Sliding Waters On Shifting Sands

Posted on October 28, 2013 by wendykarasin

How do we know when something we are doing is worth continuing? When it pans out? When it doesn’t? When it gets easier, or perhaps harder, to manage?

I’ve been blogging for months and the added practice has made my writing more fluid and (I’m told) verbally rich. I’ve encountered having too much, and not enough, to say. I’ve had to consider what to report and how people reading that material might respond. I am not always right in deciphering that conclusion. That sought after balance comes from posting information personal and authentic enough to be of interest to readers, while not being so personal and authentic as to offend. These are sliding waters on shifting sands because lines can vary drastically Continue reading →

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Rise And Shine And Give God Your Glory!

Posted on October 24, 2013 by wendykarasin

Not long ago I re-reconnected with an old friend. We found one another on Facebook, had an online disagreement, and lost one another. But he resurfaced recently with a photo that I’m glad he shared. It was a picture of twenty or so 19 year old’s as counselors at Wel-Met camp, back in the day.  Continue reading →

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Yogini?

Posted on October 23, 2013 by wendykarasin

I go to two yoga classes each week. One class inhabits change; the routines, postures, and on occasion even the teachers. The other is steadfast; familiar, regular, consistent. Blue water rafting versus canoeing down a glass surfaced lake. Two sides of the same coin, disparate yet interchangeable. Both have their place.

Today’s (adventurous) class started as the teacher took us through 10 minutes of what she called body and mind readiness. Readying the body for more demanding poses and “melting” the mind into the now, away from where it had been. “We are yoginis,” she said. Continue reading →

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A Good Choice

Posted on October 21, 2013 by wendykarasin

I began my 3 mile loop around the southern tier of my Long Island peninsula with my trusted girlfriend.

“I’m in the process of looking for a writer’s group,” I say.

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(Click on the image for a larger view.)

“I have one,” she answers, turning her face toward mine. “I’m going this Saturday in the city. Want to come?” Continue reading →

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A Few More Turns And You’re Down

Posted on October 18, 2013 by wendykarasin

My father used to tell me, when we were on the precipice of a ski trail too steep for my sensibilities, “Come on, Wen – a few more turns and you’re down.” I listened to, and trusted him as he coaxed me safely to the lodge for a hot chocolate. It’s a memory that popped into my head, just now, from a long list. Part of how he remains with me.

As far as Paris is concerned, on our next to last day there, we are seeing Sacre Coeur and the Opera House. La Basilique de Sacre Coeur is in the Montmartre section of Paris. The area is lively and outdoor cafes dot the sidewalks with sections of color and sound, the architectural design – a sightseers delight.  Sacre Coeur is located high on a hill, and in a very priestly manner, overlooks the city.

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Sacre Coeur

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If It’s Thursday, It Must be Versailles

Posted on October 17, 2013 by wendykarasin

If you’ve traveled through France you’ve probably gone to the city of Versailles, where – notably – one can find the Palace of King Louis XIV. If you have any interest in seeing opulence taken to a level beyond itself, welcome. I have many (many) pictures of the palace’s interior and exterior for two reasons: 1. Because no restriction was placed on me and, 2. Because most everything I saw felt worthy of a photo. As a picture is worth a thousand words, let me share some of them:

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Outside of Palace

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Back To Paris

Posted on October 16, 2013 by wendykarasin

Today we tackle two significant sights in Paris; one known for its beauty, Notre Dame, the other for its shame, Memorial de la Shoah, the Holocaust Museum.

Notre dame is massive with perfectly carved nuance (one could stare at the facade of the building for hours) and stained glass magnificence through which prismed slots of colored light pass. We were forbidden to take pictures within the church, therefore, I have none to show. But one has to wonder in the midst of such magnificence, where the French leaders, clergy and politician alike, were when the travesty that we next encountered, occurred. Continue reading →

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