Home Sweet Home

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HOME SWEET HOME
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We have all wondered how much more our economy and as people can take. The mortgage crash of 2006 has severely affected our country and other countries. So many families have lost and are still losing their homes. It may just be a home to some. It may just be hard times, some may say. However, true these statements are, the fact of it is that a house holds a lot more than merely a roof over our heads.

A house is our home. A home is a place where we raise our children. A home is a place where we keep our memories. A home is a place where we grow as a family. A home is a place to feel safe in. A home is a place where we gain our future. A house is a lot more than just a dwelling. Our home is…

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VENICE BEACH ARTISTS

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Venice Beach Artists…

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Venice Beach, California, a must see… so many talented artists. There’s never a dull day spent walking up and down the boardwalk in Venice Beach!

Photograph and Written By: Ask Ms Mandi
Copyright January 2016

Excerpt from Manuscript: Snow

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SNOW

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I sit in a trance like state, remembering the flashbacks from my life. Remembering how I took life for granted. Remembering how I thought I had all the time in the world. Not knowing, that I did not.

Remembering that one day…it had such a significant hold on me and a tight hold on who I become later in life.

My mother…holding the shiny, silver shears in her hand. I remember thinking, “She does not appear sane.”

“Mommy, what’s the matter…” I asked.

“You have been a very bad girl, very bad indeed. Did you not know that I would find out.. did you not…I’m speaking to you, January…”

“Mommy, I do not know what you are talking about.” I whimpered.

“But you do. Yes you do, January.”

“But Mommy, I do not.”

A fast and sharp burn spread across my face. I had been hit.

Suddenly, I blacked out; not remembering what happened next…as I sat on the cold, expensive marble floor, gathering my golden curls into a pile on the floor.

Silently, I glanced up, seeing my reflection in the bathroom mirror… “I’m hideous!” I cried.

Written By: Ask Ms Mandi
Copyright: February 28, 2016

I Married a Psycho

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I Married a Psycho Series

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“Bella are you packed…”

“Yes, Mama…Mama the phone is ringing.”

“Sweetie will you please grab it for me…I’m out on the porch.”

“Hello, Daddy. Why not… okay, I will go and get her.”

“Mama, it’s Daddy, he wants to talk to you.”

“Jack, when will you be home…Bella and I are ready and waiting for you. What do you mean you’re in Twin Pines…I thought you were at work and then coming home to pick us up…we are all supposed to go there together…as a mini vacation. Or did you forget!”

“Mama, don’t cry.”

“Hysterical…I’m not being hysterical. I can’t believe you went without us. How could you and what am I supposed to tell Bella, Jack!”

I looked over towards the doorway. All was silent now. My heart broke, as I watched my only daughter, as tears as big as crocodiles, spilled down her cheeks.

Written By: Ask Ms Mandi
Copyright February 2016

ANGELS

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Sometimes Angels do appear…

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Photograph By: Ask Ms Mandi
Copyright February 2016

ALEXANDER

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Alexander…

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His days were as low
as the bottom of the sea,
depressed that’s that.

His words were unconditional
not expressive, unhappy,
Not in his right mind.

His smile was weak
skin pale like snow,
Shaggy hair fallen in his face.

Couldn’t get out of bed
not even to shower,
Not even to eat.

That’s when I saw
it wasn’t just a bad day he had,
It was never-ending.

I guess his sad days caught up to him
cause now I’m reading the note he left me,
Saying goodbye.

Written By: Jewels
Copyright February 18, 2016

A VISIT TO FRANCE

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Planning your trip to France…

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Each time I have visited France, I have been struck by many things that seem to connect me to the core of my being.

I’m not sure if this is unique to me, due to my European roots, or whether all people are moved this way. There is something about standing in a cobblestone street, that was constructed hundreds of years before Columbus sailed to discover the new world, that brings a nostalgic feeling to me. It feels like home. It’s strange and wonderful.

It makes me long to be there, long after I have left. Reviewing photographs from these trips, ignites this feeling in me and for the first time, has inspired me to write about this experience.

One of the things that strikes me about France is the magnificent Cathedrals, with in a country that has an extremely strong Catholic influence, the architecture, the culture, and the laws. Many Americans aren’t aware of this, but the entire country of France closes down every Sunday, to a greater degree than the United States shuts down for Christmas Day. Don’t expect to do much shopping during a Sunday in France.

My last trip to France was spent mostly in the city of Le Mans. A city familiar to Americans, due to the famous 24-hour Automobile race that is held there every year. This is an ancient city, dating back before Christ, and as is true for almost every city and town in France, boasts a spectacular cathedral.

This picture, of a Le Mans Cathedral, dates back to the 6th century and took seven hundred years to complete. The beautifully detailed stained glass is dated back to around the year 1100.

Photograph & Written By: An Anonymous Writer
Copyright February 17, 2016

Daddy’s Little Girl…

Daddy’s Little Girl…

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I always wondered why I have such poor choice in men. I seem to choose men that are unattainable and damaged. The typical bad-boy.

I now know why I have unhealthy relationships…I was always Daddy’s little girl. He loved me more than life and I loved him just as much. However, the divorce ruined everything. He moved out…never looking back.

That day, he not only divorced my mom, but he also divorced me…his own daughter.

He never loved me the same again, after the day he walked out on us. We grew apart and now as adults, we have no connection. He intimidates me and I disappoint him.

Why do I choose bad-boys…perhaps it’s because I’m looking for that fatherly figure to love me…as much as I love them. The sad part is that I am loving men that can’t love me back. In theory, it is because I don’t feel I am worthy of love…perhaps.

However, I will not give up on finding the one person that loves me as much as I love them. Love is a gift and we all deserve to find it.

Happy Valentines Day!

Written By: Ask Ms Mandi
Copyright February 2016

The Redwoods

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The Redwoods…

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Photograph By: Ask Ms Mandi
Copyright January 2016

Early Detection is Important

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Early Detection is Important…

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I have several friends recently, who have been diagnosed with some form of cancer. Sadly to say, one of them only recently died this Friday. She opted out to have chemotherapy and radiation, since her cancer had spread from her lungs, intertwining around her spine. The doctors gave her six months to live…after diagnosed. I think she made it to five months.

Cancer is a monster that overtakes your body and consumes your soul.
Early awareness and early detection is so important. Trust your body to tell you when something is wrong. Research your symptoms. Reach out to others for insight. Don’t always trust what your doctors tell you…dismissing it as nothing. Find out the facts and get a second opinion…or a third.

Knowledge is power! Let’s put a stop to this monster once and for all, before it continues to take more lives.

Written By: Ask Ms Mandi
Copyright January 2016