happy election day!

may the best politicians win
did you get out and vote?

beauty is what you make it

beauty isn't just reserved for roses and orchids
it can also be found in the weeds
so if you're not feeling like a rose or orchid
you're still beautiful!

let's talk tax rates

HA!  i just got done writing this post about talking about something other than the weather
but yet i still feel compelled to caveat this post
if my numbers are not exact, don't yell at me
i'm going by straight memory here
and i've also not reviewed anyone's tax return so i'm just stating "what ifs"
i'm also not actually supporting one candidate or the other in this post
just giving my opinion on a topic that irritates me

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14% - that's what they like to tell you romney paid in taxes
and what an atrocity it is because he makes so much money in the first place
guess what - if you're in the 25% tax bracket, you don't pay 25% either
based on how they're calculating the 14%
they also don't tell you what tax laws he's taking advantage of to get to 14%
the same tax laws everyone in the country can use to their advantage, too
like maybe he's generous and gives a ton of money away
or maybe he makes some good investments
everyone can do both of these things
and they also don't tell you how many deductions he loses because of phase outs
and the media is banking on that most people can't read a tax return and understand these things
so they just repeat the 14% over and over

why is it that people that make more should pay a higher percentage anyway?
debate...

let's talk, i mean really talk

it's one week before the election now
and all you hear is how much people are tired of hearing people talk about it
and that they're checking out until after the election is over
i say instead of checking out
check into the conversation!
why is it we're all so superficial these days?
don't want to go beyond the surface with people?
the only "safe" thing to talk about any more is the weather
well, i'm tired of the weather
and besides who likes to live life safe anyway?
why can't we talk about politics, religion or money?
who cares if i don't agree 100% with you?
isn't that how we grow as people?
hearing what other people have to say?
so i say - broaden your horizons
step out of your comfort zone
talk to someone today about something other than the weather
speak the unspeakable!

so what do you want to talk about?

running water

we saw a few waterfalls when we went on our camping trip
and i decided to play around with my camera
and try to get that really soft look for the water
these are my favorites

camping in the cold

for my birthday month we went on a camping trip
you know the kind
where you pitch a tent, cook on the open flame and everything
the trip included 4-wheelin', of course

and duke went, of course

we wheeled for 90 miles in one day
there are so many trails - you can even go to canada
the trails are awesome
and they're legit - with street signs and all

it was FABULOUS!
and the scenery was AMAZING!

but the night was COLD!
we're talking 39 degrees...and we weren't ready for that
but i'd do it again in a heartbeat!

trees, glorious trees

did you know maine has trees?

we're talking TONS!

i haven't really lived anywhere that had so many trees
kansas and texas aren't really known for their trees
and when we say there are trees
we are talking HUGE trees

they don't mess around up there

and they pack them in thick

and grow them tall