sure, she knew being rich had to be better than starving on the street. And the kind of money they've got is enough to let them weather storms of a magnitude she can't even fully comprehend.

But just the day to day stuff, it's ridiculous how much that shit's changed.

Anne's got people to clean her bathrooms. Hell, Anne's got a bathroom – and all to herself, she don't gotta share with anyone if she don't want. She can close and lock the door and lay in the gigantic bathtub, full of some perfumy smelling shit she swiped offa Jack and just exist for hours.

No one can get in and bother her. No one can judge her for using up all the hot water. Or for being unproductive.

Or for being girly.

Cuz Anne's not really one for frills and lace. Ain't never been one for dresses or high heels or makeup. But there's something to be said for having the freedom to do all the kinda girly shit she'd thought was stupid and weak and no way to get respect – and to find out that some of it's kinda fun.

Like the bubble baths. Or the tea parties she and Max and Mary started having, as a way for Anne to see Max at least weekly, but they've sorta turned into their own thing.

None of them are posh, and neither Anne or Mary want to put on the flowery sundresses that the event seems to call for. But Max'll put on a just fucking gorgeous dress with her hair piled up on her head with jewels in it like she's a queen or maybe a goddess like from Greek myths or some shit. And Anne'll put on a poet shirt and highwaisted pants and boots, cuz Byron might have been a syphilitic jackass but he had good fashion sense at least. And Mary'll put on a real sharp suit. And they'll sit out in their fancy garden and drink sparkling fruit juices with booze in them or tea nearly white with cream but still so much better than the dishwater they'd used to drink and eat finger sandwiches and fancy little cakes and just take the piss out of all the fucking rich pricks they've had to put up with all week. And sometimes, Charles will even join them, which is extra funny cuz he never even bothers to change out of his usual wardrobe of ripped jeans and leather and just so much testosterone you could choke. But he'll stick his pinky out when he drinks tea and gossip with the best of them, cuz he knows Anne'd give him endless shit if he didn't.

It's a whole hell of a lot of fun, is what Anne is saying, all that silliness and camaraderie and, and civility. She's glad she gets to live a life where she can do all those things. Where she don't gotta be the fiercest and the toughest and the ballsiest fucker in the room just to prove she belongs there.

Though she's also glad she gets to live a life where she can climb through a rich fuck's window to commit espionage and petty theft. Cuz life'd be pretty fucking boring if it was all just bubble baths and tea parties.

#black sails #max/anne #charles vane/jack rackham #i travel troubled oceans #chapter 14

[sarahburness]

It’s Not All Love and Light: Why We Can’t Ignore the Dark and Just “Be Positive”

“The dark night of the soul comes just before revelation.” ~Joseph Campbell

If you frequent Instagram or any other social media platform these days, you may notice countless posts about positivity, self-help, yoga, and green juice. And gluten-free everything.

Most of us equate these messages with spirituality and good vibes. I won’t disagree. These messages do promote good vibes. But, the problem is these posts don’t tell the whole story, and once we log off, many of us still feel incomplete, fearful, and insecure because all of these “influencers” and gurus seem to have it all figured out.

I’m going to let you in on a little secret: None of us has it all figured out. We cannot possibly summarize the complexity and fluidity of our lives in one post or yoga pose. And from experience, I can tell you that before you get to the love and light part, there’s a lot to muddle through. As they say, Instagram posts are oftentimes just someone’s highlight reel.

It’s easy to get enticed by gurus because they seem to have all the answers and to always be positive no matter what. When I followed a few well-known, self-proclaimed spiritual teachers, I put them on a pedestal and ignored my own inner guru. I also constantly compared myself to them because I wasn’t blissful 24/7, as they seemed to be.

Thankfully, that was short-lived. While I honor and respect everyone’s journey, I now realize that I resonate with a vibe of authenticity, not one that only allows others to see the positive without ever discussing the dark side of life.

I’m inspired by the teachers who share their struggles and transmute them in the name of love and healing, not the ones who claim to always be happy and positive, or who claim they have all the answers.

The spiritual journey is extremely personal. It leads you to connect to your true essence so you can start making choices from your highest self. The self that’s rich with love, joy, and wisdom. The self that knows which course is best for you. The self that wants you to learn self-love and self-fulfillment and to experience joy and overcome challenges with grace.

You cannot capture all of this on Instagram, I promise you.

On this journey, every day is a new discovery and adventure, and yes, there will be days where you feel completely off and perfectly human. So, don’t stress; you are still on a spiritual journey even if there are times when you seem “negative” or swear off positive practices like yoga.

You are still precious.

You are still loved.

You are still so incredibly worthy.

The beauty of the spiritual journey is that while you discover the infinite love inside of you and tap into your beauty and uniqueness, you also fall in love with your humanness. You start to accept that you are meant to feel all emotions, while also finding ways to be in alignment with what feels good to you.

In my experience, the work—returning home to yourself—begins by simply acknowledging that something is missing and that you feel disconnected, off, or incomplete. From there, you need to lean into the darkness instead of denying it with positivity (what’s known as a “spiritual bypass”).

The journey will involve facing your beliefs head on and learning to release and reshape the ones that don’t serve you.

It will ask you to visit parts of your life and mind that you are ashamed of and would rather ignore or kill off.

It will ask you to release old wounds and drop the revenge-like mentality against people and circumstances that have hurt you.

It will require you to visit painful memories and comfort that inner child in you who needs to be nurtured.

It will require you to be honest with yourself about how committed you are to change.

These are just some of the questions that I have had to answer thus far:

Am I truly willing to forgive and move on? Am I willing to see a past hurt as a messenger or a lesson?

Am I willing to make new mistakes with the understanding that no one is perfect?

Am I willing to question the beliefs that keep me stuck and feeling depleted?

Am I willing to let go of relationships that drain me?

Am I willing to change my lifestyle in the name of healing?

Am I willing to trust life, accept what needs to go, and embrace what needs to stay?

The answers came with many tears, and there were many days that I didn’t want to get out of bed because all I could do was relive my mistakes. I was cleansing my soul and at times reliving some painful moments.

I embarked on this journey to connect with myself again, to connect with my divine essence and the joy that had previously eluded me.

This connection didn’t magically appear. I had some homework to do. I started to slowly change my diet, although I still struggle with that, I had uncomfortable conversations when I needed to speak my truth, and I found new routines that helped me stay connected with my body, including qigong.

I found peaceful ways to be creative and have fun, like painting. I also showed up to every coaching session with an open heart, an eagerness to learn something new about myself, and a willingness to release old patterns, habits, and thoughts that were keeping me trapped.

Though I will continuously evolve every day that I am alive, I feel much closer to my personal truth. And I feel more comfortable expressing it. That’s the true journey.

Many realizations came to me when I slowed down enough to connect with myself. For example, I realized I’d lived my entire like as an extrovert when in fact my deep essence is stillness and introversion. I recharge in the quiet spaces and I nourish myself when I disconnect for a bit.

This was not an overnight revelation, but a long journey with many layers. I got to my truth (just the tip of it for now) by releasing emotions and beliefs that were just plain heavy and rooted in fear and doubt.

This took time.

So, the truth is that no matter how much green juice you drink or how many yoga poses keep you in shape, if the emotional release is not part of the routine, it will be challenging to maintain lasting change. The emotional healing is the hardest part. It’s the part that I resisted for a long time until I became comfortable facing my shortcomings, my past traumas, and my conditioning.

Change only occurred when I developed a genuine curiosity about my life and how I live it. I was eager to meet my traumas and brave enough to understand my triggers.

While I have not magically eradicated all of my fears, I have a new perspective and I maintain a daily routine that keeps me feeling loved and protected so that when challenges arise—because they will—I have a foundation of self-love and self-compassion, knowing that we all struggle.

I try to eat well to balance my moods. I stay creative every day. I pick one tool daily—mantras, my own customized prayers, salt baths, sitting and breathing, walking in nature—to help me with any challenges. And I try to move my body daily. These little efforts keep me centered.

It’s easy to recite positive mantras and flash the peace sign, but the real transformation begins inside. Once you expose the darkness, love and light can then enter. And when darkness comes to visit again, the light within you will give you strength to face any challenge.

The light in you will always guide you home. Keep moving—you’re doing great!

About Christine Rodriguez

Christine Rodriguez is a spiritual life coach dedicated to helping others transform beliefs, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that no longer serve them so they can create a life that’s aligned with their true desires and capabilities. To work with her, please visit miraculousshifts.com. You can find her on Instagram @Miraculousshifts.

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from Tiny Buddha https://tinybuddha.com/blog/not-all-love-and-light-cant-ignore-dark-be-positive/

[ralphmorgan-blog1]

The ‘Me in My State’ meme is too relatable

We all hate to love and love to hate our home state.

Image: shutterstock/twitter

State pride is something we can all relate to — except when you're actually home.

As millions of people traveled back home for Thanksgiving, people started to get real nostalgic for their home state. A far-too-relatable trend began, and eventually people of the United States realized that we all hate to love and love to hate our home state.

Here’s a little bit of hometown pride from all 50 states.

Alabama: 

Me in Alabama: fuck bama

Me anywhere else: Alabama, land of the sweetest tea and brisket crafted by Saban's angels. Such a breathtaking countryside view, you can hear "roll tide" be whispered by the gods & banjos coming from up above.Sweet home, Alabama. Sweet home(sheds tear) https://t.co/pxErVuw5Lq

— adriana (@adrianaalewis) November 25, 2017

Alaska:

Me in Alaska : i hate it here

Me everywhere else : Alaska is the biggest state and the most appreciative towards native Americans. My first word was northern lights. My bestfriend is literally a ptarmigan. I live on a glacier with my family of 100 moose. I bleed forget me nots. https://t.co/hQRNZ9f0Av

— 🎄Mistlehoe Em🎄 (@EmelyR1) November 26, 2017

Arizona: 

Me in arizona: it's so nasty here Me everywhere else: it's a dry heat. Yea, we have the grand canyon. I'm from like, just outside of Flag. Nobody calls it Flagstaff lmao. Y'all gotta hike Bell Rock. You've never had prickly pear candy? We're going to Bookmans & Harkins. Sedona is https://t.co/p2Xbzx3f1i

— the simple coke of cola (@thxrosewoods) November 25, 2017

Arkansas:

Me in Arkansas: I gotta drive 35 miles to get a bottle of wine i hate this place

Me anywhere else: first off how dare you it’s pronounced Ar-kan-SAW. i was conceived in the giant budweiser can and born in walmart. I cry every time I call the hogs. Kris Allen is my wallpaper. https://t.co/XDKKbgQYnq

— Landon Watson (@wildwildwatson) November 27, 2017

California: 

Me in California: Cali is congested, expensive and overrated. Hate it

Me outside California: the entirety of modern American culture relies on California. We are the technological heart that underpins the American economy. CA is simply the greatest geographical area in history

— jose (@MisterRudeman) November 15, 2017

Colorado:

me in colorado: why tf do people live here

me anywhere else: colorado is the best state. I skied directly out of the womb and then hit a bong. I can guide myself anywhere using only the direction of the Rocky Mountains. My middle name is 4:20. Coors beer runs through my veins. https://t.co/cu6elIKnlK

— adele 🎄 (@rllinginthedeep) November 27, 2017

Connecticut: 

Me in Connecticut: Ct sucks

Me anywhere else: Connecticut is the constitution state. We are the backbone of America. We eat nutmegs for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I have swam up the Connecticut river. We sweat clam chowder. https://t.co/hiuqAfwjTU

— Sydney (@totallysyd) November 26, 2017

Delaware:

Me in Delaware: Delaware is cool.

Me anywhere else: DELAWARE IS THE FIRST STATE FOR A REASON. Joe Biden is my uncle and YouDee is my first cousin. Sales tax who? I was born a Blue Hen and will die one. https://t.co/ukrLmhzLsX

— Christine (@misschristinewp) November 26, 2017

Florida:

Me in Florida: this state is so fucking hot I hate this tourist attracting, mosquito ridden swamp land I’m melting

Me anywhere else: I live where you vacation! I drink orange juice every morning and eat Pub Subs every meal. My mother is an alligator, my father is Mickey Mouse https://t.co/XqKfmzbdEC

— S t e p h (@snreifschneider) November 26, 2017

Georgia: 

Me in Georgia: Nothing ever happens here, I have to move.

Me, not in Georgia: *BRAVES CHOPS THROUGH THE DOOR* DON'T EVEN TALK TO ME IF YOU HAVEN'T EATEN AT A WAFFLE HOUSE, CHICK-FIL-A IS MY SAVIOR, RISE UP BITCH, ATL HOOOOOEEEE

— Delaney Strunk (@delaknee) November 27, 2017

Hawaii:

Me in Hawaii: this rock is too small

Me anywhere else: Hawaii is the most beautiful place on earth. Surfed to school. Had a pet dolphin. Ohana means family. Lilo and stitch or die. Protect da aina. Nothing but respect for MY queen Liliuokalani. https://t.co/K16zW6O7BX

— yay-c (@Jchitzz) November 26, 2017

Idaho:

Me in Idaho: This state has some serious issues

Me anywhere else: The Gem State is an actual gift from God. I was born and raised by potatoes. My first words were “Vote for Pedro,” and I was breast fed fry sauce. I bathe every morning down at the crick. It’s Boi-SEE, not Boi-Z https://t.co/daJ8fF6bEW

— Paige Lea (@paigevlea) November 27, 2017

Illinois:

Me in Illinois: IL sucks I hate it here

Me anywhere else: Illinois is the heart of the United States. Born and raised in one of our many cornfields, the first word I ever spoke was “ope.” By the age of 5, I was consuming Ranch Dressing in gallons. I eat Portillo’s once a day. https://t.co/9eV1LbfpjZ

— z (@actualIyzoe) November 27, 2017

Indiana:

me in indiana: indiana is boring lmao me anywhere else: indiana is a lush, richly-forested state with a plethora of wildlife. i learned how to make green bean casserole before i could walk. my mother is an ear of corn and my father is steak & shake.

— alexia (@ajzippysplits) November 26, 2017

Iowa:

Me in Iowa: Iowa winters suck I need to move somewhere warm

Me anywhere else: Iowa is the backbone of this country. Our farmers are essential to this economy. My mom is a corn stalk and my dad is a can of Busch Light. I eat a side of ranch with every meal https://t.co/OAN6M1cZdk

— Clarice LeBlanc (@clariceleblanc) November 26, 2017

Kansas:

Me in Kansas: I hate Kansas

Me anywhere else: I’ve seen burnt ends save marriages. K-10 is basically the autobahn of america, so that’s a thrill. I can name all 87 breeds of chickens and have a full back tattoo of the Flint Hills. I will be married in a quiktrip parking lot. https://t.co/ry9uddl5Lz

— D Henry Hanson (@hewhoisd) November 27, 2017

Kentucky:

Me in Kentucky: KY is so dull

Me anywhere else: I came out of the womb drinking sweet tea and yelling Go Cats. I rode a racehorse before I could walk. Ale 8 is the drink of the gods and I’ve never once said “you all.” Hot browns and bourbon are the lifeblood of our people. https://t.co/IhsAgd91AW

— Amanda Thurman (@amandaplease445) November 26, 2017

 Louisiana:

Me in Louisiana: This state is garbage

Me anywhere else: Louisiana is the only state in America where anyone can cook. Louis Armstrong should be on the $100 bill. I made love to a beignet. https://t.co/DK5MIN8Mp8

— North Pole PPFA 🎅🏻 (@mcquizzay) November 26, 2017

Maine:

Me in Maine: This place is the worst

Me anywhere else: Maine is the most beautiful state ever. I bleed pine sap. I eat blueberries for all meals & have lobster claws for hands. I love the coast. Let's to to Canada this weekend. Bonfire anyone? https://t.co/NNHTwm4BGN

— Bay (@bayleigh_b) November 26, 2017

Maryland:

me in Maryland: this place is the armpit of America

me anywhere else: l put Old Bay seasoning on EVERYthing. l learned how to pick crabs before l could walk. Our flag is so beautiful. l love the Chesapeake Bay. l have had sex with a blue crab.

— holly jolly jordank (@jordank1230) November 19, 2017

Massachusetts:

Me in Massachusetts: Mass sucks

Me anywhere else: Massachusetts is where the revolution started we basically started the country. My first word was wicked and my mother breastfed me iced Dunkin’ coffee. I had road rage before I could walk. https://t.co/4H6NFjAb8U

— Kyle Manley (@tsmoochiewall) November 25, 2017

Michigan:

me in michigan: this sucks it’s so boring

me anywhere else: my first food was a coney dog. it’s pop not soda! detroit is coming back. I love going up north. 4 of the 5 great lakes prefer michigan. I can look south to canada. vernors cures any ailment. construction is a season. https://t.co/G16Vyt0oAa

— skyler (@skylerleslie) November 26, 2017

Minnesota:

Me in Minnesota: Minnesota nice? More like MN passive aggressive

Me elsewhere: We have 4 seasons and 10,000+ lakes. I learned to shovel snow before I could walk. Something about surviving seasonal depression creates a sense of community. Have you seen the Minneapolis art scene? https://t.co/ubGDLmQsIZ

— ally 🌿 (@_appelmom) November 26, 2017

Mississippi:

Me in Mississippi:I can’t even go outside without getting dirty. I hope I don’t become obese.

Me everywhere else: I live in the crooked letter state where everybody kin folk & the food is the best. We got koolaid pickles, ice cups, & the smallest towns ever. What’s hannin 😎🤪 https://t.co/YAKqXGyumX

— shekinah 🌸🐣💙 (@KinahMonroe) November 27, 2017

Missouri:

Me in Missouri: man i hate it here im going to move far away once im done with school

Me anywhere else: Country music is my everything. I could hogtie a calf before I was in preschool. I live in the gateway arch. I can fit 20 cornstalks in my mouth and my father is a hay bale https://t.co/9JF8Bspbi4

— Katherine Lewis (@Katherine_Lewi) November 27, 2017

Montana:

Me in Montana: this is butt fucking nowhere Me anywhere else: I am from the 4th largest state. We have the biggest sky. The last best place. I built a log cabin before I could walk. My mother is a glacier and my father is a moose. We have the freshest air in the world. https://t.co/z0qQRWLpjB

— Zoie Koostra (@zee_a_koostra) November 27, 2017

Nebraska:

me in Nebraska: I hate this corn field

me anywhere else: I’d kill for a temperature Tuesday @ Runza. Ope sorry, I’m just gonna squeeze right past ya. Could I get a pop with that? What do u mean you’ve never been to the CWS? *farmer waves to a stranger as I drive the speed limit* https://t.co/fH6f6XYym8

— Scout Petersen (@scoutpetersen) November 27, 2017

Nevada:

Me in Nevada: ugh Me in anywhere else: Why is every store closing at 8 like most store should be 24 hrs tf is this bullshit??? https://t.co/wCRXTM274A

— ems (@iiied) November 27, 2017

New Hampshire:

Me in New Hampshire: NH is just hillbillies and trees.

Me anywhere else: New Hampshire is the home to all things New England. I bleed granite. My parents are trees in perfect fall foliage. A Robert Frost poem was my first word. No sales tax is my life. LIVE FREE OR DIE. https://t.co/3Hwok0rZKv

— Terisé (@terisemcole) November 25, 2017

New Jersey:

Me in New Jersey: I can't believe I live in the armpit of the country

Me anywhere else: listen we have ocean, cities, mountains, and roller coasters. It's called pork roll. I love Wawa and I don't know how to pump my own gas. Central jersey is fake. Also go birds https://t.co/JxeqsEndAi

— hayley (@all_HAYL) November 22, 2017

New Mexico:

Me in New Mexico: everything is hot I’m on fire I wanna die Me anywhere else: New Mexico is amazing we have desert AND snowy mountain trails. You’ll never witness a more vivid sunset. Have u ever seen miles of white sand under a starry sky? I’m naming my next kid Green Chile. https://t.co/tAF9dx64z9

— Gabrielle 🌲 (@raisingbabyclem) November 27, 2017

New York:

Me in New York: New York is boring

Me anywhere else: New York is literally the best state ever. We got the city, the Christmas tree, the Yankees. If you’re not from New York you’re “mad” irrelevant ya heard https://t.co/IB2kkxQMEq

— Acon (@a_conn8) November 26, 2017

North Carolina:

Me in North Carolina: I hate NC

Me anywhere else: I once saw a dead man rise after the pastor dropped a bag of Cook Out’s Cajun fries in his coffin. The construction on Hillsborough Street is a small price to pay for the beauty and culture of Raleigh. We are all Cackalacky. https://t.co/OwTmpJZS9P

— Splenda Pappy (@caroline_oreo) November 25, 2017

North Dakota:

me in north dakota: this state is so boring

me anywhere else: this is the most peaceful state. we are the farmers of america. i could milk a cow before i could walk. my mother is a cornstalk & my father is a holstein cow. https://t.co/w8InFakVu4

— swaggy-t (@taylorajohnson8) November 27, 2017

Ohio:

Me in Ohio: ohio sucks its just corn fields and potholes

Me anywhere else: scarlet and gray are the only two colors i see. i was born in a buckeye tree. the pumpkin show runs through my veins. cedar point is the only amusement park. im getting married in a kroger. https://t.co/Gy5THontOq

— seth (@sthrvs) November 26, 2017

Oklahoma:

Me in Oklahoma: ugh we are so fucked

Me anywhere else: my left fist is Will Rogers, my right is Woody Guthrie, I will punch anyone who doesn't love chicken fried steak. The land we belong to is grand but also we should give it back to the indigenous as promised. https://t.co/wyOL1X9Bak

— chogborts head girl (@memphispunch) November 27, 2017

Oregon:

Me in Oregon: Oregon sucks

Me anywhere else: Oregon is my life. My first word was recycling. No I don’t know how to pump gas and what the fuck is sales tax? I learned to compost before I learned to walk. I breastfed on coffee and my 1st food was Dave’s killer bread

— Shelby Behr (@ShelbyBehr) November 27, 2017

Pennsylvania:

Me in Pennsylvania: Pa sucks

Me anywhere else: Pennsylvania is Home to the one and only liberty bell. I was born on the field of Gettysburg where my father Benjamin Franklin invented Hershey’s chocolate on a cheesesteak. https://t.co/vb6F37vXIJ

— Brighid (@jakeefswag) November 26, 2017

Rhode Island:

me in Rhode Island: I'm getting outta here

me anywhere else: I'm thirsty, where can I find a bubbler? Where is the nearest Dunkin' Donuts? What do you mean you don't know what coffee milk is? Oh you know someone from RI? What's their name? I probably know them https://t.co/cVDKXb3pU4

— Ellyn Narodowy (@Enarodowy) November 25, 2017

South Carolina:

me in south carolina: i want to die

me anywhere else: have you ever been to charleston? the low country is just SO beautiful. i drink brackish water to survive. don’t like the coast? greenville is the fourth fastest growing city in the us. you can see mountains from downtown :) https://t.co/hz0h4X3YY6

— George Maxcy (@georgemaxcy) November 25, 2017

South Dakota: 

me in South Dakota: I hate this homogenous tundra

me anywhere else: Have you seen a jackrabbit run? The badlands is the most underrated national park. Tom Brokaw. Could you drive at 14? Because I could. https://t.co/RDpWUmaUYa

— K. Hansen (@kiesehansen) November 27, 2017

Tennessee:

Me in Tennessee: This state is the worst lol Me anywhere else: Tennessee is the volunteer state and features so many beautiful landscapes and populations. Nashville hot chicken is the food of the gods and the Smokey’s are heaven. Memphis style is the best bbq against all others https://t.co/xQKrhxXJ5y

— ❄️Ab-vent Calendar❄️ (@starbob0mb) November 27, 2017

Texas:

Me in Texas: this place is hot, racist, and boring Me, not in Texas: There is simply none like the Lone Star Star. Our coyotes wail, our sage blooms, our rabbits rush. Its history is rich and musical culture runs deep. All are lost until they have tasted their first honey butter.

— Thomas Portier (@tomas_portier) November 16, 2017

Utah:

Me in Utah: This state is problematic

Me anywhere else: Utah is a utopia cradled in the loving embrace of the Wasatch Mountains. The grid system is our nation's finest achievement. I am the child of a pioneer & a honeybee. Cafe Rio sauce flows through my veins. This is the place https://t.co/6KURvyDanF

— Sasha Smith (@SashaPSmith) November 26, 2017

Vermont:

Me in Vermont: It’s so cold. Get me out of this state. Me anywhere else: Jeezum crow, Vermont is the greatest state in the world. Home of Ben & Jerry’s. If you’ve never milked a cow or boiled sap you haven’t lived. We have parties in barns and frequently see Bernie Sanders.

— Natalie Jackson (@natjackski) November 26, 2017

Virginia:

Me in Virginia: this states mediocre

Me anywhere else: Virginia is home to the first English settlement and is the birthplace of 8 US presidents. Virginia is for Lovers. I came out of the womb and went to Kings Dominion. Our class took a field trip to Jamestown in the 3rd grade https://t.co/pKFi7q12Dr

— Taylor Bybee (@coasterstudios) November 27, 2017

Washington:

Me in Washington state: All this pollen is killing me.

Me anywhere else: I NEED YOU TO TAKE ME TO A TREE, ANY TREE, IMMEDIATELY, OR I WILL DIE. WHERE ARE YOU HIDING YOUR TREES. WHY DO THEY ALL LOOK DEAD IN THE WINTER.

— Bree Mae (@TheBreeMae) November 26, 2017

West Virginia:

Me in West Virginia: wow this place sucks Me anywhere else: WEST VIRGINIA MOUNTAIN MAMA. Beautiful nature!!! Scenic drives!!! We love our state so much our 8th grade history class is WV HISTORY!!! Too good for Virginia so we left!!!! GOLDEN HORSE SHOE!!! country rooooaaadz 🤘🏼 https://t.co/sYybMwmkcb

— hannah breen (@xHelloHannahhx) November 26, 2017

Wisconsin:

Me in Wisconsin: Wisco sucks lol

Me anywhere else: Wisconsin is amazing, we go to school in -40 degree weather. I was born on a November Sunday at Lambeau field. Knew how to Bucky before I was born. Cheese curds is my middle name.... Ope, I forgot to ask you where the bubbler is

— JENN•TIMM (@j_dizzledog) November 26, 2017

Wyoming:

Me in Wyoming: wow the weather is terrible; there is nothing & no one here Me anywhere else: Wyoming literally powers the nation. Yellowstone is the pride of America. The harsh, wild climate refines character. Only the best survive. We have mountains & peace. Ride for the brand. https://t.co/ulfWJE2v4u

— chelsey kay (@ChelsKay) November 26, 2017

[h/t:BuzzFeed]

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[andrebooker7532]

The Wit and Wisdom of Michael Gelb

I am grateful to Monique Muhlenkamp (New World Library Publishers) for providing a Q&A in which Michael Gelb shares his thoughts about a remarkably diverse range of subjects.

* * *

Michael J. Gelb is the author most recently of The Art of Connection: 7 Relationship-Building Skills Every Leader Needs Now, published by New World Library (September 2017). He has pioneered in the fields of creative thinking, accelerated learning, and innovative leadership. He leads seminars for organizations such as DuPont, Merck, Microsoft, Nike, Raytheon, and the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business. He is the coauthor of Brain Power and author of How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci as well as several other bestsellers.

* * *

You claim that business offers the greatest hope for humanity. Please explain.

For almost 40 years I’ve worked with corporations, helping them become more creative and human-oriented. This work is part of a growing movement toward sustainable, conscious capitalism. Business leaders are recognizing that they will be more successful and profitable if they care for all their stakeholders including the community, environment, workers etc. They make the world better by the way they do business, and the world responds by making them more profitable. This isn’t touchy-feely idealism; it’s practical, evidence-based reality. Vulnerability is a hot topic – is it a weakness or a power?

In her book Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead, Brené Brown argues that “vulnerability is the core, the heart, the center, of meaningful human experiences.”

The V-word word has become popular, but it’s not the best term. Derived from the Latin vulnerare, “to wound,” synonyms include weak, helpless, defenseless, sitting duck, and sucker.

More helpful words to express this quality include Accessible, Approachable, Open, and Present Receptive.

When we are open and accessible, it’s much easier for others to connect with us. For example, at a recent seminar for construction managers in New York, the group engaged in a discussion about the importance of seeking input from work crews on job sites. Joe, a veteran senior project manager, asked, “Won’t my people think I’m weak if I ask for their ideas?” This led to a passionate discussion in which many of the younger participants shared their belief that when a boss asks for their contributions, they feel respected and included. As a result, they see this as a sign of strength. This is a big change in the world of work! You’re known as a thought leader in Creativity and Innovation so why have you written a book about relationships?

My primary emphasis has been on teaching people the mindset and skills of creative thinking. It’s relatively easy to teach people how to generate new ideas. The hard part is getting support for those ideas and overcoming resistance to innovation and change. This demands skill in building relationships, and it often means managing conflict.

Many of my clients are champions of innovative change in companies, schools, non-profits and government agencies, and they seek help in overcoming resistance to new ideas. Whether you are championing innovation and positive change in your organization, trying to negotiate a fair deal with a collaborator, or dealing with a dispute with your spouse or child, your success and fulfillment will be a function of your ability to apply the art of connection.

You write that contemporary leaders need to be able to communicate like therapists? Are you joking?

Yes, but it’s also a serious point. In the 1970s managers were just managers. In the 1980s managers were asked to learn how to be leaders, something that has become more important every decade since. In the first decade of the new millennium, managers were also asked to develop the skill of coaches. Now if you lead in any kind of organization, in addition to knowing how to be a coach, it really helps if you can think and speak like a psychotherapist. The same thing is true for parents and spouses.

You have a whole chapter focusing on the notion that Emotions Are Contagious. Please explain.

This is ancient wisdom validated by contemporary science. More than two thousand years ago the Greek playwright Euripides noted “Every man is like the company he keeps.” More recently, “computational social science,” has demonstrated that our emotions are contagious, for better or worse, affecting everything from our weight and alcohol consumption to our sleep patterns and general happiness. Computational social science validates Euripides assertion: If, for example, most of the people you interact with are alcoholic, obese, or depressed, then you are more susceptible to those conditions, but if those people are healthy, happy, and fit, then you are more likely to be so too.

You state, “The current climate of disrespectful speech may be doing as much harm to our country as the disregard for the planet’s climate.” Please elaborate.

We know from decades of research that rudeness, incivility and verbal abuse are not only unpleasant but profoundly destructive. This is a national “teachable moment.” As Bob Sutton a professor of management science and engineering at Stanford emphasizes, “If you work for a jerk, odds are you will become one.” Prof Christine Porath of Georgetown U. surveyed more than fourteen thousand people from a wide range of organizations, and found that those who tolerate incivility suffer greater turnover and have trouble attracting and retaining the best people, are less creative and innovative, and lose customers and weaken their brand. Porath sums it up: “Incivility is expensive.” It’s not surprising that we are witnessing record turnover in the Executive branch and that the brand of America is suffering internationally.

You claim that The Art of Connection offers “the secret of health, happiness and leadership.” How do we know that’s true?

Research! Psychiatrist and professor at Harvard Medical School Robert Waldinger is the current director of the world’s longest-running social science study. For more than seventy-seven years they’ve followed a group of 724 men, measuring the factors that most influence their mental and physical health. Waldinger and his three predecessors all found that most younger men believe that money, power, achievement, and fame are the keys to success and happiness. That’s certainly the impression one gets from contemporary media, advertising, video games, and reality television. But the results of the study are undeniably clear: the most important factor in a happy and healthy life is a positive sense of connection with others.

Waldinger’s conclusions are supported and extended by many other studies. The sense of positive social connectedness yields many research-validated benefits. It:

o strengthens immune function and reduces inflammation. o prevents dementia, diabetes, and many other ailments. o promotes longevity.

In a world where people are more dependent than ever on electronic communication is your book relevant?

It’s not just relevant, it’s urgent and critical. Children are growing up learning communication skills from Siri and Alexa. As The Onion proclaimed: “LOWEST COMMON DENOMINATOR PLUMMETS!” Through interviews and practical collaboration with successful leaders in different walks of life it’s vividly clear that the ability to connect, to listen, empathize and be compassionate is a distinguishing characteristic and that it’s more valuable than ever, now.

* * *

Fun Facts about Michael Gelb:

He is the originator of a unique approach to teambuilding through the enjoyment of wine and poetry, as expressed in Wine Drinking For Inspired Thinking: Uncork Your Creative Juices.

A professional juggler who performed with the Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan, he introduced the idea of teaching juggling to promote accelerated learning and team-building. He is the author of More Balls Than Hands.

A fifth degree black belt in the martial art of Aikido and an avid chess player, he is co-author with Grandmaster Raymond Keene, of Samurai Chess: Mastering Strategy Through the Martial Art of the Mind.

* * *

Thank you, Monique!

To learn more about Michael, please click here.

from personivt2c http://employeeengagement.ning.com/xn/detail/1986438:BlogPost:193028 via http://www.rssmix.com/

[andrebooker7532]

The Wit and Wisdom of Michael Gelb

I am grateful to Monique Muhlenkamp (New World Library Publishers) for providing a Q&A in which Michael Gelb shares his thoughts about a remarkably diverse range of subjects.

* * *

Michael J. Gelb is the author most recently of The Art of Connection: 7 Relationship-Building Skills Every Leader Needs Now, published by New World Library (September 2017). He has pioneered in the fields of creative thinking, accelerated learning, and innovative leadership. He leads seminars for organizations such as DuPont, Merck, Microsoft, Nike, Raytheon, and the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business. He is the coauthor of Brain Power and author of How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci as well as several other bestsellers.

* * *

You claim that business offers the greatest hope for humanity. Please explain.

For almost 40 years I’ve worked with corporations, helping them become more creative and human-oriented. This work is part of a growing movement toward sustainable, conscious capitalism. Business leaders are recognizing that they will be more successful and profitable if they care for all their stakeholders including the community, environment, workers etc. They make the world better by the way they do business, and the world responds by making them more profitable. This isn’t touchy-feely idealism; it’s practical, evidence-based reality. Vulnerability is a hot topic – is it a weakness or a power?

In her book Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead, Brené Brown argues that “vulnerability is the core, the heart, the center, of meaningful human experiences.”

The V-word word has become popular, but it’s not the best term. Derived from the Latin vulnerare, “to wound,” synonyms include weak, helpless, defenseless, sitting duck, and sucker.

More helpful words to express this quality include Accessible, Approachable, Open, and Present Receptive.

When we are open and accessible, it’s much easier for others to connect with us. For example, at a recent seminar for construction managers in New York, the group engaged in a discussion about the importance of seeking input from work crews on job sites. Joe, a veteran senior project manager, asked, “Won’t my people think I’m weak if I ask for their ideas?” This led to a passionate discussion in which many of the younger participants shared their belief that when a boss asks for their contributions, they feel respected and included. As a result, they see this as a sign of strength. This is a big change in the world of work! You’re known as a thought leader in Creativity and Innovation so why have you written a book about relationships?

My primary emphasis has been on teaching people the mindset and skills of creative thinking. It’s relatively easy to teach people how to generate new ideas. The hard part is getting support for those ideas and overcoming resistance to innovation and change. This demands skill in building relationships, and it often means managing conflict.

Many of my clients are champions of innovative change in companies, schools, non-profits and government agencies, and they seek help in overcoming resistance to new ideas. Whether you are championing innovation and positive change in your organization, trying to negotiate a fair deal with a collaborator, or dealing with a dispute with your spouse or child, your success and fulfillment will be a function of your ability to apply the art of connection.

You write that contemporary leaders need to be able to communicate like therapists? Are you joking?

Yes, but it’s also a serious point. In the 1970s managers were just managers. In the 1980s managers were asked to learn how to be leaders, something that has become more important every decade since. In the first decade of the new millennium, managers were also asked to develop the skill of coaches. Now if you lead in any kind of organization, in addition to knowing how to be a coach, it really helps if you can think and speak like a psychotherapist. The same thing is true for parents and spouses.

You have a whole chapter focusing on the notion that Emotions Are Contagious. Please explain.

This is ancient wisdom validated by contemporary science. More than two thousand years ago the Greek playwright Euripides noted “Every man is like the company he keeps.” More recently, “computational social science,” has demonstrated that our emotions are contagious, for better or worse, affecting everything from our weight and alcohol consumption to our sleep patterns and general happiness. Computational social science validates Euripides assertion: If, for example, most of the people you interact with are alcoholic, obese, or depressed, then you are more susceptible to those conditions, but if those people are healthy, happy, and fit, then you are more likely to be so too.

You state, “The current climate of disrespectful speech may be doing as much harm to our country as the disregard for the planet’s climate.” Please elaborate.

We know from decades of research that rudeness, incivility and verbal abuse are not only unpleasant but profoundly destructive. This is a national “teachable moment.” As Bob Sutton a professor of management science and engineering at Stanford emphasizes, “If you work for a jerk, odds are you will become one.” Prof Christine Porath of Georgetown U. surveyed more than fourteen thousand people from a wide range of organizations, and found that those who tolerate incivility suffer greater turnover and have trouble attracting and retaining the best people, are less creative and innovative, and lose customers and weaken their brand. Porath sums it up: “Incivility is expensive.” It’s not surprising that we are witnessing record turnover in the Executive branch and that the brand of America is suffering internationally.

You claim that The Art of Connection offers “the secret of health, happiness and leadership.” How do we know that’s true?

Research! Psychiatrist and professor at Harvard Medical School Robert Waldinger is the current director of the world’s longest-running social science study. For more than seventy-seven years they’ve followed a group of 724 men, measuring the factors that most influence their mental and physical health. Waldinger and his three predecessors all found that most younger men believe that money, power, achievement, and fame are the keys to success and happiness. That’s certainly the impression one gets from contemporary media, advertising, video games, and reality television. But the results of the study are undeniably clear: the most important factor in a happy and healthy life is a positive sense of connection with others.

Waldinger’s conclusions are supported and extended by many other studies. The sense of positive social connectedness yields many research-validated benefits. It:

o strengthens immune function and reduces inflammation. o prevents dementia, diabetes, and many other ailments. o promotes longevity.

In a world where people are more dependent than ever on electronic communication is your book relevant?

It’s not just relevant, it’s urgent and critical. Children are growing up learning communication skills from Siri and Alexa. As The Onion proclaimed: “LOWEST COMMON DENOMINATOR PLUMMETS!” Through interviews and practical collaboration with successful leaders in different walks of life it’s vividly clear that the ability to connect, to listen, empathize and be compassionate is a distinguishing characteristic and that it’s more valuable than ever, now.

* * *

Fun Facts about Michael Gelb:

He is the originator of a unique approach to teambuilding through the enjoyment of wine and poetry, as expressed in Wine Drinking For Inspired Thinking: Uncork Your Creative Juices.

A professional juggler who performed with the Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan, he introduced the idea of teaching juggling to promote accelerated learning and team-building. He is the author of More Balls Than Hands.

A fifth degree black belt in the martial art of Aikido and an avid chess player, he is co-author with Grandmaster Raymond Keene, of Samurai Chess: Mastering Strategy Through the Martial Art of the Mind.

* * *

Thank you, Monique!

To learn more about Michael, please click here.

from personivt2c http://employeeengagement.ning.com/xn/detail/1986438:BlogPost:193028 via http://www.rssmix.com/