tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91652073083247182072024-03-05T03:31:46.632-05:00To Beauty and LoveA blog dedicated to my thoughts, ideas and passions.Amanda Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17295168100319997682noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9165207308324718207.post-43111994345361257812015-03-03T21:02:00.001-05:002015-03-03T21:02:13.640-05:00Getting Lost in Something : Words Words Words...So Sweet and Beautiful<a href="http://gettinglostinsomething.blogspot.com/2015/03/words-words-wordsso-sweet-and-beautiful.html?spref=bl">Getting Lost in Something : Words Words Words...So Sweet and Beautiful</a>: Hello out there...if anyone is reading... I will be using this space to document my thoughts on literature, movies, and (occasionally) so...Amanda Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17295168100319997682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9165207308324718207.post-71437190259235099252014-08-23T19:16:00.002-04:002014-08-23T19:16:40.356-04:00Wow It's Been a While...WOW! It has been sooo long since I last blogged. Well, let's see...since I last blogged I have changed careers and my relationship status. When I first started this blog I had a job that I, for lack of a better word, HATED. It was an awful job that I would rather not say anything else... HOWEVER (silver lining!) I was laid off, which allowed me to go back to school and now I am a teacher. I have the privilege of teaching 4th and 5th grade students language arts and social studies. My relationship with my gorgeous boyfriend is still wonderful, except now he is my fiance! :) We are getting married next July. Therefore, when I post (if there is time) it will be all about wedding planning AND maybe a little bit about teaching.<br />
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<br />Amanda Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17295168100319997682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9165207308324718207.post-14772813429192920122013-05-20T09:29:00.001-04:002013-05-20T09:29:04.170-04:00Time for Batch: Thematic Units<a href="http://www.timeforbatch.info/p/thematic-units.html?spref=bl"></a>As a teacher I'm always browsing the internet to find sources which are reputable. I must say that I am loving this blog!!!! <br />
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<a href="http://www.timeforbatch.info/p/thematic-units.html?spref=bl">Time for Batch: Thematic Units</a>: This page is meant as a guide, and cannot reflect changes made during the delivery of instruction. Please refer to Daily Agendas distribute...Amanda Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17295168100319997682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9165207308324718207.post-44028732903193963232012-12-09T20:09:00.001-05:002012-12-09T20:09:22.296-05:00Following Your Dreams in the 21st Century... looking around just makes me wonder, whether or not it is possible to follow your dreams in the 21st Century. Between the economy and "common" standards it almost seems impossible. I have students that say they want to grow up to be an athlete and the term, "follow your dreams" doesn't seem to exist anymore. Unless my student says he wants to be a doctor, or accountant it seems like a form of negligence if I don't warn them against the road of dreams and gear them towards the road of practicality.<br />
If I had my choice I would be able to open a book shop with a cafe where people can buy and read books to their hearts content. On top of doing this I could also teach a class strictly dedicated to literature so that the written word isn't something that just turns to dust along with certain morals we seem to be losing over the years. <br />
Let's hope for the youth of this country and that their minds don't turn to mush and dreams an idea of the past. I hope that we can still branch out and follow dreams that we've had tucked away for rainy days. <br />
<br />Amanda Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17295168100319997682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9165207308324718207.post-30656503506714162252012-07-18T20:43:00.002-04:002012-07-18T20:43:47.219-04:00Decisions DecisionsSo, thinking more and more of the future and what the hell I would like to do I've come up with some "maybe" ideas.<br />
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1) Finish my book<br />
2) Teach<br />
3) Open a bookstore<br />
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This is mindless ramble that I'm going through. I guess the fact that I'll be turning 25 in less than 6 months has me going slightly crazy. I feel like I've been an adult since I was fourteen, so I would like to start living like one.<br />
There is a ridiculous amount of pressure and I would like to go back to feeling slightly carefree or at least creative. I feel like all my creativity or liveliness has been sucked dry due to worrying about money money and oh wait <b>money! </b><br />
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Ugh and once again this was mindless chatter bye bye for now.<br />
<b> </b>Amanda Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17295168100319997682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9165207308324718207.post-57830542467048484782012-07-10T00:58:00.000-04:002012-07-10T00:58:04.247-04:00ManifestationWriting is horrifying! I am still trying to get started on my first novel and have literally made every excuse in the book not to just grit my teeth and do it! I started a while ago, but quite frankly I'm scared as hell. I use to absolutely love writing...LOVED IT! Writing was my escape from the world and I thought I was pretty damn good at it. All through grade school, middle school and even high school I was always praised and encouraged by both teachers and my peers on my abilities. When I first lost my dad back in 2001 when I was in the 8th grade, writing was my sanctuary. The first thing I did when I woke up and found out I would never talk to my dad again was write a poem that was entombed with my dad. Ah writing it was my lifesaver, along with friends and family. <br />
... And then came college. Naturally I majored in English Writing, thinking that I was going to hone in on my skills, possibly double major in education so one day I could bestow upon others my love of writing, but I was stopped dead in my tracks by none other than my own professors. These people made me feel like I was less than nothing and that my writing was even lower. Every ounce of confidence I was building for the past eleven years was crushed upon walking into my first class. I, for lack of better words, felt like garbage- me and my writing. Little by little over my four years as an undergrad I started to lose my bond with writing, it no longer was my happy place, only a constant reminder of something someone else didn't like. It wasn't for me anymore and it started to lose it's sparkle. So on and on I put off writing my first novel. And here I am staring at my diploma and only have the first five pages of my first manuscript typed that I haven't looked at in months. I won't even dare let my mouse hover over the document and will probably (whenever I get back to it) change everything I have so far. It's unfortunate that what has hindered my confidence was done by those who were suppose to aid me in my success. I actually had to tell off one professor before he tore a part a piece I wrote that was very dear to my heart, because it was about my dad. Luckily for him I didn't have to claw his eyes out through my computer screen and he mustered a bit of civility and actually used my piece for the weekly discussion. I don't know what it is about English Professors, but if anyone should know how difficult it is to be a writer, or what it's like to TRY and become a writer it's them. You would think they would try to build up their students rather than crush them with negativity. I understand the real world isn't going to sugar coat things with hugs and warm fuzziness, but at least before the world kicks our ass, help us hone in on our abilities rather than knocking us down before we give the world a chance to.<br />
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---Happy writing.<br />
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-AmandaAmanda Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17295168100319997682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9165207308324718207.post-22940899963594219142011-12-27T19:03:00.001-05:002011-12-27T19:03:52.374-05:00All over the placeWell I can honestly say I am all over the place right now. Have you ever gotten in one of those moods where you want to run in fifteen different directions, then don't move at all? WELL that is how I'm feeling at the moment.<br />
Like most of this Country's hard working Americans I've been laid off, plus side? I had an awful job and now have a whole bunch of free time. However, the only problem is I don't know what to do with all this free time. I know I'm trying to write my first manuscript, but I just can't get going on it and it's driving me crazy. It is sooo personal so I'm not sure which angle to start in on. Also, I'm about to receive my Certificate of Eligibility to teach in the state of New Jersey, which is sooooo exciting!!! Who knows this blog may transform into a teaching/writing blog...if I'm lucky.<br />
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Well if anyone would like to give any input on free time ideas I would love to hear them!!! I hope everyone had a great Holiday and enjoy the new year!<br />
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<3 AmandaAmanda Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17295168100319997682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9165207308324718207.post-26722705750747101742011-09-09T11:06:00.000-04:002011-09-09T11:06:46.870-04:00Write Write WriteSo...I wanted to take a moment to throw a question out there, to anyone who actually reads my blog. Lately I have been thinking of my manuscript and the direction I would like it to take. I have different ideas already set and parts written, but I guess I'm at the point where I'm afraid to write a part and spend a great deal of time and truly fall in love with it and then not have it fit. UGH! People who think writers have it easy have another thing coming.<br />
On top of trying to find time to write and be magnificent (ha ha) I'm also studying for my next Praxis Exam for Early Childhood (Grades P-3), you would never think it would be as difficult as it is. Because this is the beginning stage in education teachers and students need to put their best, smarty pants foot forward to soak up the most important aspects of learning. Most of the study guide centers around different psychological theories on ways of learning and teaching, that even makes reading a story book technical.<br />
Not to have this post go off track, my question is what makes you happy? What is something that you could do forever that make things worth while, in terms of employment. I know for me I would love to do anything that has to do with writing. Even though I don't write novels every day and spout sonnets I absolutely love writing and getting involved in different subjects. I know college would discourage me at some points with professors who were less than sympathetic or even courteous. I had a professor who was so cruel I wanted to drop his class, which was Advanced Creative Writing...the class I was looking forward to taking for four years. Even if I was asking a question I received a rude response dripping with sarcasm and attitude.<br />
Well that was a nice mini rant, so if anyone is out there I'd love to hear your opinion on a dream drop that really involves your interests!!<br />
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Til Next Time<br />
AmandaAmanda Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17295168100319997682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9165207308324718207.post-13497031350688509592011-09-08T12:38:00.001-04:002011-09-08T23:19:38.709-04:00So B-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-lOh my goodness, so I was peeking through followers of others blogs and came across @<a href="http://myshabbystreamsidestudio.blogspot.com/">My Shabby Streamside Studio</a> Oh my goodness, amazing!!! I just saw the cottage she created from an old hunting cabin and it is breathtaking. I recently wrote her an e-mail saying that I too will one day have one similar even if I have to build it in my backyard!! Such inspiring beautiful work. Def. visit her blog or view images at <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2010/06/23/garden/20100624-chic-slideshow.html">http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2010/06/23/garden/20100624-chic-slideshow.html </a>which were taken by the NY Times. I have to say looking at all the beautiful creations others are able to make is truly inspiring.Amanda Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17295168100319997682noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9165207308324718207.post-82730214010735115872011-09-01T12:38:00.000-04:002011-09-01T12:38:50.939-04:00Living VicariouslySo as of lately I have living vicariously through @<a href="http://anexpatinlondon.blogspot.com/">American Expat In London</a> the creator being Kristina. What an amazing blog!!! She just makes me want to pick up and go over to London! I have been looking and I certainly wouldn't mind obtaining my Master's Degree there =). I was wondering if anyone has any knowledge of this I would greatly appreciate it <br />
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The idea of going to another country and not knowing a single person is terrifying, but I just keep looking for information just in case!Amanda Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17295168100319997682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9165207308324718207.post-47873509566904706532011-08-30T09:14:00.000-04:002011-08-30T09:14:29.997-04:00Hmmm..some new ideasI've been trying to figure out which direction I want my blog to go in cause as of right now it's kind of lame. Every blog I follow at this point is dedicated to home decorating in beautiful white and french design. One would probably think I'm into design...def. not the case, but I do appreciate beautiful work.<br />
Me and my boyfriend continuously talk about when we move out and start our lives and I must say I CAN'T WAIT TO HAVE MY OWN HOUSE!!! I think about it all the time and I'm sure I will going back to these blogs for some information. Along with design I would like to travel to Europe to see the sights and soak up some other culture. I'm very proud to be an American and with that I would love to widen my cultural range.<br />
Lots of things going on for this 23 year old right now. Working on my first manuscript (as you can see in the post below), taking three more Praxis (teacher's examination) Exams between September and March: Busy, busy, busy! Well hopefully I'll be back soon with some updates and direction.<br />
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Love ya!<br />
<3 Amanda Amanda Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17295168100319997682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9165207308324718207.post-25866300145304546402011-07-21T12:01:00.000-04:002011-07-21T12:01:52.440-04:00Writing my first bookHere is a little bit of background. In December it will be ten years since I lost my father to a massive heart attack, and to commemorate a great man, and shed light to the situation my family and I were put in, I am writing my first book. I plan on having the book finished by his anniversary and afterward will go through the complete editing process (if I don't get it done before hand) and attempting to have it published.<br />
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If anyone has lost someone the love and have repressed feelings and are still grieving, I suggest writing it down. Writing gives you an escape, through words and characters. My characters are based off people I know or have met, some characters are a combination of a few different people. The meaning in my book is, so deep only family members will be able to tell what I've done in terms of referring to different places and people.<br />
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Writing in Barnes & Noble yesterday, I wrote part of a chapter involving my sister, and writing about her as a seven year old kid, while having her sitting as a seventeen year old in front of me was mind boggling and there was nothing I could do about the tears that followed.<br />
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Hopefully, one day, everyone will have the chance to read my story and know how much myself and my family loved my father, and how much he loved us in return.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8kLsNbFtjrezxc9Nek3bgj7MMVoTup9UBff6TuLGah_kG0xjaf6BYK1viwhko9xv352u_YbBtoFuD7BDcoLANjEchwnRKxcgQhpSMauoSmh-6a-amOTLeOxhyphenhyphenat3tFjn_pmlupqqvmAQ/s1600/meanddaddy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8kLsNbFtjrezxc9Nek3bgj7MMVoTup9UBff6TuLGah_kG0xjaf6BYK1viwhko9xv352u_YbBtoFuD7BDcoLANjEchwnRKxcgQhpSMauoSmh-6a-amOTLeOxhyphenhyphenat3tFjn_pmlupqqvmAQ/s320/meanddaddy.JPG" width="242" /></a></div>Best Wishes for a wonderful day to everyone, thank you.Amanda Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17295168100319997682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9165207308324718207.post-2380430147400339132011-07-14T13:10:00.000-04:002011-07-14T13:10:30.904-04:00Harry Potter!!Okay, so my dirty little secret is that I LOVE HARRY POTTER! If you saw me you would never think I was a fan, but I have read all of series at least three times. If you have never read these books you are deprived. J.K.Rowling is truly inspiring. Right now I myself am writing a book, slowly but surely due to stress and God knows what else goes on in my life, but I will have it finished by this December. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMCYsReZHix9R9AdbfptVJ4LS1JnmPcFjpEdhksF59LbvPFfnsYPcjYgFhI_qJM-MBfbEjRuZ_6PT79BdxQJvIPn7FaE09bTZN3gkoptKOE6fdzouR6PY3mQ7vhiDtogODYBxF4G9Xnmw/s1600/hp.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMCYsReZHix9R9AdbfptVJ4LS1JnmPcFjpEdhksF59LbvPFfnsYPcjYgFhI_qJM-MBfbEjRuZ_6PT79BdxQJvIPn7FaE09bTZN3gkoptKOE6fdzouR6PY3mQ7vhiDtogODYBxF4G9Xnmw/s320/hp.jpeg" width="320" /><a name='more'></a></a></div>The characters she creates are above and beyond some of my favorite I've ever read. Has anyone else read the books and if so what do you think?Amanda Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17295168100319997682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9165207308324718207.post-50416672268270645182011-07-14T13:06:00.000-04:002011-07-14T13:06:50.911-04:00Oh my...Sorry I haven't posted in a while, it's been a hectic couple of days. Something I came to realize over the last few days is how rude people are. Not to drown on and on but OMG! My job deals with sales and collections and it is HORRIBLE. I am noticing more and more how much the money isn't worth it. Has anyone else ever felt that way?<br />
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My boyfriend is amazing though, made me salmon stuffed with crab and spaghetti with vodka sauce, along with a bottle of wine. :0) Gotta love him. Okay glad I got that off my chest. Now on to the fun stuff!!!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUWkSVo41E_VWXJAJ4Yku81m-5vuAApA08S5V_inIzC-kz9A1WTGOd-CvUfDVaxfj4M9vnTJ1CKGRrQpFQE5rziXpy78HBVSo3BkK7ITBOpa_3Qr2KxtsrnxPX-IzTWDDPA4kFLSfnCNQ/s1600/eiffel+tower.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUWkSVo41E_VWXJAJ4Yku81m-5vuAApA08S5V_inIzC-kz9A1WTGOd-CvUfDVaxfj4M9vnTJ1CKGRrQpFQE5rziXpy78HBVSo3BkK7ITBOpa_3Qr2KxtsrnxPX-IzTWDDPA4kFLSfnCNQ/s1600/eiffel+tower.jpeg" /></a></div>I have been thinking more and more lately about wanting to travel more, but unfortunately you need the green stuff to do that and I have some other things on my plate right now. Me and my boyfriend are continuously talking about getting married and along with that comes ALOT OF MONEY! So as of this point I will live vicariously through everyone else and buy beautiful artwork and photography from others. Hey if I can't go there I might as well bring it to my house. <3Amanda Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17295168100319997682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9165207308324718207.post-54208346277152662602011-07-08T13:50:00.003-04:002011-07-08T13:56:47.215-04:00Sooo Ready for the Weekend<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-kpDlKuLgh_QCU7NQTqeKoPnM_hLMpeAzllb5hdiTWbaikbH8uTM_RM1VVd8TQEnUZ6Dk_W0TRCjwDPv05cw3dPmLDdnp5_F7bksYnIioCB-Z_H1t_9XxMWb1U0mL1gXAh2tm8rh1jrc/s1600/img_coaster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-kpDlKuLgh_QCU7NQTqeKoPnM_hLMpeAzllb5hdiTWbaikbH8uTM_RM1VVd8TQEnUZ6Dk_W0TRCjwDPv05cw3dPmLDdnp5_F7bksYnIioCB-Z_H1t_9XxMWb1U0mL1gXAh2tm8rh1jrc/s320/img_coaster.jpg" width="320" /></a>I have to say even though this was a short week because of the 4th of July Holiday, this week draggeddddddddddddd!<br />
I'm excited to go down the shore tomorrow afternoon then visit the Meadowland Fair at night! <br />
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My best friend already told me there is a vulgar clown there and I'm not too excited. Numero Uno biggest fear=CLOWNS!!! However the BF will be will me, so that makes everything better <3.<br />
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Sooo many things on my mind this blog could probably go on for days!!! But I'm going to leave it at that and talk to you tomorrow. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Xoxo Amanda Ray</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIgvrgZ4eZu06znl2XAPstaE5QHJKgGixxqohEJ9vrPYWjuhPkAyx-oIqUHFECbOozj9WbY2m6gnfyh3JSFyPOuSqYcKbjleplj9vuuv9fGkPMeFomUB40szSTwyEHw0oEnwkkS2U6q3E/s1600/untitled.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a>Amanda Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17295168100319997682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9165207308324718207.post-73785618684000881742011-07-07T16:26:00.011-04:002011-07-07T17:37:40.795-04:00Jersey Girl Dreams<span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: inherit;">Well I am a Jersey Girl, please don't be misunderstood by the cast of the Jersey Shore, these people are a terrible misrepresentation of our state, considering only one comes from here. There a million things going wrong with NJ right now, the Governor being the largest of them all, but it is a great place to live. </span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh25lrGJy5TcE-a-Qupf8KASGej95Mnwi181ME4Mgov77XjiSA6OEjY4PEC20x_gcA6aONneutD7OQUO9oq-BmFsMY9y0qdINmBiocISb9osVlVfxqRDrOPNUpnxWpss2Jp3I8WypM05BM/s1600/view+of+city.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh25lrGJy5TcE-a-Qupf8KASGej95Mnwi181ME4Mgov77XjiSA6OEjY4PEC20x_gcA6aONneutD7OQUO9oq-BmFsMY9y0qdINmBiocISb9osVlVfxqRDrOPNUpnxWpss2Jp3I8WypM05BM/s1600/view+of+city.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw73Dgu7kwprl-mKSAsEAc_lPp4mFXgORimQtFOGCuoZAlDjDaYuliy3J5VmlfOjYJkr-HnfZUW8HPHWP2QyCwlUS_KkorjKrmofir0Z7wz6KqUdxARv40MZArLaOQnObzIuiOer7PyzU/s1600/beach.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw73Dgu7kwprl-mKSAsEAc_lPp4mFXgORimQtFOGCuoZAlDjDaYuliy3J5VmlfOjYJkr-HnfZUW8HPHWP2QyCwlUS_KkorjKrmofir0Z7wz6KqUdxARv40MZArLaOQnObzIuiOer7PyzU/s1600/beach.jpeg" /></a></div><span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: inherit;"> We have great views of the city and are only 1-2 hours away from the Beach.....</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: inherit;"><a name='more'></a>From where I live there is something to do in every direction you look, but I have admit reading Nicholas Spark's books makes me want to take a ride down the East Coast for some other views. His books are always so vivid, describing some aspect of North Carolina. Hmm..maybe I'll just have to invest in some summer homes in various locations :0) </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: inherit;">I hope one day to visit Europe, to see Italy where my roots began and then over to France. I'm completely intoxicated with the views of these cities from pictures and the romantic, whimsical essence to breathes. </span></span><span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://bonjourfrenchie.blogspot.com/">http://bonjourfrenchie.blogspot.com/</a></span></span><span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: inherit;"> has beautiful pieces on her site and </span></span><span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://etsy.com/">etsy.com</a></span></span><span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: inherit;"> that should be viewed if you are interested in images of Paris.! </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #a64d79;">Live well, Laugh often,</span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #a64d79;">Amanda </div>Amanda Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17295168100319997682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9165207308324718207.post-353564366419029482011-07-07T15:08:00.000-04:002011-07-07T15:08:01.648-04:00My First Blog Posting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKpeyY0XUNXbKfx6yiwUQSLuxt7rywuSDfImXw-I6h0o9sEpv_jQS63spl7JpC9lS6EgVZk0vM26DKwAHgQ7O0j4rpaLk_B6YCs7VclJkyUzVDFuz4Wy247FEvw1tbOQEfNCoarzLB3mM/s1600/black-and-white-flowers-wallpapers_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKpeyY0XUNXbKfx6yiwUQSLuxt7rywuSDfImXw-I6h0o9sEpv_jQS63spl7JpC9lS6EgVZk0vM26DKwAHgQ7O0j4rpaLk_B6YCs7VclJkyUzVDFuz4Wy247FEvw1tbOQEfNCoarzLB3mM/s200/black-and-white-flowers-wallpapers_4.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Well I am 100% new at this, I've never really had a blog before because I never thought people would care what I have to say. But, here I am just getting the hang of things. I just wanted to say hello and I will be back soon with some fun postings. :0)Amanda Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17295168100319997682noreply@blogger.com2