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A Wedding
Went to a very special wedding today. It was my first grandnieces wedding day. She and her husband are perfect together. Their colors were white and shades of blue. This was a very traditional wedding from the throwing of the bouquet to the throwing of the garter. The wedding was an outside wedding and the weather was perfect. Sunny and mild even for Central Louisiana for it could have been humid or rainy or both, but it wasn't it was perfect.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
Out of My Mind
'Out of My Mind' is a novel written by Sharon M. Draper. This is the story of a young girl named Melody Brooks who has a form of Cerebral Palsy. She is a special student in many ways starting in Kindergarten and well into the elementary school years and starting in the special education classroom and being treated like she cannot learn, but she shows that she can learn. This is a book that has been published quite awhile ago, but it is a book that was written when inclusion 'mainstreaming' for special education students were just starting in the schools. It shows and tells that just because you are physically handicapped does not mean that you are also mentally handicapped. Sharon M. Draper goes into a lot of detail of how Melody was raised and how she shows that she is smart in many ways if she cannot walk and talk. This would also be a good book for Social service workers/counselors to read in my opinion.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
Marriage
Marriage is always a work in progress where two people must learn all about making compromises and learning how to be more understanding and having patience with each other. Two people must be able to work through any problems and show that they are active listeners (who listen to each other).
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
The Power of Vulnerability . Content Warning.
In a world where social media often showcases curated perfection and glossy facades, the concept of vulnerability has become somewhat of a paradox. We strive to present our best selves while simultaneously yearning for genuine connection and understanding. Yet, it is in our moments of vulnerability that we truly connect with others and ourselves.Vulnerability is often misunderstood as a weakness, but in reality, it is a profound display of strength and authenticity. It is the willingness to be seen, flaws and all, and to embrace our humanity in its entirety.When we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, we open the door to genuine connections and meaningful relationships. By sharing our fears, insecurities, and struggles, we create space for empathy, compassion, and understanding. We invite others to do the same, fostering an environment of trust and mutual support.Moreover, vulnerability is essential for personal growth and resilience. It is through facing our vulnerabilities that we confront our deepest fears and insecurities, allowing us to cultivate a greater sense of self-awareness and acceptance. By embracing vulnerability, we learn to lean into discomfort and uncertainty, recognizing that it is often in our most challenging moments that we experience the greatest growth.Furthermore, vulnerability is the cornerstone of creativity and innovation. It is the willingness to take risks, to explore the unknown, and to share our most authentic selves with the world. In embracing vulnerability, we unleash our creative potential, breaking free from self-imposed limitations and societal expectations.However, embracing vulnerability requires courage and self-compassion. It means letting go of the need for perfection and embracing the messy, imperfect beauty of life. It means allowing ourselves to be seen and heard, even when it feels uncomfortable or frightening.In a world that often values strength and stoicism above all else, embracing vulnerability can feel like a radical act of rebellion. Yet, it is precisely this willingness to be vulnerable that allows us to forge deeper connections, cultivate resilience, and live more authentically.So let us embrace vulnerability not as a weakness, but as a source of strength and authenticity. Let us dare to show up, as our true and imperfect selves, and to create a world where vulnerability is celebrated, not shamed. For it is in our vulnerability that we find the courage to truly live.
By Faisal2 years ago in Critique
Charlotte's Web
Still another children's or youth novel that I have read many times is 'Charlotte's Web'. It is the story of a spider who friends a pig by the name of Wilbur giving him an education in dealing with life.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
Stuart Little
Here's another children's novel that I have read many times over the years and still get a kick out of reading it and is 'Stuart Little. The story of a small mouse adopted into a family in New York City that seems almost human in many respects.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
Paddington Bear
Another bear series that I enjoyed reading are the 'Paddington Bear' books. This is the series of a British bear who is one who really enjoys marmalade. Paddington Bear is one that wears a raincoat rain or shine and a floppy fedora. He comes for a visit and has a lot of adventures.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
Winnie-the-Pooh
Being a book reviewer of mainly children's books I cannot help to keep going back to my favorite ones that I had read as a kid. Who doesn't remember reading 'Winnie-the-Pooh' sometime in elementary school. Winnie-the-Pooh or better known as Edward Bear can teach anyone many lessons on how to be a good person no matter age, creed, or national origin. This is the first in a series of acrostic/critiques.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
Signatures
What is a signature? Is it only your name or is something else? We all learned to print then write in cursive our names early in our education whatever year that happened to be. To me a signature could be just a mark on a page like the image above. Remember the phrase 'X' marks the spot. That is a signature of sorts. One just has to learn who they are name wise and mark their 'X' in some way artistically, educationally, socially and even spiritually.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
Dhoni's IPL 2024 so far
MS Dhoni, the legendary finisher and former captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), entered IPL 2024 with a question mark hanging over his head. Speculation swirled about it being his final season, further fueled by him stepping down as captain and handing the reins to Ruturaj Gaikwad.
By Pavan Kumar2 years ago in Critique
General anniversary
What is anniversary generally? It is a yearly happening for some past celebration that has occurred like a wedding or yes even a funeral sad to say when some would say it is the anniversary of losing a particular family member, but it is more of re-celebrating an occasion usually the wedding.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
Easter acrostic
What is the season of Easter? To me it is the season of wishes and hopes for all times. We all know that this holiday is about they Lord Jesus and what he did for us. It is also a day of fun for the very young child and visions of the Easter bunny hiding decorated eggs and hiding baskets with all sort of goodies inside, but
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique