Mimi Speaks: February 2013

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Is There A Certain Magic To Believing? Part 3 of 3

By Miriam B. Medina

In parts 1 and 2 of this 3 part series, we explored the different types of attitudes that affect people's lives and their circumstances. We explored how the magic of believing can influence your life in a positive way. In the final part of this 3 part series, we explore the two possible outlooks you can have, and how they affect your life.
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Stop Letting Procrastination Cement Your Feet to the Ground

Living the Negative Outlook

This brings us to the area of making snap decisions. Since we already know how to deal with the attitude of defeat and we understand how to raise our self-confidence, self-esteem and self-worth, my question is: "What do we do now?" We take action of course. For the procrastinators, decision-making can be mentally exhausting when it comes to taking action. They live in a self-created state of confusion and insecurity. In plain words, they don't know whether they are coming or going. From easy choices to complex choices, they are dominated constantly by the emotion of fear. These individuals lack confidence because they are fearful of failure or of what others may think of them. They cling to fear, holding out, perpetually looking for even better possibilities, which may never come as they let tremendous opportunities slip by.
The only way they will make a decision is when their backs are up against the wall. Even then they wallow in anxiety, subjecting themselves to unnecessary physical and mental pressure as to whether or not the decision they made was the right choice. Yet, no matter what they choose, they will always find a reason as to why that decision was wrong. Since like attracts like, these individuals find themselves railing at fate because they are mad they were forced to choose and they then waited too long to do so. Procrastinators are known for "blame-shifting" and chronic complaining, always making excuses for adverse conditions, which they brought upon themselves through bad choices, which often causes the same unfortunate conditions to continue. Still, uncertain about their decision, they will go from one person to the other looking for approval. As they continue being blown about by this whirlwind of indecision, this whole sorry mess will make them hate their fate even more, causing them to procrastinate even more when it comes to taking any form of action or making any other decisions.

Experiencing the Positive Outlook

On the other hand, there are those who make decisions quickly because they know exactly what they want, with no "ifs, ands or buts" involved. These are the individuals who live their lives with a PMA mentality. The person with a Positive Mental Attitude believes in himself or herself and has learned the secret of uncovering his or her hidden talents and developing them to their fullest. They are in charge of themselves, with a keen sense of direction, never hindered by self-imposed limitations. Whatever decision they make they trust it 100%, because they weigh all the pros and cons related to it, considering the consequences while they decide which option will give a better return. They have adopted a devil-may-care attitude as they embrace opportunities that come their way, plunging headfirst into experiences with a burning desire to win or perish trying.
So what you are seeing, my dear readers, is "Magic in Action," or better yet, "Faith at Work." People with a Positive Mental Attitude are a special breed of individuals. They can change the world of NMA to one of PMA.

So if, you are a procrastinator, you need to stop being anxious, upset and miserable. Start focusing on maintaining a positive attitude toward life. This will enable you to develop confidence in your capability to make the right choices, choices which are good for YOU in any situation. If they can do it, so can you. Take action and let others see the wonderful results, and when this happens, then you will agree with me that there is a certain magic to believing. I wish you all the best of success.

Miriam B. Medina is a successful website administrator and writer. She is a strong woman with a Positive Mental Attitude who believes that there is a certain magic to believing. She invites you to share her worthwhile, positive thoughts at: http://mimispeaks.blogspot.com/2011/11/table-of-contents-4a-positive-thinking.html
Anyone who wants to develop or improve a Positive Mental Attitude and anyone who wants to overcome depression, or anyone who is simply seeking happiness should take advantage of Miriam's work. But she loves to write, so get yourself a hot cup of coffee and a comfortable chair, kick back and enjoy the positive, soul healing vibes.

rticle Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6888712

Is There A Certain Magic To Believing? Part 2 of 3

By Miriam B. Medina

Is There A Certain Magic To Believing? Part 2 of 3

By Miriam B. Medina

Of course there is, and anyone can take advantage of its positive powers. This article, part 2 of a 3 part series, breaks down ways to improve your attitude and how you can take advantage of the magical powers of believing in yourself. In part 1, we explored the different types of personalities, procrastinators and go-getters. Now you can learn just how you can either develop a PMA or improve upon one. Let's go!.

A) Ditch the Attitude of Defeat

Living the Negative Outlook

As I mentioned before, success and failure lies within the thoughts of man. Many people just can't stop playing the victim because it's easier to live with neurotic patterns than to make changes for the better. The role of victim suits them well. They are quite satisfied just shuffling through life playing it safe and accepting whatever fate has bestowed upon them. People who are negative in their thoughts are easily spotted by their drooped shoulders, sagging chins and expressionless faces. These individuals are afraid to look forward to the future. They can't visualize the wondrous opportunities that may come their way because they are constantly lamenting about what once was and what they once possessed. They are too immersed in their current difficulties and problems. This aggravates not only them but also those within listening range. The more negative results they encounter along the way, the more they believe that life is against them. We live in a world of cause and effect, and many of us set up the causes for the results that may happen to us. By allowing unfavorable energies to take control of their sub-consciousness, they are preventing themselves from experiencing anything positive which might provide solutions to their problems. For these individuals, that certain magic in believing becomes downright elusive.
Your thoughts will determine your everyday life, your career and also reflect the kind of person that you are. In the process of trying to achieve success there will be many times when you will encounter temporary defeat and even failure in your ventures. In the course of feeling defeated, the least troublesome and most logical thing to do is quit. The cunning irony of this is that people quit when success is usually almost within reach. Let's say you made up your mind to go for it and test that certain magic. Naturally the first person to share your good intentions with is a close friend or a relative. Keep in mind that you should never assume they will be helpful. Trust me, I've been there before, especially if it does not fit with his or her area of thinking (often because of jealously or control), then a negative attitude will be projected, which may influence your thoughts one way or the other, knocking all the wind out of your sails. In that moment you may feel like everyone and everything is against you because they don't see things the way you do or even wish you well in your endeavor.
So how do you handle all of this and make life better and more different for yourself?
Experiencing the Positive Outcome
You can adapt a form of tunnel vision, but do so in a positive way. Stay focused on your goal, do not get side tracked by negative influences. In other words, believe that only pleasant things will happen if you intend to bring about that accomplishment in your life. Success will come to those who are conscious of success from start to finish while maintaining only positive thoughts. You must start with the desire to reach that goal, and then back it up with all your energy, will power and total effort, believing that you will get what you desire. Take into account that if something doesn't work out, you have to keep trying again and again until you get it right. When you stay focused on your goal and maintain a positive attitude, you become a magnet that attracts the right opportunities, the right people, and favorable situations, situations which will help you bring your vision to successful completion.

B) Stop Dragging around your Self-Esteem and Self Worth

Living the Negative Outlook

Some of us, while growing up, may have been subjected to constant criticism or brow-beating by family, friends, and possibly even teachers. They would chip away at our self-esteem. In effect, this behavior has not only affected our self-worth but it has also stripped us of our self-confidence. Each one of these three factors in it's own way is different from the other, but when combined they can virtually handicap you permanently when it comes to wanting to experience that certain magic in believing. "Self-esteem fluctuates depending on what is happening to you at the time. You could be happy one minute feeling like you hit the lottery and depressed the next when things don't work out. With respect to Self-Worth, this is the value that one assigns to oneself. It is also one's favorable opinion of oneself that is not contingent on financial assets, academic achievements, status quo or physical attractiveness. Once it's knocked askew, it's hard to find your emotional bearings and to regain self-reliance when it comes to what you are doing and where you are going. That can be quite scary. Everyone is certainly worthy. It is a remarkable gift that we are born with. It can't be taken from us but it can be overlooked every so often.

As for self-confidence, it is to have confidence in one's own powers, judgment, ability to make decisions, and the boldness to go forth. The opposite of self-confidence is fear, which is a powerful emotion. It's an attitude filled with fright, dread, or alarmed concern, an uneasy feeling that something may happen contrary to one's desires. Everyone in one way or another is affected by fear. There is a fear of war that is present in the minds of the masses. The populous is afraid of the continual state of violence that is running rampant across our nation. There is also a terrible concern and fear for the economic welfare of our nation that is in a delicate state of unbalance. We worry all the time about our jobs, about getting old, about our health, about our families, about our possessions, our homes, our money, our future, our fear of failure, and, believe it or not, of success too.

It's so easy to get locked into your present problems and discouragements that you become paralyzed by fear. This fear will cement your feet to the ground, which in turn will freeze whatever potential you may have. When you are fearful of taking that step you can't think of how to get past today or even see how far you can go. So you resist, resist and resist, saying you just can't do it, you just can't see any way out. It's not possible. This negative outlook will cloud any possibility of a better existence by keeping you in a powerless state, unable to achieve anything. So why bother doing anything at all? You might as well get back into bed and hide under the covers and continue being miserable.

Experiencing the Positive Outcome

However, if you're discontented with the world you have created for yourself, then start thinking and acting in a positive way about yourself and all that concerns you. In doing this, you will create a new mold from which you will begin a new series of events that will be more to your liking and which will help you discover that there is a certain magic in believing. The first thing you need to do is to heighten your self-confidence, and in doing so, your self-esteem and self-worth will also improve. One way of doing this is by looking for the good in someone else and praising them for their accomplishments. Of course, you are bogged down by major issues that are driving you out of your mind, but sitting at home and thinking about them will only make you feel worse. You need to do something about it. When you take action you gain confidence in your ability to handle the various situations in your life.

To start, try focusing on the issues of importance which can be resolved in an easier and faster way. This will help reduce the number of challenges that you are confronted with on a daily basis. As each issue is successfully accomplished, your fear and the tendency to feel defeated will be gradually reduced, which in turn will increase your self-confidence, self-esteem and self-worth. Write down all your admirable qualities beginning with "I am," then stand before a mirror and visualize yourself as the individual you would like to be. Stand tall with your shoulders pulled back, flash a smile and speak out loud about all those lovely qualities. You must believe that you have the capability to bring to a successful conclusion to whatever you set out to do. Promise yourself that you will be persistent in rendering continuous action towards the achievement of your goals. After doing this several times, I guarantee that you will have a different opinion of yourself. In part 3 of this 3 part series, we'll explore the difference between living with a negative outlook or a positive outlook, and how it affects your life, for better or for worse.

Miriam B. Medina is a successful website administrator and writer. She is a strong woman with a Positive Mental Attitude who believes that there is a certain magic to believing. She invites you to share her worthwhile, positive thoughts at: http://mimispeaks.blogspot.com/2011/11/table-of-contents-4a-positive-thinking.html

Anyone who wants to develop or improve a Positive Mental Attitude and anyone who wants to overcome depression, or anyone who is simply seeking happiness should take advantage of Miriam's work. But she loves to write, so get yourself a hot cup of coffee and a comfortable chair, kick back and enjoy the positive, soul healing vibes.

Is There A certain Magic To Believing? Part 1 of 3

By Miriam B. Medina

Are you tired of feeling that the world is against you or do you know someone who suffers from a Negative Mental Attitude? Then this article, and the next 2 of a 3 part series, are just what the doctor ordered. This series explores the magical power of believing in one's self, and what it can do to improve your world!
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"Whatever you think you can do or believe you can do, begin it. Action has magic, grace and power in it." (Johann Wolfgang)

First and foremost, to believe is "to have confidence or faith in the truth, the existence, or the reliability of something, although without absolute proof that one is right in doing so: only if one believes in something can one act purposefully."

So here we are once again, beginning a New Year, 2012, all set to tackle another year filled with world-wide problems. Currently the most crucial issue that is vexing every one is the global economy. Each of us has so many of our own problems to sort out, we have to do our best to fix or co-exist with them.

Of course, many people are facing far more oppressive circumstances than others.
This New Year is borne of a dismal picture, darkly painted by the stains of previous years as many are still looking for employment in a barren labor market, having been fired or struggling to hold on to jobs they already have. Too many people are drowning in fixed overhead expenses, trying to support themselves and their families to stay afloat. How many retired seniors living on fixed pensions and social security benefits have had to move in with their children? They just can't afford to live by themselves. In actuality, there isn't one person alive without problems. Everyone's situation is different, but no one is isolated.

So we look for a magic wand that we can wave to stabilize the national and global economy. Can we conjure some tricks or illusions with words like "Abra-Cadabra, give us back our jobs our homes," and "Hocus Pocus... restore our financial well-being!" As much as we would like a fairy tale ending, it doesn't work that way. Although there may not be a magic wand to wave, or the use of a supposed supernatural power to make impossible things happen, I must say that there is a certain magic in believing.

Just think back for a moment, back to when we were kids, we believed in the magical world of Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy and the Easter bunny. Our parents made us believe it to be true. There was a certain magic to that innocent faith. It made our eyes shine and made us shout with joy and glee in expectation. It's that same magic that we as adults pass on to our own children as we continue to pass joy and hope down through the generations.

As adults, many people believe only what they want to believe or what may fit into their own strategy of thinking. They reject whatever is not in agreement. Some can't help but wonder why some people can progress in life while they, for whatever reason, seem blocked in their own ambitions no matter how hard they try. There are those with a "get rich quick" mentality who resort to positive thinking videos. These individuals also read a wide variety of "success" books hoping to stumble upon that royal path to absolute fortune. When they fail to understand or attain the immediate results they so desire, they toss their dreams and effort aside in utter discouragement.

Believing makes things happen, that's the true magic, and it must begin with you. It is the motivating force that enables us to reach our goals and to achieve outward and material results. This blind belief can become so empowering, especially if it's a belief in yourself and in the infinite. So in order to claim what is rightfully yours, you need to start embracing the opportunities that are all around you. You need to free yourself of all self-imposed limitations. You also need to create a mental image of what you want in life as long as it's within reason. If you have faith that you can, you will get it as long as you picture it persistently enough until it is fully actualized. Alexander Graham Bell once said: "When one door closes, another opens: but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed-door that we do not see the one which has opened for us." So with this quote in mind, I would like to probe a few ways that may shine some light on how you can succeed in your undertaking. I hope you will be able to then believe that there is a certain magic to believing.

Whatever you exhibit outwardly is the result of the way you think 365 days a year. Each one of us is directly or indirectly responsible for everything that happens in our lives. We get out of life exactly what we put into it, no more and no less. We are the deciding factor about the way our lives go. Whatever you focus on, you tend to gravitate towards, producing more of the same results of the past because "like attracts like." We project positive as well as negative energies on a daily basis. These energies attract like energies and results. This Law of Attraction applies to all aspects of everyone's lives. It is necessary to make positive choices which will lead to better results. So without further ado, let's see what roadblocks there are that stand between you and that certain magic which happens when you believe. In part 2 of this 3 part series, we'll explore how you can utilize the power of believing in magic, thereby improving your PMA.

Miriam B. Medina is a successful website administrator and writer. She is a strong woman with a Positive Mental Attitude who believes that there is a certain magic to believing. She invites you to share her worthwhile, positive thoughts at: http://mimispeaks.blogspot.com/2011/11/table-of-contents-4a-positive-thinking.html

Anyone who wants to develop or improve a Positive Mental Attitude and anyone who wants to overcome depression, or anyone who is simply seeking happiness should take advantage of Miriam's work. But she loves to write, so get yourself a hot cup of coffee and a comfortable chair, kick back and enjoy the positive, soul healing vibes.

See Part 2 of Is There A Certain Magic To believing?

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Confusion Versus Acceptance: Facebook's Timeline

By Miriam B. Medina

'Ah, the times they are a-changing,' as Bob Dylan might say, or sing. For Facebook fans, like it or not, the timeline, well, it is changing. As a consequence that fact has many Facebook users ticked off, but the verifiable truth is most people just fear change, they don't understand the timeline changes and what they're all about. As a result of the national survey that Facebook itself took a few months back, they found that 84% of polled Facebook users don't like the mandatory timeline changes. These changes will take effect if you take no action as of March 30th, 2012. So why is Facebook forging ahead with the project?

1. They're going public and need to solidify their format.
2. They argue that people hated the tab and apps installation they instituted several years ago, which is now their most popular feature.
3. They believe the timeline feature is the natural evolution of Facebook, a social website that chronicles you as a person, your history, your personality and your likes and dislikes. Now they can preserve YOU for generations to come.
The fact is, most people fear change, and much confusion surrounds this timeline change for Facebook. Facebook is now a hugely popular site, with well over 30 million users. You can imagine that this makes for a difficult time for Facebook's servers and coders. Imagine all of the maintenance that comes with each and every change you and MILLIONS of other users make with their Facebook pages. The timeline feature locks in a front page template that is uniform in style, not in substance, takes less server space, and keeps whatever you put on Facebook there for years to come.
This thought terrifies people, because, they say, it invades their privacy, but in fact, it does the exact opposite. People fear that the ugly argument they have with their boyfriend or girlfriend will be forever saved, open and bare, as mud flings back and forth in Internet limbo, over and over again, while the zinger you made on your Facebook profile about his or her mother dangles precariously over the Internet for everyone to see, including his or her mother, eternally. But that isn't exactly the case. The argument WILL be there forever in theory, assuming Facebook lasts forever and is relevant forever (just ask MySpace about the likelihood of that), but you can choose who you want to see it, or if you want anyone to see it at all. You actually have more control over privacy as to what people see on your Facebook profile, it just takes a little more effort on your part.
More than that perhaps that is what people hate. More effort means more work. You actually can control the posts and pictures and comments that everyone sees on your Facebook with the new timeline feature, but you'll have to be vigilant as to what you do. If you delete something, it will be permanently gone. If you lock a post so only you and the poster can see it, it will be locked until you let it go, unless, of course, it is copied and pasted elsewhere by

the poster, so others can read the exchange. Nonetheless, there are holes in every theory, aren't there. Yet I'm sure Facebook will plug these holes as they arise. That's part of running a business on the Internet, the times and the technology, they do change. However, trial and error and improving products is what business has been about forever. Perhaps the more things change, the more they stay the same. In this regard, Facebook has been the best social network site available for years. Hopefully that stays the same. Us Facebook fans will just have to work with them as the new timeline feature is instituted.

If you would like to read more on this subject matter please visit: http://mimispeaks.blogspot.com/2012/03/addicted-to-facebook.html

Friday, February 15, 2013

The Benefits Of Integrating Music In The Classroom

By Miriam B. Medina (expert author at Diamond Level on Ezinearticles.com)

"95% of Americans in a 2003 Gallup Poll believe that music is a key component in a child's well-rounded education; three-quarters of those surveyed feel that schools should mandate music education." Gallup Poll, ' American Attitudes Toward Music," 2003

In these difficult economic times, many schools have been hard hit by budget cuts. Some schools in Pennsylvania have been forced to cut gym class from their curriculum because there's simply no money for it. No money for Gym class? The fact is, as we get closer and closer to the "fiscal cliff" that we keep hearing about, government budgets are getting tighter and tighter. All programs that are included in the curriculum of each school system around the country right now are being subjected to careful scrutiny, leaving school Administrators to wonder if their school will face the budgetary ax.

Just like gym class, music classes and music departments within many school systems have come under scrutiny, have been threatened, downsized, or even eliminated.

This is a shame, since most students respond very well to music. Music is food for the brain, and in a day filled with learning, can bring a much-needed and very fulfilling respite from numbers, letters, science and history. Music is culture, and schools should teach students the importance of culture in society. So if a music program is downsized or eliminated, it is up to the creativeness of the teacher to explore a different instructional approach, one that will benefit the student at a much higher level, helping them better learn and grow by integrating various aspects of music into the classroom on a daily basis.

Think about it, music can be taken advantage of and can be a teaching tool. There's certainly more to music than what you learn in chorus class or what you learn when you are taught to play Three Blind Mice on a plastic recorder or flute in the 3rd grade. Music can and should be a part of your school experience, even if there isn't money in the budget for a music department.

How is this possible? With creativity and intelligence, most everything is possible. For example, If the subject matter relates to the issue of immigration, then the day's lesson can focus on dances, costumes, musical instruments, and sounds of music from different ethnic groups and from various cultures that have emigrated to this country. Music grabs the attention and soothes the soul, calming students and igniting their inner creativity at the same time. This type of stimulation encourages students to listen, to analyze and to describe what they see, hear and even sing.

Music adds excitement and rhythm to almost any classroom lesson, whether kids sing along, dance, or just listen to the music while it is played. Think about it, how much do we learn from Nursery Rhymes and simple songs when we are kids? The ABC's are taught with a song. Holiday tales, how to ties shoes and simple morals are taught with song. So music can be used in major subjects such as math, social studies, and even in reading or the language arts.

There are many ways to incorporate music into the classroom, without having to run up taxes and without destroying budgets. Teachers can use a slide projector with music playing softly in the background, which both stimulates the minds of the students and helps them retain the information. Simply put, music makes the class as interesting as it can possibly be, and will help the children walk away fulfilled, in better moods, and will even help them better retain the lessons that are being taught.

Music is just too important to be discarded over budgetary issues, and our children are too important to skimp on. We have to find a way to teach children the value and benefits of music, in a way that is affordable. I'm pretty sure that this can be accomplished with some ingenuity from the most important asset of every school system, our teachers. They don't have to re-invent the wheel or even think too far outside the box, they just have to utilize music as a teaching tool. I think they'll find that it makes their difficult and often under-appreciated job that much easier.

Sunday, February 10, 2013

Another Wasted New Year's Resolution: The Failed Battle of the Bulge-A Poem

By Miriam B. Medina (Artist: Botero)

We all over indulge during the Holidays. We all feel guilty. We all pay for it later. We promise ourselves we'll get in the gym. We spend a few hours there, we suffer but gain no rewards because we quit. We all make silly promises to ourselves this time of year because we let ourselves go. This poem is for people tired of lying to themselves about what they will do to their bodies during all those Christmas meals. Kick back, enjoy, and don't bother loosening your belt, throw the thing away, and enjoy the one time a year that we all should indulge, at least a bit.

The Holidays are over,
New Year's coming soon
It's resolution time again
Playing that same old tune.

New Year opens its eyes,
Only once a year,
We make silly promises,
Filled with Christmas cheer (and turkey)...

So I looked in the mirror,
And was shocked by what I saw,
I am heavier now, than I ever was before,
Fat is Yule tide law!

Inspired by hope of seeing myself slim
I decided to join the neighborhood gym
Feeling quite embarrassed, and grim,
By my stomach and double-chin.

But I'd rather work out alone,
Than sweat publicly at the gym
I still have that treadmill and exercise bike
Which I bought on a sudden whim.

I'll just dust off the cobwebs,
And they'll be ready to spin,
"Pave the way," I said. Finally set to go,
Losing weight will make my face glow.

So let me start calorie counting,
To keep those pounds from mounting
While I burn this fat away
Why must I wait to start losing til New Year's day?

I can start my working out now,
And I think that I just will,
because of turkey and ham and pie,
I have had my fill...

One, two... so hard to bend over
And touch these damned new gifted shoes,
Three, four, what good are sit-ups and crunches for,
When I can't even see the floor?

Five, six, all this huffing and puffing
On the treadmill is making me sick.
Seven, eight, Geez... it's so hard to lift
these silly dumbbell Christmas gifts...

I hate my kids, and my friends,
For giving me weight loss gifts,
If I survive, this workout jive,
I'll take them off next year's Christmas list...

Nine, ten, with this midriff bulge
There's no room to do side-bends.
Don't know if all this exercise,
really makes much sense in the end,

Oh woe is me, it's only a quarter to three,
And I've only done three bends,
And I'm starting to feel hungry once again,
With all this activity.

But I must have burnt off some calories,
Too early for supper I see, so I
I'll have a snack on Christmas cookies
To optimize my energy.

To the kitchen I will go, to find
Fudge chunks or brownies laying around,
Too late, my thin brother took them home
So I can't gain extra pounds.

But I think there's Russel Stover"s,
Still wrapped up under the tree,
Aunt Clara will never know,
It was supposed to be a gift from me!

But I find it's long gone,
Nowhere to be seen,
And now I'm starting to think
There is an anti-fat conspiracy.

Suddenly I remembered
A big slice of butter crème cake
Which I carefully hid, of course,
Behind the dreaded fruit cake.

So I attacked it with a fury,
And actually even ate the stupid fruit cake,
But I think there were a few crumbs,
Left in my hungry wake,

So here's my message to those who love me,
If you really do, you'll help me find
Some food, so I don't invade distant relatives
Hard earned Christmas loot.

And without any need remorse,
Completely satisfied in my bloat
I lay back breathlessly,
And wish I didn't have to get up to find the remote.

So time to write my resolutions
And believe in them relentlessly
I know they're not solutions,
To my happy obesity,

This is what I expect, from the coming year,
To lose the weight that I have gained, from all this Holiday Cheer,
Feeling stuffed and super sleepy, it's time to take a nap, forget those resolutions,
Snore... is it time for supper yet?

That's what Christmas is for, it's not for giving gifts,
It's about stuffing your face, and making up silly lists,
Of things you'll never do, because you will forget,
By the time you drink the champagne, you'll already regret.

That Christmas came again, and so you pigged out,
On cookies and cakes and food, now your tummy sticks 4 feet out,
And so you realize, in a sugar infused fret, that
Christmas is second helpings, of tasty desires you can get!

I leave you with this happy thought,
While you feel extra Christmas doubt,
New Year's is just a guilt trip,
That we pay for pigging out!
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Miriam B. Medina loves nothing more than sharing what she learns, creates, thinks about and writes with everyone she can. So be sure to check out all of Miriam's other poems at http://mimispeaks.blogspot.com/2012/07/saying-it-poetically.html
I must warn you that Miriam B. Medina loves to write. So find yourself a comfortable chair, get a glass of wine or a hot cup of coffee and you're all set to take an informative, enjoyable trip with her. Happy reading.

Dear Sweet Daddy-A Poem

By Miriam B. Medina

"My dear father; my dear friend; the best and wisest man I ever knew, who taught me many lessons and showed me many things as we went together along the country by-ways. - Sarah Orne Jewett

This poem is an ode to all of the lost fathers out there, from all of the daughters who have been stripped of their father's love and devotion through the privations and hardships of war. Very simply, this poem is about a daughter's love for her father, a father who died in the war. We have had many wars protecting liberty and the welfare of the citizens of this great nation, and too many daughters have lost the most important men in their lives, and this poem is for these people, who have given so much in the name of freedom.

I remember when I was young,
I would wake up alone and afraid, but
Daddy would come and comfort me,
Holding me so tenderly,
He would sing to me sweet melodies
To ease my fears and pain,
Whispering so softly in my ear
I will not leave you.
Never, as you're my darling Emmy Lou.

Dear sweet daddy, I don't like being alone,
You were my friend and protector,
I felt safe and secure in your love, but
Now you've gone and left me,
Never to be seen by me or anyone again.
I'll never hear you say to me as before,
I love you little darling Emmy Lou.

I remember it all so vividly,
Those tender moments we shared,
Daddy would make me smile,
As he would brighten up my life so easily.
He helped me through my troubled years,
With so much warmth and love,
We were so close, but now he's gone
Leaving me to feel so lonely and lost.
How I wish I was that young again,

Dear Sweet Daddy, and you could hold me
In your arms, because I don't like being alone.
You were my friend and teacher,
I felt safe and secure in your love, and
I remember the last time that I saw you,
How you held me tight, hiding tears in your eyes,
Then you walked toward the door and went off to war,

Without turning your head you said goodbye.
My heart ached so, I stood there and cried
Looking out the cold, blank window,
Watching tail lights speed away,
For some reason I knew that I would
Never get to see you again,
Or ever hear you say to me, that
I love you little darling Emmy Lou.

I never had the chance to say
You were everything to me,
You always made my day,
I loved you Dad, and though I'm sad,
I think you'd be proud of me today,
Because I've grown up enough to say
I understand now while you walked out that door,
And am proud you fought for a better world in that war.

Although I love my Mom, Daddy was extra
Special to me, and it broke my heart to see
My mom break down and cry, the day
We learned that my Daddy died.
Oh they gave us a flag, and the 21 gun salute
But all I wanted was my Dad, he was
The only man alive, who could take away,
The amount of pain his death caused me and Mom.

That was several years ago this day, I was 8,
Still young, filled with joy and play,
But I grew up instantly that day,
When they put you in the ground.
So all I wanted, I guess, to say, was
That your little Emmy Lou is okay,
Though she misses you in oh so many ways,
You raised her right, she knows you're there for her,
And she'll think of you each and every day.

If Love Should come Your way

By Miriam B. Medina (Ezine Diamond Level Author)

Sometimes you find a love or a passion that fills your soul, and you just have to sing about it, share it with the world, and SHOUT about it at the top of your lungs. That is what this poem is about, a simple ode to love and all of the joy and comfort that it brings. Hopefully, you get to share a love like this in your life, or you already do, so you understand the joy that it brings and can share in its warmth.

Both my days and nights were empty,
Until you came along.
You filled my life with your passionate company,
Giving melody to my song.

You rushed into my life so swiftly,
Like the winds of a summer storm,
But sunshine was what followed you,
Making me feel loved and warm.

You filled me with so much ecstasy,
Enough to last my whole life long,
Now I am flying high, from what I feel inside
I know this can't be wrong.

If love like this should come your way
Hope and pray that it will stay
Don't let it go, cause you need it so
To help you through the day.

If love like this should come your way,
Like the start of a bright new day,
You come alive and laugh and cry,
So please don't throw it away.

I sing a song and feel so happy,
Oh, I could go on and on.
You overtook my heart so sweetly,
Now my soul has been reborn.

Together we make harmonies,
That I hear inside all day long,
Now flying high from what I feel inside,
I know this can't be wrong.

If love like this should come your way,
Hope and pray that it will stay,
Don't let it go, cause you need it so,
To help you make your way.

If love like this should come your way,
Like the start of a bright new day,
You come alive and laugh and cry,
I know I won't throw it away.

A Poem b y Michael Walsh

Man you say? Strong and smart;
Do all he can, to finish from start.
Build what he will, and knock asunder;
Possess the power of dark skies thunder.

Clever he be; his talents ashine,
Knock down forests, of mountain's pine
Level hills from high, now down
With arrogance at the gentle, frown.

Passed along, from father to son,
Man can always get it done.
Laugh we do, in Natures face;
And but believe, in our own grace.

Learned we've not, fom Babylon;
Nor from Noahs flood anon.
Pompeii laughed, Vesuvius roared;
From depths death down, upon them poured.
Earth but be, Nature's Womb;
And she be every being's tomb.
God there thus, did plant his seed;
Did we really think that we'd be freed:

From Him and His Wife, Nature indeed?
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Saturday, February 9, 2013

Season’s Wisdom-by Michael Walsh

Season’s Wisdom
(The Cycle of Life)

A smile exchanged, a lifetime shared.

The Winter and Summer, of lifetime’s face,
Together at once, same time, same place.
A child so innocent, yet uncorrupted.
An elder’s experience, all but erupted.

Summer knows Winter’s fragile plight,
Is gentle in touch, and wonder alight.
Winter’s blood flows, through Summer’s veins.
And spirits are melded by DNA chains.

Winter has gone, now passed away,
But Summer for now, is here to stay.
Winter passed on, and now can be found,
As Summer again, in his new life abound.

Child’s wonderment at her surrounds,
Brings a smile to those all around,
And helps them remember the time in their life
When they too were Summer, and knew not of strife.

Summer will fade into Autumn one day,
And her colours will fall towards Winter and stay,
On the floor of the world, issue wisdom to all,
Then head she for Winter, at the end of the Fall.

Winter’s spirit passed on through life’s love
Lives in Summer by hand in life’s glove.
Wore Summer he did, upon his old knee,
And then to his grave, Summer’s smiles aglee.

The 21st Century Dilemma: Housework Is Easier Thanks To Technology And I still Hate It-Part 3

By Miriam B. Medina (Ezine Expert Diamond Level Author)

Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing is like shoveling the walk before it stops snowing." --Phyllis Diller

In part 1 and 2 of this series, we explored the reasons why no one likes doing housework (the dreaded H word), but the fact is, housework is much easier today than it has ever been, thanks to technology. But how did this technology evolve, and how far have we come? What inventions changed the H word landscape over the years?

Let's explore a few inventions from the 19th Century. Oooh wee... Girls we never had it so good:

The Mop: In the 19th century, people would get on their hands and knees to clean the floors. This was quite hard on the knees and backs. Since the floor was always the area that got most dirty, diseases would fester and cause health problems. Thomas Stewart, an African-American from Kalamazoo, Michigan, came up with a great idea to address this problem, inventing the mop in 1893, (U.S. Patent #499, 402). The first mop had a head that could be wrung out, draining the water, and then un-clamped when it was dirty so one could replace the old head with a clean one. The mop had a dual purpose, to create a simpler way for people to clean the floors and to help maintain a healthier environment. Today we have the Swifter, with a disposable pad and a push button that sprays a cleaning solution on the floor. You just keep spraying and wiping the floor with the pad. It's so easy to mop that you don't even have to do any wringing at all. You simply remove the dirty pad without damaging a bit of your seventy-five dollar nail polish design while your floor gets cleaned. There are a large variety of sponge mops, cloth mops and other floor cleaning tools that have cloth pads, which you can throw into the washing machine and reuse.

The Carpet Sweeper: Cleaning carpets was no easy task in the 19th century. Carpets were rolled off the floor and hung up to be beaten with a carpet beater. When the carpet sweeper was invented in 1876, carpet cleaning became much easier. Thanks to Melville Bissell's wife's constant complaining, with regards to her distaste of cleaning the floors of her husband's shop, Melville Bissell decided to try to make this task easier. In this case, the complaining produced a benefit, because if she didn't do the carpets, he would have had to hire someone else or do the job himself. Ugh! So he decided to invent something. He obtained a patent in September of 1876 for the first "automatic carpet sweeper." A sweeper was composed of a sealed dust pan with two pairs of wheels linked by brush rolls. As the user would push this apparatus along the floor, the brush rolls would rotate and sweep up the dust and debris. Every so often, the user would remove the dust pan and empty it. I could just see Mrs. Bissell jumping with joy while clapping her hands and smothering her husband with a thousand kisses. I'm sure Mr. Bissell was also grinning from cheek to cheek. It was a good way to stop her bitching, at least until she found something else to be disgruntled about. I can just picture him saying: "Whew... what a relief, silence at last." Isn't it amazing that this invention is still being used today? According to historical resources, In 1883, Bissell constructed his first manufacturing factory in Grand Rapids, Michigan. When Melville died in 1889, his wife took over the business as Chief Executive Officer until she died at the ripe old age of 87. The sweeper has never fell completely out of use. Many households continue to use them today for small cleanup tasks. Thanks to modern technology, carpet sweepers are rechargeable today. They run on batteries for easy use. There is a large variety of sweepers to pick from, including electric brooms. Today, the manual brooms are still being used, especially when you need to chase away free-loaders. So Ladies, you don't have to hurt your backs by bending and using the dust pan and broom anymore.

The Washing Machine: Before the Washing machine was invented, women would haul their laundry down to the river. They would beat the laundry against the rocks in a stream, or beat them with the use of a laundry bat, stone or board. This was the ancient way of getting the dirt out of the clothes. You could also put them in a wooden wash tub and trample on them with bare feet. The wet clothes would then be draped over lines or hung over bushes and rocks to dry in the hot sun. During the Victorian era, attics were used for hanging laundry. However, most clothes had to be wrung out by hand. Then along came the wringing machines in the mid-eighties. This consisted of two rollers and a hand crank. The clothes would be slipped in between the rollers and pressed with the hand crank to remove the excess water. There was no such thing as permanent press, so all clothing had to be ironed once they dried. This is where the flat-iron came in. It would be placed on the kitchen range to be heated. Of course, one had to have several of them going at the same time, since they cooled quickly. The Ironing board was supported by two chairs or a table and chair. This set up was commonly used in the 19th century. An ironing blanket would be wrapped around the board, then topped with a cotton sheet, which had to be changed and washed when soiled.

Alva Fischer, a native of Chicago during the late 1800s after finishing High School, wanted to invent something. His mother suggested that he should create something that would help her around the house. He decided to invent a better washing machine. Using his mother's existing wash tub, he attached electric pumps to bring the water in and out, then he attached an agitator to the motor along with the wringer so that there was no hand cranking effort required. His first model was unveiled in 1905. After certain drawbacks, wringers remained a part of washing machines until after World War II. The machine worked well enough for Fisher to sell the design to the Westinghouse Corporation. In 1924 the Savage Arms Corporation redesigned its washing machine in order to take full advantage of electricity. As a result, the finished product became the first washing machine that resembled modern washers. Since the 1924 design, the basic washing machine design and function have not changed. I could still see my mom bent over the tub with her wash board and a pile of dirty clothes by her side. Mom always took pride in how clean her clothes looked. She never made an attempt to purchase a washing machine to make her life easier. She would rather complain about how rough her life was than accept change.

The Vacuum Cleaner: As to who invented the vacuum cleaner, there is some disagreement. Some historians give credit to John S. Thurman, in 1899, while others say H.C. Booth invented it in 1901. Regardless of who invented it, it certainly made housework faster and easier. I'd be lost without my Kenmore canister. Today's vacuums have disposable bags that are discarded when they become full. Attachments of all sorts are connected to these vacuums for hard to reach places and upholstery. The market is flooded with a wide range of improved models that exist today so you have many choices.
There you have it ladies, I've barely touched the tip of the iceberg, but you can see how modern technology has made the H word much easier today. There are no shortage of helpful household appliances in the 21st century. So, if one day "Mimi Cleans" comes knocking at your door offering her services, will you say: "Sure, I'll take you up on your offer," or will you surprise me and say, "No thanks, it's just too easy to do housework these days!"

Miriam B. Medina loves nothing more than sharing what she learns, creates, and thinks about, and that's why she loves to write. Be sure to check out her I Hate Housework humor at: http://mimispeaks.blogspot.com/2013/02/housework-lovehate-relationship.html where you can enjoy music, images and articles that are guaranteed to make your visit worthwhile.

So find yourself a comfortable chair, get a glass of wine or a hot cup of coffee, and you'll be all set to take an informative, enjoyable trip with her. Happy reading.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Miriam_B_Medina

The 21st Century Dilemma: Housework Is Easier Thanks To Technology And I still Hate It-Part 2

By Miriam B. Medina (Ezine Expert Diamond Author)

"Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing is like shoveling the walk before it stops snowing." --Phyllis Diller

Some people like housework and some don't. Most women today are not turned on by the H word because they find it to be a dull, endless and thankless job, one which requires no serious thought or deliberation. Their main gripe is that, with so much to do, they never have time for themselves. This is the same for men who have to perform household chores, they're just not accused of complaining as much as women, but we all know that this isn't the case. In this, part 2 of a 3 part series, we'll explore the role of homemaker in today's world, no matter which sex holds the title.

As a result of today's poor economy, many women are going back to work, taking their careers to new heights. In some family situations, when a mate loses his job or decides to attempt self-employment, women have had to seek employment outside of the home, working unpredictable hours. Many women who pursue careers find it difficult to leave their work role at work so they can enjoy quality time with their family at home. They certainly don't look forward to going home so they can do domestic chores, their weekends filled up by a to-do list. Nonetheless, they continue to feel responsible for their family's well-being, so they make adjustments to their schedule.

Most women take interest in the decorating of their homes, giving their personal attention to such tasks with relatively small amounts of money. Because the working woman is in a better financial position, she is perfectly willing to pay for the services of a cleaning lady on a weekly or bi-monthly basis. But this is not always the case. In this 21st century, as a result of the economy, sex roles in many American homes have switched. The wife becomes the bread-winner while her unemployed husband stays home to keep house. In order to save on babysitting expenses, the unemployed spouse becomes Mr. Mom, the multitasking parent, and his wife gets the high paying job.

Mr. Mom is in his glory, all of the latest modern appliances in his home, within reach of his fingertips, and HOUSEWORK? Is this what she was always bitching about? It's a piece of cake. Mr. Mom gets it down to a science. He even finds time to watch ESPN while folding the laundry or vacuuming the floors as he wipes runny noses and changes stinky diapers. He can whip up a home cooked meal instead of a microwaved one. So when Mrs. Dad comes home, supper's ready, homework's done, and the kids are all in bed, bathed. She is quite surprised and loves this turn of events. Men are just as capable of taking care of their kids, folding the laundry and cleaning the bathrooms. Of course, the more men share in the burden of child care and housework, the more they become stressed out and ticked off.

"Don't push your luck lady."

Now that Mrs. Dad has relaxed a bit and is feeling quite refreshed, after a few glasses of wine and the aroma of burning candles, she looks forward to a moment of great passion. What is Mr. Mom's response? "Not today honey, I have a headache. I'm just too tired for sex." Doesn't that sound familiar ladies?

Since we are on the subject of housework, I thought it would be an opportune moment to take a backward glance at the history of some of those products that have made Housework easier. For example, doing laundry today might not be fun, but the success of laundering in the nineteenth century relied on BACK-BREAKING ARM POWER.

Advancement in technology is constantly playing a significant role in our daily lives. As a result of modern technology, we are able to live our lives in an easier fashion, enjoying more comfort. There have been many changes since the 19th Century. The most notable change was the easing of housework drudgery thanks to new household appliances.

In the final part of this 3 part series, we'll explore the history of inventions that have helped make the H word an easier task, even though no one ever really wants to do housework.

The 21st Century Dilemma: Housework Is Easier Thanks To Technology And I still Hate It-Part I

By Miriam B. Medina (Ezinearticles Expert Author)

"Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing is like shoveling the walk before it stops snowing." --Phyllis Diller

HOUSEWORK? Ah, the dirty word. It's the word that drives everyone crazy. Have you noticed there seems to be a fast growing National epidemic when it comes to cleaning companies? The same can be said for well as determined, self-employed individuals such as myself, people with vacuum and mop in hand offering to tackle and defeat that dirty God-Awful word for a fee. Once this mission is accomplished, these hard-working, determined people leave behind a pile of satisfied customers grinning like Cheshire cats, often begging for more, especially the women of the house who avoid facing the H word. In this article, part 1 of a 3 part series on this history of cleaning technology, we will explore the drudgery that is housework, and why it's such a bother.
.
Women are stereotyped as chronic complainers, accused of complaining about almost everything that happens in their life, including doing housework. Frazzled women yell out: "I dislike cooking. I hate vacuuming, I detest sweeping and dusting. I hate doing the laundry. I despise picking up after the kids and putting things away."
.
And most of all: "I HATE ANYTHING THAT RESEMBLES THIS HORRIBLE H WORD KNOWN AS HOUSEWORK."
.
The continual negativity that surrounds a habitual complainer generates a huge challenge for those around them. Women feel that the maintenance of a home is neither a business nor a profession, and that, in consequence, this "chore" should not be compared with nor be judged by the same standards.

Although new technology and labor-saving inventions have greatly facilitated housework, the H word is still accompanied with much dissatisfaction, especially when it comes to the lady of the house. The constant bitching that comes from these women, as men call it, drives most men crazy, especially when their mates criticize everything they do or say. Many men find it difficult to adjust to the desires and moods of women.
Why do women complain so much about their lives? Simply put, because women have more issues than men. They have more reasons to be disgruntled. Even when they are relaxing, the pressures of childcare and housework plague them. It's the circumstances that lead women to behave the way they do, a way some term "bitchy" for lack of a better word. Women feel they are treated unfairly in the work place, and that they are taken for granted and no consideration is given to them in the home by their mates or by their family. In the home, the woman feels that she is treated like a maid, someone whose sole purpose for existence is to pick up everything off the floor. She is expected to be a Johnny on the spot, an errand girl catering to everyone's whims and schedules, and God forbid, when she doesn't feel like it, the never-ending whining begins. Even when she is in her painful menstrual cycle, she is expected to perform her domestic chores.
In the American family, men and women have different opinions with regards to housework. Men, in general, hate housework and expect the women to do it. Men feel housework is women's work, and some men don't want any part of it. Our culture has bred this mentality for years. Think of the perfect homemaker of the 1950s for example. So many men consider it beneath their dignity to do women's housework; they do not wish to appear wimpy in the eyes of their macho friends. If and when most men do something around the house, like putting dirty dishes from the sink into the dish washer, taking out the garbage, or throwing a pile of dirty clothes in the washing machine, he feels he is doing his partner a big favor.

"Wow! Gee... thanks, Hon".

Some men always have an excuse for not helping out around the house. "I put in a long day at work, when I come home I am exhausted and stressed out. I really don't think my wife's work is as difficult and burdensome as she says. Besides, even if I wanted to help her, she does everything so much better than I can. I can't compete with her, so why bother trying she'll just find another reason to criticize what I did."
In part 2 of this 3 part series, we'll explore the differences between the way men and women approach the H word, and how modern circumstances have reversed roles in many American homes. In many cases, the cleaning glove is on the other hand.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Miriam_B_Medina

Read Part II

How To Hide Your Mess Quickly When You're Being Invaded by Unexpected Company

By Miriam B. Medina

There's nothing more annoying than uninvited, unexpected company. Seriously, some people have no manners, dropping by to "chat" with you and "visit on a few moments notice, when you both really know that they are really dropping by to inspect how you live when left to your own devices. Face it, most friends want to think they're better than you, and nothing makes them feel better about their own squalor or pile of dirty dishes than finding that YOU live in a pig sty. It's easier to inspect your mess and feel better about themselves than it is to clean their own house, isn't it? Plus, it gives them fuel to talk about you amongst other friends.
"My, my, did you see Miriam's house? I dropped by the other day and... "

"Wow, Miriam had a stack of dishes in the sink that rival the Washington Monument in size... "

"I think I found Jimmy Hoffa and Amelia Earhart in the corner of Miriam's living room but I can't be sure because I couldn't quite scale the peak of the growing cheese mold that ate the sofa to get visual verification. Plus, that mold was making some funky, scary sounds... "

You know how it goes, typical things like that. Well, I'm here to give you a few tips to quickly spruce your home up on a moment's notice to thwart these evil, gossiping, nosy invaders. The next time the phone rings and the chills march up your spine when you hear the words "... be right over, I'm just around the corner," remember these tips, they might save you some embarrassment.

1.Pillow cases hold more than just pillows: Stuff dirty laundry in those cases, stuff old junk mail in them, even a dirty pet if you don't have time to give it a bath, just make sure you fluff it up so it looks like a pillow when you are done.

2.Keep a dirty dish drawer: That's right, an empty drawer just to shove dirty dishes in for when people invade and the dishwasher is full. Make sure it's an out-of-the-way drawer, and empty that sucker as soon as the spies leave, or you might have some lingering smells to deal with next time.

3.Forget Lysol, use glass cleaner and furniture polish: EVERYBODY tries to hide the smell when someone visits by using air fresheners, under-arm deodorant sprays and perfume. That's a dead giveaway that you just quick cleaned your home and are trying to hide something. Forget that, spray window cleaner, furniture polish and oven cleaner around the house, that way you can tell the intruders you were busy cleaning the house when they called and blindsided you.

4.Keep large throw rugs and comforters on hand. If you have a big enough comforter, you can cover the entire dining room table with it, or the dining room for that matter. A good throw rug or cover makes anything decorative.

5.Either buy a huge dog or a RECORDING of a ticked off rottweiler: This way, when you close a room off because it's beyond hope, your nosy visitor won't be tempted to open the door and check when you're getting refreshments, not if they think Fido is ready to attack on the other side of the door. If you use the recording, crank it up full blast. Make sure to make a point to tell your invader that Fido is locked up because he hates visitors and hasn't had his rabies shots yet for added effect.

6.If the beds are unmade don't bother smoothing out the sheets, just spread the comforter so they think it's a water-bed.

7 A great place for hiding things is under the bed, providing there is a dust ruffle.

8.When it comes to the bathroom, don't worry about the dirty tub, just pull open the shower curtain. For the toilet bowl, just throw in some hand soap and swish around with the brush. Make sure you wipe the seat, and sink. Remove the dirty towels and have a roll of paper towels handy. Move the clutter from the counter and throw everything into the cabinet under the sink.

7.What about the dust? Easy, just blow it away.

8.Hide the empty pizza boxes from the week under the sofa.

9.What you can't hide. Throw it into one of the rooms that has a lock and lock it.

10. As for the chair that is loaded with dog or cat hair, just throw an afghan over it and drape it in a decorative way.

11.For the stained end tables, use your place mats to hide most of it.

12.Last but most important dim the lights, which hides a multitude of sins.

Whew! Now wasn't that easy?

There you go. These 12 tips should help you protect your right to privacy and to personal sloth the next time you get an unexpected guest!
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Miriam B. Medina loves nothing more than sharing what she learns, creates, and thinks about, and that's why she loves to write. Be sure to check out her I Hate Housework humor at : http://mimispeaks.blogspot.com/2013/02/housework-lovehate-relationship.html where you can enjoy music, images and articles that are guaranteed to make your visit worthwhile. So find yourself a comfortable chair, get a glass of wine or a hot cup of coffee, and you'll be all set to take an informative, enjoyable trip with her. Happy reading.
.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Miriam_B_Medina

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

MAIN BLOG DIRECTORY-February 2013

GETTING TO KNOW MIMI

TABLE OF CONTENTS (1)

Courtesy of Bob Maida-Photographer
A TASTE OF THE PAST: ITALIAN HARLEM
TABLE OF CONTENTS (2)
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A BACKWARD GLANCE AT EAST HARLEM
TABLE OF CONTENTS (2A)
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TENEMENT LIVING: SOCIAL ISSUES OF URBAN LIFE
TABLE OF CONTENTS (2B)
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NEW YORK CITY HISTORY
TABLE OF CONTENTS (2C)
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NEW YORK STATE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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JEWISH KNOWLEDGE, HISTORICAL FACTS ON ENGLAND & UNITED STATES

TABLE OF CONTENTS (4)

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I HATE HOUSEWORK:

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PETS
TABLE OF CONTENTS

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CHIT-CHAT OVER COFFEE SWIRLS
TABLE OF CONTENTS (3)
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MISCELLANEOUS, TIMETABLES, ETHNIC GROUPS, LEGAL TALK, ENTERTAINMENT: BACKWARD GLANCES, IMMIGRATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS (5)
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A LITTLE TASTE OF HISTORY, TRANSPORTATION, PANICS AND ECONOMIC DEPRESSIONS, BUSINESS MATTERS

TABLE OF CONTENTS (7)
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POSITIVE THINKING AND SELF-IMPROVEMENT

TABLE OF CONTENTS (4a)

How to find a more peaceful existence. Read my articles.
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WOMEN_BIO SKETCHES, FEMININE FANCIES, RECEIPES, KITCHEN TALK, WORSHIP
TABLE OF CONTENTS(6)
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SO MR. PRESIDENT, WHAT DID YOU DO DURING YOUR TERM IN OFFICE?
TABLE OF CONTENTS (9)
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ARTSWORKS AND ENTERTAINMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS (14)

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ARCHITECTURE
TABLE OF CONTENTS (15)
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EDUCATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS (16)
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WISDOM: THOUGHTS FROM THE INDIAN MASTERS
TABLE OF CONTENTS (17)
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UNDERSTANDING MUSIC

TABLE OF CONTENTS (18)
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" THE INTERNATIONAL CORNER"

Artist Alessandro Sannino

ITALIAN ARTISTS IN ITALY

"Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures...". -Henry Ward Beecher

ITALIAN ARTIST: AURELIO PERNICHE

Sicilian Artist: Aurelio Pernice known as " Aurè "

INDEX OF PAINTINGS

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ITALIAN ARTISTS IN ITALY

ROMEO CUOMO
Artist of Hand Painted Tiles and Ceramics

INDEX OF PAINTINGS

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El Rincón En Español (The Spanish Corner: )
This section is dedicated to articles of historical facts, poetry, self-improvement, human interest stories etc. written in Spanish.
TABLE OF CONTENTS (8)

"El Rincón Borinqueña"(Puerto Rico)

TABLE OF CONTENTS (13)
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The Italian Niche

TABLE OF CONTENTS (11)

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Brusciano, Italy News/Events (In Italian)

TABLE OF CONTENTS (10A)
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Brusciano, Italy News/Events ( In English)

TABLE OF CONTENTS (10b)

AUTHOR'S SHOWCASE

John J. Burkard (Brooklyn, New York)

Red Hook, Reflections on History

TABLE OF CONTENTS (22)

_______________________________________

Dr. Antonio Castaldo (Brusciano, Italy)

Thoughts of an Italian Writer: A. Castaldo (In English)

TABLE OF CONTENTS (12B)

Pensieri di uno scrittore italiano: dott. Antonio Castaldo

TABLE OF CONTENTS (12a) (Italian)

_____________________________________

Michael Walsh ( Australia)
Poetic Purveyor (Facebook)
TABLE OF CONTENTS (23)

____________________________________
Miriam B. Medina (Diamond Author at Ezinearticles.com)

PUBLISHED ARTICLES ON BLOG

TABLE OF CONTENTS (19)

POETRY BY MIRIAM B. MEDINA

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Mimi Speaks

Blog Archive

About Me

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Is There A Certain Magic To Believing? Part 3 of 3

Is There A Certain Magic To Believing? Part 2 of 3

Is There A Certain Magic To Believing? Part 2 of 3

Is There A certain Magic To Believing? Part 1 of 3

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Confusion Versus Acceptance: Facebook's Timeline

Friday, February 15, 2013

The Benefits Of Integrating Music In The Classroom

Sunday, February 10, 2013

Another Wasted New Year's Resolution: The Failed Battle of the Bulge-A Poem

Dear Sweet Daddy-A Poem

If Love Should come Your way

A Poem b y Michael Walsh

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Season’s Wisdom-by Michael Walsh

The 21st Century Dilemma: Housework Is Easier Thanks To Technology And I still Hate It-Part 3

The 21st Century Dilemma: Housework Is Easier Thanks To Technology And I still Hate It-Part 2

The 21st Century Dilemma: Housework Is Easier Thanks To Technology And I still Hate It-Part I

How To Hide Your Mess Quickly When You're Being Invaded by Unexpected Company

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

MAIN BLOG DIRECTORY-February 2013