The Necklace

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  “SHE WAS one of those pretty, charming young ladies, born, as if through an error of destiny, into a family of clerks. She had no dowry, no hopes, no means of becoming known, appreciated, loved, and married by a man either rich or distinguished; and she allowed herself to marry a petty clerk in the office of the Board of Education. . . .  She had neither frocks nor jewels, nothing. And she loved only those things. She felt that she was made for them. She had such a desire to please, to be sought after, to be clever, and courted.” —THE NECKLACE Guy de Maupassant    France, 1884 (pic by Grok) Read this short story here:  https://americanliterature.com/author/guy-de-maupassant/short-story/the-necklace

10 People Who Influenced My Life

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  1. My Father, who formed in me the discipline of organization. 
  2. One former boss (who shall remain unnamed), who was the text-book anti-model of leadership.
  3. John Maxwell, positive leadership influencer.
  4. John Michael Talbot. Monk, musician. Shepherd. His music calmed my soul.
  5. Dr. and Mrs. Wilson, ( my Grandparents) who showed me there’s a bigger world out there with people who need love, help. They modeled consistency.
  6. Mrs. Llewelyn, who nurtured my love for music by making me mixed tapes of music to study over summer breaks. Those pieces have become my favorites.
  7. My Step-mother. She got me to all my private lessons and rooted for my success—even when I didn’t know it.
  8. Rick, who introduced me to CrossFit. I bless him and curse him.
  9. Edgar Allan Poe. Rewarding the hours and hours of reading with questions and goosebumps. 
  10. Marcus Aurelius, by leaving himself notes and reminders to be wise, strong, just, and courageous.

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