#Ashlee Bond

[in-sightpublishing]

The Greenhorn Chronicles 28: Hayley Mercer on Personal Story and Aspirations in Show Jumping

The Greenhorn Chronicles 28: Hayley Mercer on Personal Story and Aspirations in Show Jumping

            Image Credit: Quinn Saunders. Publisher: In-Sight Publishing Publisher Founding: December 1, 2014 Web Domain: http://www.in-sightpublishing.com  Location: Fort Langley, Township of Langley, British Columbia, Canada Journal: In-Sight: Independent Interview-Based Journal Journal Founding: August 2, 2012 Frequency: Three (3) Times Per Year Review Status: Non-Peer-Reviewed Access:…

[porterdavis]

Photo - Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

“If you go back to the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, to the days of physical traders in pits, those folks had that machismo kind of approach to trading that was almost like a locker-room environment,” he said. “It really was nothing like the type of technology-driven, model-driven and information-driven trading that we have nowadays.” - Luc Fortin, global head of trading for TMX Group

Yes, but...

Trading today occurs at the speed of light, even though it's largely in the shadows. Anonymity means insiders can front-run clients. Order flow is captured and channeled to specific traders at the expense of potential better prices in the open market. Predatory computer algorithms prowl the markets sniffing out large orders, executing small trades to see if such orders automatically follow, tipping their hand.

In the days of 'physical traders' you had the two most important aspects of an equitable market -- discovery and disclosure. Buyers/sellers would canvass the market without indicating which side of the market they were and floor professionals would provide continuous, two-sided markets. Such a marketplace largely prevented gaps in pricing and further, assigned responsibility on professional traders.

Sadly, the markets have been taken over by the banks, who have engineered every possible advantage they can conceive of to maximize their profits. Equity trading is a zero-sum game: they win, you lose.

And yes, I was a 'physical trader in that locker-room environment' for over 30 years. Traders lived on their honesty and their word was their bond. Anyone who didn't stand behind their word became 'invisible'.

[adamwatchesmovies]

Winter's Bone (2010)

Winter’s Bone is technically a coming-of-age story, which makes it the most nerve-frying example of the genre I can think of. This tale of a teenage girl burdened by gigantic responsibilities lives below the search for a man who will leave her with even fewer prospects than she currently has. With danger around every corner and the few trustworthy people being about as friendly as rattlesnakes, there are no chances to rest. Bolstered by an incredible performance by Jennifer Lawrence, this film is hard to shake.

In the middle of nowhere, Missouri, seventeen-year-old Ree Dolly (Lawrence) is barely managing to care for her mentally ill mother (Valerie Richards), twelve-year-old brother Sonny (Isaiah Stone) and six-year-old sister Ashlee (Ashlee Thompson) when she gets a visit from the local Sheriff. After his arrest, Ree's father put the Dolly home up as part of his bond. If he doesn’t show up for his court date in three days, the county will take possession of their home.

Finding a deadbeat dad who was caught manufacturing meth and is now running away from a 10+ year sentence? You might as well ask Ree to find a needle in a haystack. The looming deadline and high stakes mean there isn’t even time for her to get angry. All she can do is look and ask people, which puts her at risk of violence - or worse. When you think “crime boss”, the picture in your mind has some kind of “class”. Fat cigars, fancy cars, that kind of thing. Thump Milton (Ronnie Hall) is far more terrifying than any gangster you could imagine because he lives in a dump and his wife (Dale Dickey) looks like she’s been crudely carved out of rock. He might be at the top of this food chain but it’s an environment where there isn’t enough food for everyone so all the animals are perpetually starving and eager to jump on each other. Being a minor and a girl provides Ree with the slightest bit of protection as part of an unspoken code of honour… but she’ll burn through that quickly with all her questions. Unfortuantely, she has no choice but to persevere. At least her meth-addicted uncle Teardrop and his girlfriend Victoria (Cinnamon Schultz) MIGHT have mercy on her. You know the sheriff’s office won’t hesitate to take away the house.

The film is set in modern day but it might as well be in a post-apocalyptic wasteland or the wild west. Even if Ree finds her father, what’s she going to do? Convince him to show up in court? It would be better to find his corpse. Then she could keep the house and he'd be out of her life permanently. The law’s not going to help and you can practically see the vultures starting to circle. Even when someone does lend a helping hand, you’re suspicious. Either there are strings attached or that exchange of information will rub someone the wrong way. You don’t even want to think about what would happen to the family if they lose the house.

The script and superb direction from Debra Granik (who co-wrote the screenplay with Anne Rosellini) makes everyone feel like real people. Dangerous, desperate and unpredictable people. One wrong word could mean sudden violence. It could also trigger the last remnants of sympathy. This is a bleak film but it’s somehow hopeful as well. It’s not a nice movie and just about everyone you meet is rotten but young Sonny and Ashlee are in better hands now than they would’ve been if their father had stuck around. Yes, this is a rough patch; maybe the roughest the family has ever faced but if they can get through this, Ree will have proved her mettle. Combined with the smarts to know to stay away from the “family business”, it could be enough to get the Dolly children not necessarily out of the muck of poverty, but in the direction of a happy ending. Assuming this is that kind of movie. You get a strong feeling this will all end in a bloodbath…

There’s a single dream sequence with black-and-white imagery I’m not sure was necessary. Otherwise, this film is just about flawless. It's certainly memorable. Winter's Bone is so scary and dark you’re amazed that it nonetheless manages to make Ree - and you - more determined to go on rather than give up. (On DVD, August 30, 2021)

[epacer]

A Long Time Ago

Lorrie Menconi  [also known as Lorri Menconi , Class of 1966] 

Lorrie Menconi (born 24 February 1948 in Philadelphia) was "Playboy" magazine's Playmate of the Month for its February 1969 issue, vol. 16, no. 2.  Her centerfold was photographed by William Figge and Ed DeLong. She is American of Italian descent. 

Menconi was one of the several Playmates who were pregnant at the time of her shoot. That was not mentioned in her Playmate article, nor was it mentioned that she was married - both common occurrences at the time, when biographical details about Playmates were obscured or enhanced by the magazine. She went on to land a job at a veterinarian's clinic and later on went into sales; she also raised four children. One of those children, Ashlee Ricci, posed nude for the Playboy.com "Playmate Daughters" feature in March 2008. Lorrie is also aunt to Emmy-nominated actress Christina Ricci.

The February 1969 issue of "Playboy" was used as a prop in the James Bond film "On Her Majesty's Secret Service." Bond finds the issue while breaking into the lawyer Gumbold's safe, and when he leaves the office he is seen to be carrying Menconi's centerfold away with him.

Little Know Factoids      

Menconi lived east of Crawford High on Trojan Avenue, between Athens Street and East Overlook Drive.

Her family owned and managed The House of Rattan, and she worked there part-time. The business was east of and next to O'Connors Church Goods on El Cajon Boulevard.  

[ashlee-bonfamille-lyons]

Today is New {Cutie}

Ashlee Makes a much needed change.

TW: Gaslighting, Verbal Abuse

When: June 10th

Where It All Began: Roommate Trouble  {Edric/Ashleigh/Finn} Lingering Anixiety {Finn/Nemo}   Tomorrow Doesn’t Change {The Ashley’s} Taking A Chance {Edric/Finn} A Haunting Past {Tiny Dancers}

@ashleigh-inyourdreams

Ashlee

Ashlee had sat at home for awhile, before remembering she had a huge dance final to prepare for and she threw herself into that. It was easier than focusing on the fact that she finally had to make a choice and in the pit of her stomach Ashlee wasn’t sure she made the right one.

Ashlee hadn’t deleted Nemo’s texts and infact constantly re-read them, and no matter how many times she reread them there was always a sharp pain in her chest from making the decision that she did.

If it wasn’t for the constant presence of Simba and Berlioz in the house. Too many dogs and Juni, Ashlee might have hid in her closet when faced with any other potential decision.

It was only after many sleepless nights that Ashlee knew what she needed to do even as scared as she was that she would be alone after this. 

Still this is something she needed to do, not because of Finn (She still didn’t care about him) or Nemo. But because if she didn’t she would constantly be in this precarious spot.

Picking up Ashleigh a drink at Hatter’s she made her way to Ashleigh’s dorm to rip off the bandaid so to speak.

“Hey can we talk?”

ASHLEIGH: 

She hadn’t expected to see Ashlee. 

For Ashleigh, life was the same as it ever was. She didn’t look forward, simply fluttered from day to day, following her instincts and more than anything– her appetite. Today, she’d already had lunch with Henry, thus checking the Henry shaped box. She’d see him later when they went to sleep. That meant the rest of the day was her own. 

And so she was doing something that she rarely did these days– needlepoint. She had fashioned the thread from a shadow underneath a child’s bed. It glistened a rich violet as she turned it into the portrait of a flower. With thorns of course.

Then there was a knock on her door.

She opened it, blinked, then smiled– duh. Because she was happy to see her girls, any one of them. “TT!” she gasped. “What a surprise! Come in! I didn’t miss a text or anything right?” 

Ashlee

Ashlee shook her head, she hadn’t texted just in case she had lost the courage to do anything, to make this move. If she didn’t text it gave her an out to run back home. Even now the urge to just tuck tail and gossip was so much stronger.

Nothing had to change. Nemo made his decision so why did she have to lose her friends over him.

Because it was the right thing to do.

Such an annoying thought process.

“No I um didn’t text.” Still Ashlee stepped in and handed Ashleigh her drink. “I wanted to stop by and talk, figured I’d pick up something on the way.”

ASHLEIGH: 

Stop by and talk. 

Normally, this was not a sign for distress. Maybe for other people. Maybe for girls and their silly boyfriends, or boys and their silly girlfriends. But the Ashleys had a connection beyond such mortal ties. Ashleigh thought of it as a soul bond. There was nothing that Ashlee couldn’t say to her, because they were of one mind. 

So whatever she wanted to talk about– and it did seem kind of serious– Ashleigh was there for her.

She took the drink and ushered her in. “Well that’s sweet of you. Just take a seat wherever, you know the drill.” 

Ashleigh went over to her bed and took a sip of her black coffee. Bitter. Just the way she liked it. “So what’s up?” 

Ashlee

You know the drill. Yes Ashlee did. This is where she aired her grievances and they plotted to destroy the person. After all, if one of them was hurt the rest of them were as well. Why didn’t anyone else get that, No one else had ride or dies the way the Ashley’s were. They were limited by morals. They wouldn’t go to the ends of the earth for each other.

Afterall Nemo was willing to choose someone over her, Everyone would choose someone over her. Ashleigh wouldn’t.

Ashleigh would always choose the girls.

Unless Ashlee disagreed, that’s what happened last time, she had started to disagree and Ashleigh grew colder and more distant. 

“I don’t want to be part of the bullying anymore. Not to anyone. I want to leave that behind us in Secondary and move on. We can be so much better than that.” Though did that include Henry too?

100% in or 100% out. No in between. That had to include Henry even if he was Henry.

ASHLEIGH: 

Ashleigh blinked. 

She honestly didn’t know what Ashlee meant, at first. Because ‘bullying’ was such a…childish way to put what the Ashleys did. They didn’t bully. No, they ruled. They simply turned wherever they went into a castle and everyone else was their subordinates. They did that with lies or bribery or flattery and yeah, sometimes cruelty. But they did it for each other. They did it for themselves. They did it because they were better than anyone. 

Bullying? So simple and flat. Not at all up to her own standard. 

“I’m confused,” said Ashleigh. She tilted her head. She’d played dumb before but never to Ashlee. Still, it was a game she knew well. “What are you talking about? I have no idea what you mean.” 

Ashlee

Ashlee raised an eyebrow at her friend, Ashleigh wasn’t stupid, no arguably Ashleigh was the brightest of them all. On the drop of a pin she could spin whatever tale she needed to fit her story. Ashleigh never played dumb to Ashlee and for once Ashlee was irritated at her friend.

“Whatever you want to call it Ashleigh. I want us to stop. I don’t want to be part of it anymore and I want to still spend time with you and everyone. But I also can be around others that are going to be cruel to others.” Ashlee had no problem being better than everyone. She still thought she was better than everyone but she could do that without stomping on every light.

ASHLEIGH: 

That faux clueless look faded. And Ashleigh’s lips became a thin line, her dark eyes even darker. She’d never looked at Ashlee like that before. 

She had never felt like this toward Ashlee before. 

Her heart had turned into a thick chunk of ice. Ashley A was gone– flown off to better skies, abandoning them (okay, not really, but Ashleigh couldn’t help but feel like it). Ashle B had her fancy internships. Now Ashlee T. was pulling this? Why? What prompted it? Who got to her? Why did she want to leave Ashleigh too when Ashleigh had never been anything but loyal? 

“So what are you saying?” asked Ashleigh. And she chuckled. “I’m not allowed to be myself anymore? Is that it? Because I hurt people’s feelings?” She took a step toward Ashlee. “Because I say the things everyone else is too scared to say? I’m a mara, Tiny. What do you want me to do? Starve?” 

Ashlee

Ashlee had never been insulted by her nickname before but now she almost wanted to cower at it. Like she was tiny and small and didn’t know what she was doing.

But she did know what she was doing. She had prompted this conversation, she had done this in private and one on one. Ashlee had thought this through so she could handle this. Because she could.

“I’m not talking about dreams and nightmares. If that’s what you need to survive I’m not saying don’t. But in person, in this awakeness. Whatever difference you want to call it. I don’t want to be cruel to others anymore. I don’t want to have to flinch when Ashley A makes a mean comment on twitter or when you show up at Finn’s room because haha it’s so funny he’s still scared. I don’t want that anymore.” Ashleigh took her steps forward but Ashlee wouldn’t back down. “Why can’t we just do that all together.”

ASHLEIGH: 

She scoffed, like Ashlee had made a bad joke. She sort of had. 

Because Ashleigh still didn’t know how to be anything but this. Oh sure, she could play sweet and innocent and good girl, but only to some kind of an end– only to get something. She didn’t want to change either. Why look the other way if she could lash out? Why simper when she knew she could get ahead? She wanted power, she wanted attention, she wanted people to grovel in front of her– all these things that she’d never had when she had been a little girl!

That last part didn’t belong to her, but to the girl she had been before she was reborn a mara. That girl. She wanted revenge. 

Ashleigh hadn’t even gotten started yet. 

“Why the sudden change of heart?” Ashleigh asked instead of answering. “I’ve been this way since we were eight, Ashlee. I pushed girls down who called you a freak for immigrating here. I made you laugh when they cried. So what’s so different now?” 

Ashlee

Questions like this were a double edged sword, she could sell out all the reasons, Simba, Berlioz, Nemo, the rest of the among us group even if they rarely played anymore. She could sell them out and give Ashleigh a reason to hate them more.

So she couldn’t. Because she knew Ashleigh, and she would just be giving her ammo, even if she was sure Ashleigh Q, already knew all the reasons.

“It’s not sudden. I’ve been balancing who I’ve wanted to be since my Baba. I’ve been helping make excuses even though I stopped wanting to be part of this so long ago. There’s a reason I knew I couldn’t live with you after my Mom left. I felt it even when I was helping Ashley A with her trial because she deserved it. I just want to prove to people I’m better than them, not throw them there mentally.”

ASHLEIGH: There’s a reason I knew I couldn’t live with you after my mom left. 

Ashleigh’s eyes flashed. And then she was cold everywhere. 

It didn’t really matter what Ashlee said after that. She’d just confirmed it. She had been leaving Ashleigh for over a year now– leaving her in bits and pieces, lying to her face, and to the rest of the Ashleys’ faces. Loyalty had meant everything to Ashleigh; it was why she hadn’t done so much worse to the people she knew that Ashlee cared about. But clearly, that hadn’t mattered. Ashlee didn’t want her. 

“Oh, so you think you’re better than me?” she took another step, glaring. “Just because you don’t say the mean thing to their face? You’re wrong. I can smell what makes a person weak, Tiny. Their fear and their selfishness and their greed.” She scoffed a second time as her eyes flicked up and down Ashlee’s slight frame. “And you’re rotten just like me. Through and through. I loved you anyway– I’m probably the only one who actually loves you for who you really are– but you think you’re better than me? You’re just a liar– the worst kind. Because you’re lying to yourself.” 

Ashlee

Ashlee stood her ground though she wanted to step back, flinch, but she wouldn’t give Ashleigh the upperhand. This is how it worked. This was the Ashlee she was in Secondary. Except this time the power didn’t come from the girls, it came from something inside of her.

“I don’t think I’m better than you but I think I’ve been lying to myself for a long time already Ashleigh. I don’t think this one is one of those times.” Ashlee stated taking a deep breath as those words cut and they cut deep because maybe no one would love her. Maybe after this she would be alone and afraid and she wouldn’t have anyone to turn to. Sure you had Simba and Berlioz but they were adulty adults.

Ashlee was sure she was never going to have a friendship like this, She saw it with Nemo and his group. Ian with his roommate and Eilonwy. There wasn’t space for her in those. So maybe she wouldn’t be loved by anyone else. But at least she might be able to be proud of her reflection in the mirror.

ASHLEIGH: 

Ashleigh expected Ashlee to tremble. She knew her friend and she knew her friend’s greatest fear: that she would be alone and unloved. 

But Ashlee didn’t back down or give in or say Ashleigh was right. Ashleigh’s own brow creased as the frustration built like magma inside her, melting all of her cold fury into something raw and hot. And Ashleigh only knew how to do one thing with her pain: make other people hurt. 

She wanted to scream. She wanted to hit Ashlee– and she imagined it, imagined her hand streaking through the air and smacking into Ashlee’s cheek. She’d cower and cry, triggered by all the times she’d been beaten before and then Ashleigh would win–

Her fist curled, but then she stopped. Her lip quivered instead, tears forming on the corners of her eye. No one had ever made her cry before. Not like this.

But she wouldn’t let a tear fall while Ashlee stood in front of her. As quickly as they’d come, they were pushed back again.

“Well, you don’t have to lie to yourself anymore then. Me, I’ve never lied to you– not about who I am,” she said. “And so no, Ashlee. I’m not going to behave for you. Neither will Ashley A or Ashle B. You’re the one who doesn’t belong anymore, sweetie.” 

Ashlee

Ashlee didn’t belong.

She knew she didn’t. This whole conversation was things Ashlee already knew but it hurt so much hearing it from one of the people she loved so dearly. That she would be cast aside because she didn’t belong. She had spited one of the girls and everyone knew how that went.

This was the end and any hope Ashlee had of keeping her girls was gone, She couldn’t take back any of her words now.

Ashlee searched her friend's face for any hint of that love they shared, for any hint that it wasn’t over. That they could take these next steps together.

“I love you Ashleigh. I do. With everything I am. I don’t want to lose you.”

ASHLEIGH: 

Ashleigh scoffed. Then she chuckled. Then, she laughed. 

What? It was so funny– Ashlee standing here with her big ol eyes, lying to herself, even now. But that plea fell through the air. Ashleigh didn’t feel it. Love meant nothing to her, not when Ashlee had already pulled her loyalty out from under her. There was only a hole left in Ashleigh’s heart. And even if Ashlee groveled on the carpet, Ashleigh wasn’t sure she could shove her friend back in there.

Because Ashleigh wasn’t lying. Ashlee didn’t belong anymore. She didn’t fit. 

“You don’t love me, Tiny,” she giggled, and reached out to smooth some of Ashlee’s hair behind her ear. “If you loved me, you wouldn’t have ever asked me to change. But this is who I am, and I’m not ashamed of that. But you are, right?” She put on a little pout. “You’re ashamed of me and how mean I am? Aw, boo hoo. I think it’s time for you to go.” 

Ashlee

Ashleigh was right though, love wasnt asking the other person to change. Love was accepting them. Maybe even Nemo didnt love her just by requiring this of her.

Well he didnt require it and Ashlee wasnt making this change for him so maybe it was fine. 

Maybe he would still love her after this.

She had never been on this side of Ashleigh before and she hated every second of it.

Closing her eyes at a gesture that used to mean so much love, Ashlee nodded her head as she tried to hold back her tears. She didnt want to cry, not here, not infront of others, she would get home and hide until she couldnt hide anymore.

"I'm not ashamed of you Ashleigh. But I'm not going to be able to convince you of that. Or I guess how much I love you and the others." Ashlee stated with a shakey breath and a nod as she pulled away.

"I guess I'll see you around." Ashlee stated turning to leave.

[equestrianempire]

Ben Maher Leaves His Mark on CSIO Week at Wellington International

March 3. 2024

British Olympic champion Ben Maher celebrated a banner week at Wellington International during Week 8 of the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). He capped the final day on Sunday with a victory in the $200,000 JTWG, Inc. CSIO4* Grand Prix aboard Point Break, owned by Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright.

Five pairs jumped clear over courses designed by USA’s Steve Stephens and Nick Granat, but Maher was the only one to finish double-clear on the day. He and the Swedish Warmblood stallion (Action-Breaker x Balou du Rouet) set the standard as first to jump clear and first to return for the tie-breaking jump-off. 

Ben Maher & Point Break presented as winners of the $200,000 JTWG, Inc. CSIO4* Grand Prix by Travis, Jacqui, Wyatt, Harley, Payton Gould and William Harvey. Photo © Sportfot

Coco Fath (USA) came closest to pipping the British rider, but settled for second on a single time fault in the jump-off. She rode Aventador 5, a 12-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Arpeggio x Landadel) for owner Hillside Farm, LLC. Belgium’s Zoe Conter rounded out the podium on La Una, a 13-year-old Oldenburg mare (Chacco-Blue x For Pleasure), owned by Stephex Stables, with the fastest four-fault round over the short course.

Coco Fath & Aventador 5. Photo © Sportfot

Zoe Conter & La Una. Photo © Sportfot

“This is probably the biggest grand prix he’s won,” said Maher of Point Break, a horse he’s had in his string since the stallion’s six-year-old year. “It wasn’t so long ago he was spooking off every golf cart, but he was always a very talented horse and he’s progressed on very nicely.

“His athleticism is what separates him from the other horses,” continued Maher. “The way he can bend his body and move his shoulder allows my job to become much easier. I can ride at the jumps and trust that he can do the job for me.”

Kirsty Bond accepting the $500 Grooms Award, presented by Double H Farm. Photo © Sportfot

Maher’s groom, Kirsty Bond, was presented with the $500 Grooms Award by Double H Farm after the victory in recognition of her care of Point Break.

Ben Maher accepting the Martha Jolicoeur Leading International Rider Award from Michael. Photo © Sportfot

The grand prix win for Maher was combined with Thursday’s victory riding Ginger-Blue in the Adequan® WEF Challenge Cup qualifier. The consistent results secured him the Martha Jolicoeur Leading International Rider Award, presented together with Michael and Wendy Smith.

“I’ve got a lot of horses ready to go at this level, so I’m very lucky,” said Maher. “But I’ve tried to use the horses sparingly. I really try to plan which horse is right for each class. To finish on this today has topped off a great week. The strength and depth in my team–both horses and people–it’s a great time to be able to ride right now.”

Tom Wachman accepting the Niall Grimes “Sheers” Perpetual Trophy as top money-earning Irish rider during CSIO week at WEF from Michael Stone. Photo © Sportfot

Tom Wachman (IRL) accepted the Niall Grimes “Sheers” Perpetual Trophy as top money-earning Irish rider during CSIO week at WEF, and earlier in the afternoon, Ashlee Bond (ISR) was honored with the Kate Nash Boone Style Award, presented by Michael Meller, for her style of riding and ability to maintain sportsmanlike composure while competing during CSIO week at WEF.

Ashlee Bond accepting the Kate Nash Boone Style Award, presented by Michael Meller. Photo © Sportfot

International competition continues at WEF with CSI5* and 2* competition presented by Bainbridge Companies resuming on March 6.

Top Five Results: $200,000 JTWG, Inc. CSIO4* Grand Prix

Ben Maher (GBR) & Point Break: 2014 Swedish Warmblood stallion (Action-Breaker x Balou du Rouet)Owners: Charlotte Rossetter, Pamela Wright, Ben Maher

Coco Fath (USA) & Aventador 5: 2012 Hanoverian gelding (Arpeggio x Landadel) Owner: Hillside Farm, LLC

Zoe Conter (BEL) & La Una: 2011 Oldenburg mare (Chacco-Blue x For Pleasure) Owner: Stephex Stables

Sharn Wordley (NZL) & Champion League: 2013 Hanoverian gelding (Cador 5 x Contendro I) Owner: Della Wordley

Tom Wachman (IRL) & Berlux Z: 2011 Zangersheide gelding (Berlin x Major de la Cour) Owner: Coolmore Showjumping

View Complete Results

Wellington International Press release

[reneenalaniartista]

2.5.2024 - In Loving Memory

FIrst, I have to share this nugget in my grandfather's memory.

Yesterday was the 66th Grammy Award Show (on 2.4.24 (6.6.. Ironic!)). I tuned in because my friend, Ashlee, told me she was watching it. I needed something to watch while I was juggling school work, so I thought, why not. It had been a hot minute since I actually sat and watched the Grammys.

I find I get emotional a lot these days. Like, I'm this super empathic sponge soaking up all the energies in the scene. Dua Lipa does her thing. I tuned her out (no disrespect, I was just not engaged at that moment). Trevor Noah does his opening monologue. Love him! He's hilarious and quick witted. Then they're about to introduce Luke Combs as the first performance after the opening monologue.

Luke Combs shares his story about how when he was young, he'd listen to Tracy Chapman with his father. Already, my heartstrings were tugged. My grandfather listened to Tracy Chapman. So I already bonded with Combs hearing that story. He concludes his story as they cut to the stage. You hear the opening notes to "Fast Car."

A recognizable, yet older, Tracy Chapman is on the screen. I fucking sobbed. "Oh my god!" I cried between words. I messaged my mom right away. "I'm NOT fucking crying!" But of course I was. I sent her a picture of Tracy Chapman performing at the Grammys.

Admittedly, I've dissed Combs cover. I thought he was just another artist covering another musician's work on superficial terms. I am ashamed of myself for being quick to judge. I didn't know. I didn't even consider he was paying homage to the legendary Chapman.

I cried like a baby during the performance remembering my grandfather. Remembering being a little girl myself listening to "Fast Car" and" Give Me One Reason" in the car with my mom or with my grandpa in their cars' cassette players. Simpler times.

Hearing her sing the lines, "He says his body's too old for workin' His body's too young to look like his." I bawled.

The timing of this performance was fitting because I had dreamt of my grandfather and his ordeal with dementia the night before. And his 95th birthday fell after the Grammys.

No dreams of my grandfather this morning, but scrolling through photos of him to share for his birthday today... It struck me again. He's not here anymore. He's physically not here anymore.

Walking into his home, I don't hear, "Hi, mija. You look nice today." I don't see him sitting on the couch anymore watching TV. In the backyard in his favorite lawn chair. All of those things are just pictures in my mind now. His image, his being, just memories now...

Spiritually, I know he's around. I see angel numbers frequently. It's him checking up on me and reassuring me. A part of him lives in me, my mom, my sibling, my grandmother, and so on.

He's missed. We're always thinking of him one way or another. He was Lee and I's father-figure growing up because our biological father was out of the picture growing up. He was my mother's father and my grandmother's husband. He was a pillar in our family unit.

"Happy Birthday to yoOUOUOUUOUUUuuu~"

vaya con dios, dad.

[conandaily2022]

Bond for Midwest City, Oklahoma's Ashlee Cheatham set at $75k; What did she do to her boyfriend's daughter?

Ashlee Marie Cheatham, 19, of Midwest City, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, United States is accused of doing diabolical things to a girl, 3. The woman and the girl’s father recently met online. The father became Cheatham’s boyfriend and she moved in with him. They lived in Stillwater, Payne County, Oklahoma with his baby daughter. Shortly after, the father had a strange feeling that Cheatham was up…

[cryptonews256]

Pics of Stars Bonding With Nieces, Nephews

Pics of Stars Bonding With Nieces, Nephews

Family fun! Kendall Jenner, Ashlee Simpson and more celebrities share sweet bonds with their nieces and nephews. The model became an aunt in 2009 at age 14 when Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick welcomed son Mason. The Poosh creator went on to give birth to daughter Penelope and son Reign, followed by Kim Kardashian’s four kids with Kanye West — North, Saint, Chicago and Psalm. Rob Kardashian…

[thunderrabby-blog]

Pics of Stars Bonding With Nieces, Nephews

Pics of Stars Bonding With Nieces, Nephews

Family fun! Kendall Jenner, Ashlee Simpson and more celebrities share sweet bonds with their nieces and nephews. The model became an aunt in 2009 at age 14 when Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick welcomed son Mason. The Poosh creator went on to give birth to daughter Penelope and son Reign, followed by Kim Kardashian’s four kids with Kanye West — North, Saint, Chicago and Psalm. Rob Kardashian…

[technewslive]

Pics of Stars Bonding With Nieces, Nephews

Pics of Stars Bonding With Nieces, Nephews

Family fun! Kendall Jenner, Ashlee Simpson and more celebrities share sweet bonds with their nieces and nephews. The model became an aunt in 2009 at age 14 when Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick welcomed son Mason. The Poosh creator went on to give birth to daughter Penelope and son Reign, followed by Kim Kardashian’s four kids with Kanye West — North, Saint, Chicago and Psalm. Rob Kardashian…

[drgreg]

Basic Practitioner Gp In Hout Bay, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

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My Dearest Ashlee,not a day oes by when I dont consider you and mour ..... My Dearest Ashlee,not a day goes by once I dont consider you and mou ..... Miss you Sollie...all the old good occasions you employ to tell me about... You gave me a chance when no one else did. You taught me to be the strong particular person I am at present...My 11 years with you have been a highlight in my life.

And a father and son hope to bond building a family residence with area for all. Joe Lycett hosts as the nine remaining home sewers return to the stitching room for children’s week. The clothes might Dr Greg Hough be mini but they are a mammoth challenge being fiddly to stitch. The most senior builders on the street set out to create two distinctive, bespoke homes.

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Birdlife is an exceptional group. Thank you for organizing this wonderful journey. I imagine that the “Flock to Marion” ticks all of Dr Greg Hough the packing containers required to win the coveted SA tourism award.

Remembered with fondn ..... Dearest Dad, you are always in our hearts and all the time remembered, lov ..... It has taken me years to find you. Now I can allow you to rest in peace.

Your Children and Grandchildren in Toronto and Cleveland. My treasured Mom, the memory of your love is all the time in our hearts and ..... Another year has passed and the lacking remains as painful. Your magnificence won't ever die, love you my solely darling daughter. Our beloved niece NOLA, all the time in our hearts.

Commemorating our beloved brother Dr.Leon Movsowitz.M.H.S.R.I.P. Sadie Symon Netanya and Yitzchak Movsowitz Kibbutz Shluchot Israel. Dearest daddy, How i wish I may turn the clock again, to let you know ..... Happy Heavenly Birthday my beautiful Mum...a lot of roses, cheesecake ..... Mommy, I missed your wake up birthday name on the 16th. Miss and love you very a lot, I want your nice grandchildren, Tessa, ..... Fondly remembered at all times for his kindness, compassion, and friendshi .....

Registration with the HPCSA is a pre-requisite for professional apply and additionally it is a legal requirement to maintain all personal details up to date always. We'd respect as much data as attainable, however only an e-mail address is required. Hough, who has been dwelling in Pietermaritzburg since November, listened to the sentencing proceedings just about final week. In July he was discovered responsible on four counts of sexual assault and considered one of performing a sexual examination and not using a glove. He was suspended by the HPCSA in September last 12 months after at least four of his former patients laid complaints of improper conduct with the HPCSA.

[jgan-catabay]

What Is Return Of Premium Life Insurance?

Life insurance is an essential tool for protecting loved ones against financial loss. But you might not love the idea of making years of payments toward a policy that may never result in a payout (good news for you, not so much for your wallet).

Fortunately, one type of life insurance policy takes that possibility off the table. Return of premium (ROP) term life insurance refunds all of the premiums you’ve paid if you’re still alive when the policy term is over.

Before committing to this type of life insurance policy, here are some factors to consider.

How Return of Premium Life Insurance Works

Return of premium life insurance is usually a type of term life insurance, meaning you lock in a rate for the level term period, such as 10, 20, or 30 years. When the level term period is over, you can generally renew the policy every year, but at higher rates.

With a typical term life insurance policy, you pay regular premiums during the time your coverage is in force. If you die during that time, your beneficiaries receive a life insurance payout known as the death benefit. If you’re still alive when the level term period is over and you haven’t renewed the policy, there’s no payout.

ROP life insurance allows you to get those monthly premiums back if you’re still living at the end of the policy period. ROP life insurance can be purchased already integrated into a policy or added as a rider to a regular term life insurance policy, and it’s usually more expensive. If you outlive your coverage, 100% of the money you paid in premiums during the term is returned to you, tax-free. However, if you fail to make your payments or cancel the policy, you may not get a premium refund (exact rules vary by insurer).

A return-of-premium feature is also sometimes available on types of permanent life insurance. For example, Nationwide offers a return-of-premium rider on one of its universal life insurance policies.

Reasons to Get Return of Premium Life Insurance

Despite a higher cost, there are some benefits to ROP term life insurance:

Get your money back. If you outlive the policy term, the money you paid in premiums is returned back to you, meaning there is no risk of losing money. However, you lose gains you might have made by investing the money.

Forced savings. An ROP insurance policy works like a forced savings account, guaranteeing that you’ll receive a large payment in the future. Even though it’s cash that already belongs to you — not new money — it can be nice to know you have a chunk of savings reserved for when you’re closer to retirement age.

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How Much Does Return of Premium Life Insurance Cost?

Term life insurance is usually considered an affordable alternative to more expensive permanent life insurance options such as whole life and universal life insurance. Return-of-premium term life insurance is typically two to three times more expensive than regular term life insurance, according to Policygenius.

One major downside to ROP life insurance is that you essentially provide an interest-free loan to the insurer. And if you factor in inflation, you actually end up getting less money back at the end of the term since the refund doesn’t include any interest.

A better option may be to buy a traditional term life insurance policy, then take the extra funds you’d pay toward an ROP rider and put them in a safe investment account instead. Not only will you preserve some cash, but you could also end up with more money by the end of the policy term by putting your money where it can earn modest returns.

#areteautomation #lifehealthadvisors #bestforhealth #healthtips #livemorechallenge

Credits: Casey Bond, Ashlee Tilford

Published: April 14, 2022

Source: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/life-insurance/return-of-premium-life-insurance/

[transperceneige]

Tryon World Equestrian Games 2018 - show jumping / speed round

CHELA LS jumps a fence sans rider after Ashlee Bond fell from the mare

via Instagram

[ilovelaica]

My endless list of favourite horses: Chela LS. [Ridden by Ashlee Bond.]

[emisonme]

Bustle Bullshit...............

Let me start by saying, all the asks I was sent today, about this “interview” has been deleted. There wasn’t a sincere question or statement in the lot. I wasn’t going to use one of them, to address the bullshit....On to the bullshit

First and foremost, the HEART of this interview/article is based in absolute truth. It’s based on the genuine relationship between Camila and her mother. Since they crossed that border, just the two of them, it has always been that way. Camila and her mother against the world. That’s the most genuine part of this whole written word mess.

The rest is all narrative bullshit. It’s clear, that the 5H days they are alluding to in this mess, is 2016. That’s the year Sinu was with Camila on an almost daily basis. (minus the South America tour when her dad was with her)

The article is expressing the narrative we were shown. That it was pretty much Camila with everyone but the girls. The bullshit: we are conveniently supposed to forget the interactions between Camila and Dinah in 2016, and the ABSOLUTE FACT that Camila had a FRIEND named Ashlee Juno glued to her hip in 2016. Oops!!! But, we are supposed to forget how close they were, because Juno is an out Lesbian, now.

The end of the article was a complete contradiction. How, when she was on a location set with folks her own age, she couldn’t help but get close to them and make friends.The bullshit: Oh, you mean like, how she was stuck on a bus, stage, and hotel rooms with people of her own age FOR YEARS, yet we are supposed to believe she didn’t have close genuine relationships with them. She supposedly couldn’t find one friend in the lot. BULLSHIT!!!

Then we have the “relationship” portion of the crap fest. We know, there isn’t going to be an article that his name isn’t brought up. At least this time, THEY actually had HER best interests at heart, instead of his. It actually insinuates just how much WORK she has to put into this “relationship”.

I mean, she literally has to coddle this fucker. She has to heap praise upon him, to get him through his bouts of insecurities. She has to soothe his precious ”I’m  king” ego, when he has apparent uncontrollable fits of rage over stupid shit, like yogurt. Meanwhile, when her insecurities are breached, she has to take to social media and tell everyone, she loves herself just the way she is. Apparently, that’s the ONE narrative she can control!!!

In other words, she is much more attentive to her “partner” than they are to her. Not surprising. Camila is an empathetic people pleaser...not a narcissistic “King”.

What can I say, other than, it’s all bullshit. On a higher note, at least she is making out with the dog now, more than the human hair ball. Some might say, “that’s a step up”!

Seriously, her relationship with the dog is more genuine than her “relationship” with the guy that won’t be named. It’s like the roles have reversed. She gets to have wonderful cuddle time with the pooch, while she has to scratch behind the human hair balls ears, and tell him what a good boy he is. Isn’t it all just ridiculous?!!!

So, to sum it up... The truth is Camila’s relationship and bond with her mother. The rest is all bullshit!!!!!! !! !!!!