tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68334186002210596252024-02-19T02:19:25.705-05:00Bare Naked BillBill Eschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06836623811507228937noreply@blogger.comBlogger341125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6833418600221059625.post-68825407220184835972013-07-17T07:00:00.000-04:002013-07-17T07:00:12.151-04:00Looking BackIf you want to get somewhere, you need look forward, keeping the course. Looking back can sometimes <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMGmK-SMNj5knrUzg91jMfQcmX2bgy1m4TwPqKG_DSGg7Ommxh5-hxpCA_UMfbJnnndXd5edCFYG8I-ONZ-Ecy3iWRLPg87xcwNu_csG4_UtGBHU8fpke3Jc2fbK248Gj5YHOp1WVxIoU/s1600/Scan0029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMGmK-SMNj5knrUzg91jMfQcmX2bgy1m4TwPqKG_DSGg7Ommxh5-hxpCA_UMfbJnnndXd5edCFYG8I-ONZ-Ecy3iWRLPg87xcwNu_csG4_UtGBHU8fpke3Jc2fbK248Gj5YHOp1WVxIoU/s320/Scan0029.jpg" width="303" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
I had never seen this photo until recently. On the back,</div>
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in my mother's handwriting, it says "Bill." I have to</div>
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assume this is the first picture of me. </div>
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slow you down.<div>
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Today, I am looking back.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Back at the past 18,994 days and wondering, "where did they go?"</div>
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<br /></div>
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As a kid, we all wished time away when we "couldn't wait for [insert exciting event here]."</div>
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Then, as we grow older, somewhere after college, we realize that time has somehow sped up. Some days may seem to drag, but suddenly a month, a season, a year has past.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Sometimes time is going so fast I want to be Fred Flintstone and use my feet to put on the brakes.</div>
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But I can't slow it down, so I'll just enjoy the ride and smile at the highlights of the last 18,994 days.</div>
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What will the next 18,994 days bring me? Most likely I won't see that many more.</div>
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But I will keep looking ahead and moving forward, because tomorrow is another day.</div>
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Bill Eschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06836623811507228937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6833418600221059625.post-90024591482085436632013-06-01T07:00:00.000-04:002013-06-01T07:00:10.509-04:00NAKED AGAIN!Here I am. Trying to be Naked Again.<br />
<br />
You know, bearing my soul and writing from the heart. It's going to be tough, because I have a lot of turmoil going on in my head.<br />
<br />
Several months ago, someone tried to use my writing against me. It made me cover up and resist the exposure.<br />
<br />
Kama sucks, cause their life isn't the happiest right now and their ability to do damage to me was greatly reduced.<br />
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But I was still afraid to open up.<br />
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Now, I'm on the edge of truly flinging off the coverings that hide my essence and get free and naked once again.<br />
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Stay tuned!Bill Eschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06836623811507228937noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6833418600221059625.post-85985781691220491772013-04-16T09:36:00.002-04:002013-04-16T09:36:52.463-04:00ScaredToday, many of us are scared.<br />
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For many of us, the terrorist bombing in Boston yesterday brought back memories of September 11, 2001.</div>
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This morning before I boarded an airplane, I had to remove my shoes and coat, put my laptop, Kindle and mobile phone into plastic tubs along with my quart-sized zip-lock bag that contained a minimal amount of liquids I need to carry with me on this trip.</div>
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That is the price we now pay to <i>feel safe</i> when flying.</div>
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But how can we as a society ever feel safe when we're out in the open? How can we feel safe when we're inside a baseball park or wandering a shopping mall or standing on the street watching a marathon?</div>
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I don't know either.</div>
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But I do know, I refuse to be scared. I refuse to live my life sheltered by threats from outside forces like crazy Korean Dictators or cowardly terrorist hiding in the shadows.</div>
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Today, I will not be scared!</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">BareNakedBill.blogspot.com</span></div>
Bill Eschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06836623811507228937noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6833418600221059625.post-77711421072582319442013-02-24T12:09:00.001-05:002013-02-24T12:09:54.731-05:00RegretWebster will tell you regret is a negative conscious and emotional reaction to personal past acts and behaviors, often expressed by the term "sorry."<br />
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<br />
Regret can describe not only the dislike for an <i>action that has been committed</i>, but also, importantly, regret of <i>inaction</i>. Many people find themselves wishing that they had done something in a past situation.<br />
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I have many regrets in my life.<br />
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I regret not doing a lot of things I should have done when I had the opportunity. I regret some of the choices I have made in my life.<br />
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I regret my inability to convince others to learn from my mistakes and listen to my advice.<br />
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Regret is often a feeling of sadness, shame, embarrassment, depression, annoyance, or guilt.<br />
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Regret is also about living in a place that none of us belong -- the past.<br />
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So live everyday to the fullest, so you have no regrets.<br />
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Bill Eschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06836623811507228937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6833418600221059625.post-5883051177434351582013-02-23T07:48:00.001-05:002013-02-23T07:48:37.214-05:00A Novel Idea<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgApYh-D_mTanBIMK-5VGzsxIuw0NwosW8J-Kmjc6f78EfLtLF2T8-NlynAdJcwu-B6ajIqlOjlTzM9A4S658fiRITAFreHDSEaCDT1LSnDCB5NKraCfYLGR8iN9HpOr4L427LDPpCekkI/s1600/Pencils.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgApYh-D_mTanBIMK-5VGzsxIuw0NwosW8J-Kmjc6f78EfLtLF2T8-NlynAdJcwu-B6ajIqlOjlTzM9A4S658fiRITAFreHDSEaCDT1LSnDCB5NKraCfYLGR8iN9HpOr4L427LDPpCekkI/s320/Pencils.jpg" width="217" /></a></div>
From time to time, I think about writing a book. A work of fiction, perhaps, with interesting characters.<br />
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It's in my head already. I just need to move it through my fingers into my computer.<br />
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But then, I realize that I'm not that kind of writer. Nor do I have a huge desire to be one.<br />
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I have found, however, that you can write a book about nearly any subject and sell it on Amazon.com.<br />
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If I could make money writing a book about how to sharpen pencils, I would do it.<br />
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Bill Eschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06836623811507228937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6833418600221059625.post-13410115551304262082013-02-22T10:45:00.001-05:002013-02-22T10:45:28.304-05:00I feel old<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had hair in the mid-1960s.</td></tr>
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The other day I was looking through a box of old photos and ran across the one of the right. I think it's my first or second grade school picture.<br />
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As I looked at it, I felt old.<br />
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Where has my life gone?<br />
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That young child in the photo had his whole life ahead of him. There were so many things to be learned, so may new inventions to be discovered and utilized. So many adventures to cherish forever.<br />
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This morning, as I looked in the mirror, shaving cream on my face, I felt old.<br />
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I noticed more wrinkles around by eyes and less hair on my head.<br />
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And it's no consolation that I have <i>more </i>hair in my ears.<br />
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I've always said that age is just a number. I don't think I feel like I'm pushing 52 years old, mostly because I don't know what a 52 year old is suppose to feel like.<br />
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My age really isn't a factor in my feeling old.<br />
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Maybe it's a mid-life crisis.<br />
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But mid-life at 52 means living to 104 years old.<br />
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I think I would feel really old then.<br />
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Bill Eschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06836623811507228937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6833418600221059625.post-44409941932821362192013-02-18T08:08:00.001-05:002013-02-18T08:08:01.320-05:00Graffiti ArtOver the weekend I spotted these train cars on a railroad siding here in Pigeon. There isn't anything overwhelmingly special about the graffiti, yet I find it interesting.<br />
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Creative "artwork" such as this often catches my eye. I'm fascinated at how someone takes cans of spray paint and places their vision on a canvas. Even when that canvas is a train car or side of a building.<br />
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If nothing else, it adds an interesting view as we wait for the train to make its way over the crossing in front of us.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmexuU1cZWx2-MS5oaGmwAaI-KqJz0-RhOHzYU23nHQAAPpQmS1Di3T9WcOd10MPMaYO2dts5bW2vdfV2268xu1hzYTSmSNNiTPdDzirCaDvUDXNuRjW8BydD1boP5bp95lIm781DaCA/s1600/2013-02-17_14-57-49_262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmexuU1cZWx2-MS5oaGmwAaI-KqJz0-RhOHzYU23nHQAAPpQmS1Di3T9WcOd10MPMaYO2dts5bW2vdfV2268xu1hzYTSmSNNiTPdDzirCaDvUDXNuRjW8BydD1boP5bp95lIm781DaCA/s400/2013-02-17_14-57-49_262.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Bill Eschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06836623811507228937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6833418600221059625.post-86948537873260293002013-02-14T06:30:00.000-05:002013-02-14T06:30:03.875-05:00A Love Story<i><span style="color: red;"><b>On Valentine's Day, it seems appropriate to share a love story. Read it like poetry. Enjoy!</b></span></i><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>She</u></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth —</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">for your love is more delightful than wine.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pleasing is the fragrance of your perfumes;</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">your name is like perfume poured out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">No wonder the young women love you!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Take me away with you — let us hurry!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Let the king bring me into his chambers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Friends</u></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We rejoice and delight in you;</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">we will praise your love more than wine.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>She</u></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">How right they are to adore you!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Dark am I, yet lovely,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">daughters of Jerusalem,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">dark like the tents of Kedar,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">like the tent curtains of Solomon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Do not stare at me because I am dark,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">because I am darkened by the sun.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My mother’s sons were angry with me</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and made me take care of the vineyards;</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">my own vineyard I had to neglect.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Tell me, you whom I love,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">where you graze your flock</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and where you rest your sheep at midday.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Why should I be like a veiled woman</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">beside the flocks of your friends?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Friends</u></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">If you do not know, most beautiful of women,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">follow the tracks of the sheep</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and graze your young goats</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">by the tents of the shepherds.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>He</u></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I liken you, my darling, to a mare</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">among Pharaoh’s chariot horses.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Your cheeks are beautiful with earrings,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">your neck with strings of jewels.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We will make you earrings of gold,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">studded with silver.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>She</u></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">While the king was at his table,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">my perfume spread its fragrance.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">My beloved is to me a sachet of myrrh</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">resting between my breasts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">My beloved is to me a cluster of henna blossoms</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">from the vineyards of En Gedi.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>He</u></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">How beautiful you are, my darling!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Oh, how beautiful!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Your eyes are doves.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>She</u></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">How handsome you are, my beloved!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Oh, how charming!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">And our bed is verdant.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>He</u></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The beams of our house are cedars;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">our rafters are firs.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>She</u></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I am a rose of Sharon,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">a lily of the valleys.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>He</u></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Like a lily among thorns</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">is my darling among the young women.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>She</u></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">is my beloved among the young men.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I delight to sit in his shade,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and his fruit is sweet to my taste.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Let him lead me to the banquet hall,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and let his banner over me be love.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Strengthen me with raisins,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">refresh me with apples,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">for I am faint with love.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">His left arm is under my head,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and his right arm embraces me.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">by the gazelles and by the does of the field:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Do not arouse or awaken love</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">until it so desires.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Listen! My beloved!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Look! Here he comes,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">leaping across the mountains,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">bounding over the hills.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">My beloved is like a gazelle or a young stag.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Look! There he stands behind our wall,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">gazing through the windows,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">peering through the lattice.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">My beloved spoke and said to me,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Arise, my darling,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">my beautiful one, come with me.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">See! The winter is past;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">the rains are over and gone.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Flowers appear on the earth;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">the season of singing has come,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">the cooing of doves</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">is heard in our land.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The fig tree forms its early fruit;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">the blossoming vines spread their fragrance.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Arise, come, my darling;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">my beautiful one, come with me.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>He</u></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">My dove in the clefts of the rock,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">in the hiding places on the mountainside,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">show me your face,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">let me hear your voice;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">for your voice is sweet,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and your face is lovely.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Catch for us the foxes,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">the little foxes</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">that ruin the vineyards,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">our vineyards that are in bloom.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>She</u></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">My beloved is mine and I am his;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">he browses among the lilies.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Until the day breaks</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and the shadows flee,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">turn, my beloved,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and be like a gazelle</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">or like a young stag</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">on the rugged hills.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">All night long on my bed</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I looked for the one my heart loves;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I looked for him but did not find him.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I will get up now and go about the city,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">through its streets and squares;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I will search for the one my heart loves.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">So I looked for him but did not find him.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The watchmen found me</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">as they made their rounds in the city.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Have you seen the one my heart loves?”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Scarcely had I passed them</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">when I found the one my heart loves.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I held him and would not let him go</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">till I had brought him to my mother’s house,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">to the room of the one who conceived me.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">by the gazelles and by the does of the field:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Do not arouse or awaken love</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">until it so desires.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Who is this coming up from the wilderness</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">like a column of smoke,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">perfumed with myrrh and incense</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">made from all the spices of the merchant?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Look! It is Solomon’s carriage,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">escorted by sixty warriors,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">the noblest of Israel,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">all of them wearing the sword,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">all experienced in battle,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">each with his sword at his side,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">prepared for the terrors of the night.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">King Solomon made for himself the carriage;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">he made it of wood from Lebanon.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Its posts he made of silver,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">its base of gold.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Its seat was upholstered with purple,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">its interior inlaid with love.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Daughters of Jerusalem, come out,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and look, you daughters of Zion.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Look on King Solomon wearing a crown,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">the crown with which his mother crowned him</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">on the day of his wedding,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">the day his heart rejoiced.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>He</u></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">How beautiful you are, my darling!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Oh, how beautiful!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Your eyes behind your veil are doves.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Your hair is like a flock of goats</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">descending from the hills of Gilead.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Your teeth are like a flock of sheep just shorn,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">coming up from the washing.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Each has its twin;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">not one of them is alone.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Your lips are like a scarlet ribbon;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">your mouth is lovely.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Your temples behind your veil</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">are like the halves of a pomegranate.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Your neck is like the tower of David,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">built with courses of stone;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">on it hang a thousand shields,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">all of them shields of warriors.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Your breasts are like two fawns,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">like twin fawns of a gazelle</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">that browse among the lilies.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Until the day breaks</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and the shadows flee,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I will go to the mountain of myrrh</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and to the hill of incense.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">You are altogether beautiful, my darling;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">there is no flaw in you.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Come with me from Lebanon, my bride,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">come with me from Lebanon.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Descend from the crest of Amana,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">from the top of Senir, the summit of Hermon,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">from the lions’ dens</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and the mountain haunts of leopards.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">You have stolen my heart, my sister, my bride;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">you have stolen my heart</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">with one glance of your eyes,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">with one jewel of your necklace.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">How delightful is your love, my sister, my bride!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">How much more pleasing is your love than wine,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and the fragrance of your perfume</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">more than any spice!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Your lips drop sweetness as the honeycomb, my bride;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">milk and honey are under your tongue.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The fragrance of your garments</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">is like the fragrance of Lebanon.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">You are a garden locked up, my sister, my bride;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">you are a spring enclosed, a sealed fountain.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Your plants are an orchard of pomegranates</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">with choice fruits,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">with henna and nard,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">nard and saffron,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">calamus and cinnamon,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">with every kind of incense tree,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">with myrrh and aloes</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and all the finest spices.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">You are a garden fountain,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">a well of flowing water</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">streaming down from Lebanon.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>She</u></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Awake, north wind,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and come, south wind!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Blow on my garden,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">that its fragrance may spread everywhere.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Let my beloved come into his garden</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and taste its choice fruits.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>He</u></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I have come into my garden, my sister, my bride;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I have gathered my myrrh with my spice.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I have eaten my honeycomb and my honey;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I have drunk my wine and my milk.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Friends</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Eat, friends, and drink;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">drink your fill of love.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>She</u></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I slept but my heart was awake.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Listen! My beloved is knocking:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Open to me, my sister, my darling,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">my dove, my flawless one.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">My head is drenched with dew,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">my hair with the dampness of the night.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I have taken off my robe—</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">must I put it on again?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I have washed my feet—</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">must I soil them again?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">My beloved thrust his hand through the latch-opening;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">my heart began to pound for him.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I arose to open for my beloved,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and my hands dripped with myrrh,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">my fingers with flowing myrrh,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">on the handles of the bolt.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I opened for my beloved,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">but my beloved had left; he was gone.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">My heart sank at his departure.[a]</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I looked for him but did not find him.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I called him but he did not answer.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The watchmen found me</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">as they made their rounds in the city.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">They beat me, they bruised me;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">they took away my cloak,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">those watchmen of the walls!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you—</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">if you find my beloved,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">what will you tell him?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Tell him I am faint with love.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Friends</u></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">How is your beloved better than others,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">most beautiful of women?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">How is your beloved better than others,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">that you so charge us?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>She</u></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">My beloved is radiant and ruddy,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">outstanding among ten thousand.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">His head is purest gold;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">his hair is wavy</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and black as a raven.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">His eyes are like doves</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">by the water streams,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">washed in milk,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">mounted like jewels.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">His cheeks are like beds of spice</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">yielding perfume.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">His lips are like lilies</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">dripping with myrrh.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">His arms are rods of gold</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">set with topaz.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">His body is like polished ivory</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">decorated with lapis lazuli.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">His legs are pillars of marble</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">set on bases of pure gold.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">His appearance is like Lebanon,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">choice as its cedars.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">His mouth is sweetness itself;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">he is altogether lovely.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">This is my beloved, this is my friend,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">daughters of Jerusalem.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Friends</u></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Where has your beloved gone,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">most beautiful of women?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Which way did your beloved turn,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">that we may look for him with you?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>She</u></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">My beloved has gone down to his garden,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">to the beds of spices,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">to browse in the gardens</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and to gather lilies.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">he browses among the lilies.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>He</u></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">You are as beautiful as Tirzah, my darling,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">as lovely as Jerusalem,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">as majestic as troops with banners.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Turn your eyes from me;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">they overwhelm me.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Your hair is like a flock of goats</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">descending from Gilead.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Your teeth are like a flock of sheep</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">coming up from the washing.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Each has its twin,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">not one of them is missing.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Your temples behind your veil</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">are like the halves of a pomegranate.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Sixty queens there may be,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and eighty concubines,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and virgins beyond number;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">but my dove, my perfect one, is unique,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">the only daughter of her mother,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">the favorite of the one who bore her.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The young women saw her and called her blessed;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">the queens and concubines praised her.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Friends</u></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Who is this that appears like the dawn,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">fair as the moon, bright as the sun,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">majestic as the stars in procession?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>He</u></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I went down to the grove of nut trees</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">to look at the new growth in the valley,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">to see if the vines had budded</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">or the pomegranates were in bloom.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Before I realized it,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">my desire set me among the royal chariots of my people.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Friends</u></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Come back, come back, O Shulammite;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">come back, come back, that we may gaze on you!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>He</u></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Why would you gaze on the Shulammite</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">as on the dance of Mahanaim?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">How beautiful your sandaled feet,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">O prince’s daughter!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Your graceful legs are like jewels,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">the work of an artist’s hands.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Your navel is a rounded goblet</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">that never lacks blended wine.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Your waist is a mound of wheat</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">encircled by lilies.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Your breasts are like two fawns,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">like twin fawns of a gazelle.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Your neck is like an ivory tower.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Your eyes are the pools of Heshbon</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">by the gate of Bath Rabbim.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Your nose is like the tower of Lebanon</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">looking toward Damascus.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Your head crowns you like Mount Carmel.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Your hair is like royal tapestry;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">the king is held captive by its tresses.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">How beautiful you are and how pleasing,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">my love, with your delights!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Your stature is like that of the palm,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and your breasts like clusters of fruit.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I said, “I will climb the palm tree;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I will take hold of its fruit.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">May your breasts be like clusters of grapes on the vine,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">the fragrance of your breath like apples,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and your mouth like the best wine.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>She</u></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">May the wine go straight to my beloved,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">flowing gently over lips and teeth.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I belong to my beloved,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and his desire is for me.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Come, my beloved, let us go to the countryside,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">let us spend the night in the villages.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Let us go early to the vineyards</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">to see if the vines have budded,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">if their blossoms have opened,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and if the pomegranates are in bloom—</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">there I will give you my love.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The mandrakes send out their fragrance,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and at our door is every delicacy,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">both new and old,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">that I have stored up for you, my beloved.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">If only you were to me like a brother,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">who was nursed at my mother’s breasts!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Then, if I found you outside,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I would kiss you,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and no one would despise me.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I would lead you</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and bring you to my mother’s house—</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">she who has taught me.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I would give you spiced wine to drink,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">the nectar of my pomegranates.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">His left arm is under my head</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and his right arm embraces me.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Do not arouse or awaken love</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">until it so desires.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Friends</u></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Who is this coming up from the wilderness</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">leaning on her beloved?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>She</u></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Under the apple tree I roused you;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">there your mother conceived you,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">there she who was in labor gave you birth.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Place me like a seal over your heart,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">like a seal on your arm;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">for love is as strong as death,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">its jealousy[a] unyielding as the grave.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">It burns like blazing fire,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">like a mighty flame.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Many waters cannot quench love;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">rivers cannot sweep it away.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">If one were to give</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">all the wealth of one’s house for love,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">it would be utterly scorned.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Friends</u></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We have a little sister,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and her breasts are not yet grown.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">What shall we do for our sister</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">on the day she is spoken for?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If she is a wall,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">we will build towers of silver on her.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If she is a door,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">we will enclose her with panels of cedar.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>She</u></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am a wall,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and my breasts are like towers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thus I have become in his eyes</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">like one bringing contentment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Solomon had a vineyard in Baal Hamon;</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">he let out his vineyard to tenants.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Each was to bring for its fruit</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">a thousand shekels of silver.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But my own vineyard is mine to give;</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">the thousand shekels are for you, Solomon,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and two hundred are for those who tend its fruit.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>He</u></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You who dwell in the gardens</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">with friends in attendance,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">let me hear your voice!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>She</u></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Come away, my beloved,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and be like a gazelle</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">or like a young stag</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">on the spice-laden mountains.</span></div>
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<i>This is the book of Solomon from the Bible... one of the greatest love stories written.</i><br />
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Bill Eschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06836623811507228937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6833418600221059625.post-70525690259357139022013-02-13T10:09:00.001-05:002013-02-13T10:09:03.631-05:00Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Time flies when you're having fun.<br />
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Time stands still.<br />
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It was the time of our lives.<br />
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Time. We measure time with a clock and, obviously, a second is a second.<br />
<br />But doesn't it sometimes seem like time moves at different speeds? How often have you been working on a project and suddenly wonder "where did the day go?" Or you wake up on the last day of your vacation and think, "Really? This is the end of this great time away?"<br />
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Time slips through our fingers quickly. The older I get, the quicker is seems to go.<br />
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As kids, we would say, "I can't wait until..."<br />
<br />Sometimes I wish we could, as a collective, grab onto something and slow our world down. If even for a few minutes.<br />
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Time. While we all get an equal daily dose, there is really never enough.<br />
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<br />Bill Eschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06836623811507228937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6833418600221059625.post-74846589415942250512013-02-12T08:49:00.003-05:002013-02-12T08:49:38.763-05:00Happy Paczki Day!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZEI0MtbNoogDp9402f-F3mbjZlgk81KVxJ7mDhi7YrKZR6g8kxYHPSnJanyXrcinob8OqxOm_V1fKGg0DLZG4CJe2rBJoZZ98aUhc08TCOUCKES9K64j1sr0czZFr_DJ0n_mnd5gDDaw/s1600/paczki.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZEI0MtbNoogDp9402f-F3mbjZlgk81KVxJ7mDhi7YrKZR6g8kxYHPSnJanyXrcinob8OqxOm_V1fKGg0DLZG4CJe2rBJoZZ98aUhc08TCOUCKES9K64j1sr0czZFr_DJ0n_mnd5gDDaw/s1600/paczki.jpg" /></a>Around here, today is Pączki Day!<br />
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A pączki is a delicious fried 'Polish doughnut' filled with a wide variety of fruit or custard choices. Any other day they might be called a Bismarck.<br />
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But a true pączki-lover will tell you that a Bismarck could never be a pączki. Pączki are made with a much richer dough.<br />
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In Poland, pączki are eaten on Fat <i>Thursday</i> or Tłusty Czwartek. The last six days of carnival season from Tłusty Cwartek to Shrove Tuesday -- are known as zapusty.<br />
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Shrove Tuesday, which the French call Mardi Gras (meaning Fat Tuesday) is the last day to party hearty before Lent begins.<br />
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In the old days, meat and meat byproducts, like butter and eggs, couldn't be eaten during Lent. So ingenious cooks used up all their dairy and eggs during Fat Week, from Shrove Thursday to Shrove Tuesday, by making crepe-like pancakes, called nalysnyky in Ukraine, and doughnuts called spurgos in Lithuania, krofne in Serbia, and pączki (POHNCH-kee) in Poland.<br />
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Until the 16th century, pączki were made with bread dough, filled with pork fat and fried in lard. Later, they evolved into a sweet pastry. Self-respecting bakeries never make their pączki in advance, nor do they use preservatives. The dough is made in the wee hours of the morning and are sold hot from the frying grease as soon as the doors open. Some home bakers fill a few pączki with almond paste instead of marmalade and encountering this filling is said to bring good luck.<br />
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An old Polish proverb states, "If you don't eat at least one doughnut on Shrove Thursday, you will no longer be successful in life."</div>
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One fact that might deflate your pączki-eating experience: each one rings up at a hefty 500 calories.</div>
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You'll have to dance a few polkas to work these babies off, but why not cast caution to the wind and make them anyway.<br />
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Everybody's Polish on Pączki Day!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
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Bill Eschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06836623811507228937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6833418600221059625.post-77908122047655978032013-02-11T06:30:00.000-05:002013-02-11T06:30:00.393-05:00Blogging Can Be Work<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sometimes when I sit down with my laptop to write a blog post, I just draw a blank.<br />
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Maybe my head is empty. Maybe I have too many other things swirling around inside my skull.<br />
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For the past 10 days, I haven't even logged into the Blogger dashboard (that's the control panel for these blogs), let alone actually write something.<br />
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I need to get back in to my routine. But the routine sometimes leads to a rut that gets deeper and deeper as the days go by.<br />
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I know I need to eliminate the things that create chaos in my routine as well as conflict in scheduling my life events. The chaos adds to my block because I'm distracted.<br />
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As I am writing this blog, I am sitting 130 miles from home, enjoying some freshly brewed green tea with honey, listening to some obscure music off the internet.<br />
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It's truly a break from my routine that has be feeling relaxed and able to let the words flow from my fingers.<br />
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This is what I need to bring into my daily life, so I can regularly blog once again.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
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Bill Eschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06836623811507228937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6833418600221059625.post-13003713842112211552013-02-01T06:30:00.000-05:002013-02-01T06:30:05.603-05:00The Essence Of LifeThe cold weather play havoc on me.<div>
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It's not so much the temperature as the dryness of the air. It sucks the moisture right out of my body. My hands are chapped, my lips are cracking, and my nose feels like it's going to break off.</div>
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The past month I've been trying to increase my intake of water and the increased trips to the bathroom proves I've got the intake levels up.</div>
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But I'm still dry. When I wake up in the morning, my mouth is parched and I could spit dust.</div>
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Oddly, this dryness has cause some other health issues which are not so healthy.</div>
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I won't go into all the gory details, but being dry seems to make my heart to backflips.</div>
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Yes, yes, I'm seeing the doctor about it. We've concluded that I need to stay over-hydrated for now.</div>
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So, I drink drink drink lots of water and decaffeinated tea along with nasty tasting Gatorade.</div>
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The backflips seems to be at bay for now.</div>
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Water truly is the essence of life.</div>
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Bill Eschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06836623811507228937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6833418600221059625.post-85571306858521332922013-01-30T06:30:00.000-05:002013-01-30T06:30:02.432-05:00Blank CanvasArtists are said to look at a blank canvas as they begin to create a masterpiece. With a flick on the brush they add color with flare as the painting comes together.<div>
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This is my blank canvas:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHvfgmm5IAFjTAxo0Ha1aykrWuKlGIQh2lB-ru9-UmIULmu_N_-8fzipTKImCoENP5QNqpYDVBQz8Ry2w9m04cyIK8uIdN063tAp-JSdaEV6weiRnL_-7cSLRRBOMs9Xa7gYA9e4PGUp4/s1600/BlankCanvas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHvfgmm5IAFjTAxo0Ha1aykrWuKlGIQh2lB-ru9-UmIULmu_N_-8fzipTKImCoENP5QNqpYDVBQz8Ry2w9m04cyIK8uIdN063tAp-JSdaEV6weiRnL_-7cSLRRBOMs9Xa7gYA9e4PGUp4/s400/BlankCanvas.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It's the interface for Blogger. This is where I put this blog together in preparation to publish it to the internet for you to read.</div>
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It's blank when I log in, and like the artist, I must flick the keys to create my artwork.</div>
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More and more I'm struggling with the creative process. It takes time and I need to be in the mood. Early morning is my best writing time zone.</div>
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It's 5:05 am, I've been up for over an hour and here I am at the keyboard, filling the canvas to create my masterpiece.</div>
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Bill Eschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06836623811507228937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6833418600221059625.post-8083187004972389132013-01-26T11:13:00.001-05:002013-01-26T11:13:11.529-05:00Politics EverywhereI'm immersed in political craziness this weekend.<div>
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Inaugural hysteria is over and I thought, that at least for a few years, I wouldn't have to put up with the chaos of politics.</div>
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A weekend away in Toronto has found me smack dab in the middle of the Ontario Liberal Party's Leadership Convention.</div>
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These people are nuts.</div>
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Think of it as U.S. Democrats/Republicans holding a convention to elect their party leader. Or as they call the position, Premier.</div>
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This is an important decision, from what I can gather, since the Liberal Party is in power in Ontario. That means that the choice this group makes this weekend, will have a position in Canada's government to represent the Liberal Party.</div>
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I used to do the party convention thing as a Republican Delegate for Huron County Michigan. That was n the day before the party lost their minds and allowed the far right to run the show.</div>
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But I digress.</div>
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I'm trying to find a way inside the convention to watch the madness as it unfolds. I'm always interested in how other countries run their show. I'm told I need to be a voting member or alternate to get inside. Maybe I can pass myself off as a media man writing a lowly blog about international politics.</div>
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Nah, I don't care that much about the Ontario Liberal Party.</div>
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<br />Party is the key word here. There was plenty of that going on last night into the wee hours of the morning.</div>
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Maybe I can join them for to celebrate tonight.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIu9plAQMn5aPOg2MaDKRp8nlGd_0TGyfoKXXSy5zJMpoH6mQRxXJFe8sxIywL-cOIhyCX5oDG28PY0PJ8Vp8TicmatHpbEAbQu8qjURYlm_bbrXCmeqjRGkvQOT0o5IIUnhkEYHIjSPA/s1600/OL-New-Logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIu9plAQMn5aPOg2MaDKRp8nlGd_0TGyfoKXXSy5zJMpoH6mQRxXJFe8sxIywL-cOIhyCX5oDG28PY0PJ8Vp8TicmatHpbEAbQu8qjURYlm_bbrXCmeqjRGkvQOT0o5IIUnhkEYHIjSPA/s400/OL-New-Logo.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://barenakedbill.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">BareNakedBill.blogspot.com</a></div>
Bill Eschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06836623811507228937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6833418600221059625.post-39885807345836088032013-01-25T06:30:00.000-05:002013-01-25T06:30:03.149-05:00Another Adventure!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf7FAihoZTsyp9GoRnuEFP490IXv5Xiq1Ld2lXHH4dpcjbc_d7NtjHE5RzWXcGdabhGl1rQDtGQh4ZJoHYZHvlhwXNNvhLLHp2yAZCYL1WxAEpHZU863QmgyNYRUVd-bvhcFMgRCI7JvU/s1600/Bill-and-Ted-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf7FAihoZTsyp9GoRnuEFP490IXv5Xiq1Ld2lXHH4dpcjbc_d7NtjHE5RzWXcGdabhGl1rQDtGQh4ZJoHYZHvlhwXNNvhLLHp2yAZCYL1WxAEpHZU863QmgyNYRUVd-bvhcFMgRCI7JvU/s200/Bill-and-Ted-11.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>From the movie,<br />Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventury</i></td></tr>
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As you read this, I hope I am fast asleep in a warm and cozy bed on another adventure!<br />
<br />Life is never dull.<br />
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More to come.<br />
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Peace!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
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Bill Eschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06836623811507228937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6833418600221059625.post-37615724254193491732013-01-23T07:19:00.001-05:002013-01-23T07:19:28.260-05:00Key to Keeping WarmIt's cold.<br />
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That's really an understatement. Yesterday the bank clock down the street from my workplace read -1F when I was arriving just before 7 am.<br />
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Add in the "wind chill factor," and it was more like -20.<br />
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That's cold.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGpZzMDHXDFeQAYpI3m1RQw8E8WxBR-Yd9Ufl-G9f2XccNP2D0jYG8x8h-_RA482W_eoTQbgIDtOyqFCSEiOkxNsvvPNA13-RFuOE6Qpp4CzXaz-TYBNBSSKZWmYpArirQjKa61cseps/s1600/Clock-Type-Radiator-Key_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGpZzMDHXDFeQAYpI3m1RQw8E8WxBR-Yd9Ufl-G9f2XccNP2D0jYG8x8h-_RA482W_eoTQbgIDtOyqFCSEiOkxNsvvPNA13-RFuOE6Qpp4CzXaz-TYBNBSSKZWmYpArirQjKa61cseps/s200/Clock-Type-Radiator-Key_large.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Key to warmth.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I could feel the wind freezing my legs through my thin polyester pants during my short stroll from car to the office back door.<br />
<br />
Brrr. It's cold in my bedroom too. When I checked the last two mornings, it was 62 degrees up on the second floor. That's another reason I find myself warm and cozy, wrapped in a handmade blanket, on the couch.<br />
<br />
My house is heated by a hot water boiler that circulates the warmth through radiators scattered around the house.<br />
<br />
I've noticed the bedroom radiator was pretty much cold as ice. I figured the circulating pump wasn't doing it's job. Just another of the many necessary, but sometime unaffordable, repairs my nearly 110 year old home needs.<br />
<br />
As I made my way up the stairs this morning, my modern techno world jumped into old world common sense.<br />
<br />
I remembered when I bought the house that the previous owner had given me several keys and other <i>things</i> necessary to, according to him, maintain the house.<br />
<br />
One of those<i> things</i> was a radiator key.<br />
<br />
It's a little wrench type key that opens a small valve on the top of a radiator to bleed out any air trapped in the lines. I've bled the lines in years past and only got water in return.<br />
<br />
Today was different.<br />
<br />
I opened the value on my bedroom radiator with a whoosh of air that continued for several minutes. As this air was flowing out of the radiator, I placed my hand near the bottom and could feel the heat of the boiler's water entering to share it's warmth with the room.<br />
<br />
A simple metal key.<br />
<br />
The key to keeping warm in an old house.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
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Bill Eschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06836623811507228937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6833418600221059625.post-32350277820388176942013-01-22T06:30:00.000-05:002013-01-24T18:21:50.623-05:00Tie that BindsOne day last week, while at the grocery store, I ran into a woman I've known for sometime, but don't see very often. She looked great and I told her so. We chatted a bit about diets and eating and our "new lives."<br />
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<br /></div>
<div>
She, too, had gastic bypass surgery several years ago. I got to know her when she called me at the urging of her family doctor. She was struggling with the adjustments to a new way of eating. Her doctor knew I had been successful with the surgery asked me if she could call.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Gastric bypass surgery is how I know this woman. It's what we have in common. The tie that binds us together. It's one of those things that comes to mind when I see her.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
We all have those ties to people. That connection that gives us common ground upon which we live.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Think about all the ties to others. School and church. Clubs and organizations. Being left-handed or having blue eyes. There is something that ties you to others.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Of course, we're all human. The first groups, tied together, are male and female. Then young and old.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
As you read this, you're tied to others who read blogs.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
I could makes list that go on and on. But you get the idea.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We're all bound together, one way or another, with the tie that binds.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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Bill Eschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06836623811507228937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6833418600221059625.post-83478100948837706742013-01-21T07:37:00.001-05:002013-01-21T07:37:07.859-05:00I want to be THE BIGGEST LOSER!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMq5SHdaVBJfcFSvPeA1auMAu9O-GaF0G9U3X5EwxXUbeCTjRZhMcEIBBFDUy6XoeEZhwqlY3O6cASAp3o-BSsipOLMKStzm4mYjPspnSJ7hLc4qeHUQRDqdiDdcfxWfqDHDEALH3Wfb0/s1600/zblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMq5SHdaVBJfcFSvPeA1auMAu9O-GaF0G9U3X5EwxXUbeCTjRZhMcEIBBFDUy6XoeEZhwqlY3O6cASAp3o-BSsipOLMKStzm4mYjPspnSJ7hLc4qeHUQRDqdiDdcfxWfqDHDEALH3Wfb0/s320/zblog.jpg" width="277" /></a></div>
Last Monday, 27 of my roughly 130 coworkers started a weight loss competition. We're calling it The Biggest Loser: Agri-Valley Edition.<br />
<br />
Original name huh?<br />
<br />At any rate, today is our first weigh in and I just got off the scale.<br />
<br />
By simply cutting out snacking between meals; eating smaller, more sensible portions for my meals; drinking more water; and making wise food choices, I've manged to drop 5.4 lbs. the first week!<br />
<br />
Now, before I get too excited, I have to tell myself that men lose much more easily than women and first week weigh loss is always decent if you're doing the right things.<br />
<br />
For now, I'll be happy that my shirts and pants already fit a little better and be thankful if I drop about two or three pounds by this time next week.<br />
<br />
An added incentive is the Biggest Loser in our group wins $185!<br />
<br />
That will buy a lot of chocolate cheesecake!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
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Bill Eschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06836623811507228937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6833418600221059625.post-77399602467475280532013-01-18T06:30:00.000-05:002013-01-18T06:30:00.978-05:00The Death of Common Sense Advice Several years ago I read a book entitled: "The Death of Common Sense." It focus on how laws are killing our county.<br />
<br />
It was the title of the book that caught my eye and drove me to read it.<br />
<br />
Common sense is dead. Long live common sense!<br />
<br />
Yesterday, <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px;">Pauline Friedman Phillips passed away at age 94. She was known to many for handing out witty, common sense advice to millions of people worldwide.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px;">You would know her as </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px;">Abigail Van Buren -- Dear Abby.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px;">For years she wrote a syndicated newspaper advice column that often had some bite. She seemed like the kind of woman who didn't put up with non-sense. Her advice wasn't that "make you feel all warm and fuzzy even when you're wrong" advice of today's politically correct world.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px;">I didn't grow up reading Dear Abby. The newspapers I read carried another advice column written by </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px;">Esther Friedman Lederer, more commonly known as Ann Landers.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px;">She, too, offered pointed and sensible advice very similar to that of Abby's. Perhaps that's because Pauline and Esther -- Abby and Ann -- were twin sisters who grew up in </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px;">Sioux City, Iowa.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px;">Esther/Ann died in 2002.</span></span><br />
<br />
Back in 1981, a reader wrote to Abby about two men had recently bought a house together in San Francisco, and the neighbors were annoyed. The men were entertaining "a very suspicious mixture of people," the neighbors wrote, asking: "How can we improve the neighborhood?"<br />
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Short and to the point, Dear Abby replied: "You could move."<br />
<br />
Yeah, common <span style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px;">sense advice died yesterday. But the legacy left by these two woman will last forever.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333; line-height: 23px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_2062430505"><br /></a></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333; line-height: 23px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://barenakedbill.blogspot.com/">BareNakedBill.blogspot.com</a></span></span></div>
Bill Eschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06836623811507228937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6833418600221059625.post-27519948236578176562013-01-16T06:30:00.000-05:002013-01-16T06:30:04.926-05:00ListsSince the first of the year, I've been trying to make lists. Especially at work.<br />
<br />
I have my list of "Things To Do." Mostly projects that I'm working on. Some ongoing, others that need my input at some point in time.<br />
<br />
Making lists has become a necessary part of my life. I just have too many things to remember.<br />
<br />
There are several lists in my life. One for work, another for weekends. I make a list for shopping, mostly for the essentials I can't forget to pick up.<br />
<br />
From time to time I've written about my list of Must See movies.<br />
<br />
I even have a short list of blog topics. That list needs a sub-list with content for those topics.<br />
<br />
Lists are good.<br />
<br />
They let me clear my mind of information that needs to be remembered.<br />
<br />
Now, if I could just remember where I left my lists.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_185008661"><br /></a></span></div>
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Bill Eschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06836623811507228937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6833418600221059625.post-3772097087592992472013-01-14T06:30:00.001-05:002013-01-14T06:30:10.472-05:00I can't win<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-BBzplQcNimASjbmIBGEiyA_Ro6m_PsdDI-O9qc5UbVVquLFHEtoS9PiY9ngDxJ9E02XoiuZsKuzTIGCv5zBa24OEACQBZnnKMeUTAP2I88GAAT9v7BTkc3ypWCxyeIeq3bl5KAIkpqA/s1600/Truck+on+flatbed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-BBzplQcNimASjbmIBGEiyA_Ro6m_PsdDI-O9qc5UbVVquLFHEtoS9PiY9ngDxJ9E02XoiuZsKuzTIGCv5zBa24OEACQBZnnKMeUTAP2I88GAAT9v7BTkc3ypWCxyeIeq3bl5KAIkpqA/s320/Truck+on+flatbed.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I see a horse and buggy in my future.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm not sure if I mentioned the bent rim on my Ford Fusion.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
An icy intersection, turning the steering wheel right when I should have turned left, the unyielding curb on the other side of the street all lead to the rim being bent just a few feet from my home.</div>
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<br /></div>
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That was three weeks ago.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Finding a rim at a decent price was a trick, but I finally found one last week at a junkyard in Detroit.</div>
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Thankfully a friend who lives in the Metro Detroit area was working in Saginaw so he picked it up and dropped it off at my nephew's house in Bay City.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
By Saturday, the rim was in the back of my truck and I continued my travels to West Michigan to hang out with a friend.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Sunday, as I was traveling back home, I noticed the battery light was glowing bright on the dashboard of my truck. The alternator gauge showed the battery was charging, so I continued on. I hoped to make it as far as I could (hopefully home).</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
As life would have it, I lost the alternator about 20 miles west of Bay City... But I continued on, turning off all non-essential power draws and praying all the way.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
By the time I was about two-miles west of Bay City, I pretty much had no lights (it was dark) and an angel in a large truck followed me, illuminating the road ahead and protecting me from traffic behind.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
I made it to the Walgreen store parking lot and, just as I was pulling into a parking spot, the engine died.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The battery was dead.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Thankfully I have AAA road service that will haul a vehicle 100 without a charge to me. I was about 50 miles from home.</div>
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<br />So, the flatbed truck arrived and the pickup was loaded.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Today, between my work commitments, I will be making a phone call to my mechanic to be both the car and truck repaired.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
I'm worried the car has more damage than the bent rim. This could get costly.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Perhaps I'll look into a horse and buggy too.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://barenakedbill.blogspot.com/">BareNakedBill.blogspot.com</a></span></div>
Bill Eschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06836623811507228937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6833418600221059625.post-44393666115900468432013-01-11T06:30:00.000-05:002013-01-11T06:30:02.235-05:00Running the RoadsIt looks like I'm going to be running the roads this weekend. Like that is a surprise.<br />
<br />
A late afternoon trip to Detroit is necessary to pick up the car wheel (rim) for my 2011 Ford Fusion. On Christmas Eve, I managed to hit the curb hard enough to bend the rim on the car. A new one costs $225 or more. This one is just $100.<br />
<br />
And yes, I have figured the gas so my price is going to be more in the $150 range. But, I'll taking care of some other business while I'm in town. You know, killing two birds with one trip to the city.<br />
<br />
After I pick up the rim, I'm headed back to Bay City. I hope to catch Pinconning Michigan native and Comedian Rob Little's show at the State Theater. They're taping the shows (a second show was added after the first was sold out) for future DVDs.<br />
<br />
Following the show, I'm going to crash with a friend in Bay City.<br />
<br />
Saturday may take me to Big Rapids to hang with my buddy Andrew, but those plans are still up in the air.<br />
<br />
On Sunday, I'm headed back to Bay City, for dinner and maybe a movie.<br />
<br />
All this hustle and bustle will make me appreciate getting back to my Monday morning routine all the more.<br />
<br />
Happy weekend everyone!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_43258913"><br /></a></span></div>
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Bill Eschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06836623811507228937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6833418600221059625.post-91220710443602066222013-01-10T06:30:00.000-05:002013-01-10T06:30:02.196-05:00Not My Thing<br />
I’m always amazed at the narrow-minded view so many people have of the world. Their lives revolved around a few well-known, tried and true activities that seem to keep them content.<br />
<br />
Recently, I've made it pretty clear that I do best with a routine. But that doesn't mean I’m not willing to explore and enjoy new adventures.<br />
<br />
It’s really quite saddening for me when I invite friends to join me for an activity and get a “that’s not my thing,” response.<br />
<br />
Case-in-point: I recently asked a friend to join me to see a play, a local production of a well-known Broadway hit, as my guest. Dinner and a show.<br />
<br />
The offer was refused with a rather stern, “You keep asking me, but it’s just not my thing. I find plays boring.”<br />
<br />
Really?<br />
<br />
Now I know I have a special gene that allows me to enjoy the arts more than I do sports. I’m not sure where it came from since I was born and raised in Huron County Michigan. This area can be all about guzzling beer and watching football.<br />
<br />
Upon further investigation I discovered that the only plays my friend had ever seen were local-yokel productions that, I’m sure would sour most people’s taste.<br />
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I certainly understand the desire to not be bored.<br />
<br />
Maybe I’m a martyr? I've suffered through some really boring (and sometimes annoying) events for the sake of friendship and spending time with the people I call friends.<br />
<br />
Sometimes doing things that’s “not your thing” is the thing to do!<br />
<br />
How do people sit at home, night after night, watching TV? Talk about boring!<br />
<br />
But then watching Dancing with the Bachelor, Survivor of Downton Abbey or Monday Night Basketball… Well, it’s not my thing.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_851304790"><br /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://barenakedbill.blogspot.com/">BareNakedBill.blogspot.com</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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Bill Eschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06836623811507228937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6833418600221059625.post-245030897322851342013-01-09T06:30:00.000-05:002013-01-09T06:30:04.398-05:00Surprises!Surprises come in many forms. Some are good and usually welcomed while others are bad and, of course, unwelcomed.<br />
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I've had some surprises in the past few weeks.<br />
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The unwelcomed column includes an overnight stay in the hospital, a warning light flashing on the dash of my pickup, being unfriended by two Facebook friends and the recent slushy snow I didn't expect.<br />
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Some welcomed surprises, that added a smile to my face, included a forgotten $50 bill tucked away in my wallet, unique personalized Christmas cards from friends from my past and a personal visit from friend I assumed I wouldn't see again for several weeks.<br />
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Surprises can, for someone who functions better with a routine and schedule, cause chaos and havoc to a normal day. They're a twist in life out of left field.<br />
<br />
For the most part, the surprises in my life are welcomed and enhance my life. Even the bad surprises lead to lessons that help me grow and an individual.<br />
<br />
Making all surprises positive is really all about facing life head on.<br />
<br />
But that's no surprise.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_361587029"><br /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://barenakedbill.blogspot.com/">BareNakedBill.blogspot.com</a></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>This blog was written on Monday, January 7, but I forgot to "publish" it. It's interesting how I the topic was surprises because later that day, I was surprised by a belated-Christmas gift from my friend Wanda Eichler (<a href="http://fromunderthewillow.blogspot.com/">http://fromunderthewillow.blogspot.com/</a>) That was one of those unexpected, but welcomed surprises! Thank you Wanda!</i></div>
</div>
Bill Eschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06836623811507228937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6833418600221059625.post-12577648558649763292013-01-08T06:41:00.002-05:002013-01-08T06:41:44.480-05:00Tuesday Tally: Movie Must NOT Sees<br />
I haven't shared a Tuesday Tally in a while. So why not share something odd:<br />
<br />
Here's a short list of Movie Must NOT Sees. These movies either showing or have opening dates coming soon.<br /><br />Texas Chainsaw 3D — January is often horror film month. TC-3D is, according to one report I read, the 47th variation on the Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise. I missed at least 45 of the previous versions, so I don't think I would understand the plot.<br />
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A Haunted House — While this sounds like another horror film, it's actually looks like a horrible film. It's not officially part of the Scary Movie series, but it has that feel. Unfortunately, the Scary Movie movies haven’t been good since The Wayan brothers left. I think you'll see the best of the worst by watching the trailer here.<br />
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The Last Stand — The Last Stand is an attempt to revive the career of a Hollywood relic, former California Gubbanator Arnold Schwarzennegar. Personally, with all the swirl around Arnie, I'm not all that jazzed about the return of Schwarzennegar. This very well could be The Last Stand for Arnold.<br />
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Parker — Another one of Jason Statham’s biannual movies, Parker will probably be remembered as the Statham Movie in which he wears a cowboy hat and Jennifer Lopez walks around in her underwear. That's probably a sellling point for some movie-goers, but if you want a movie with any substance, make another pick.<br />
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Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters — What's with taking fairy tales or real life people (Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter) and turning them into hunters of the unreal. Fantasy meet fiction? H&G: Witch Hunders will either be the worst movie of the year or sweep the Oscars (because awful movies sometimes do that!).<br />
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Bill Eschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06836623811507228937noreply@blogger.com0