Podcasts about Soft

It's GIVEAWAY TIME! Listen to learn how you can earn free entry into the #fabtcg NRG Path to the Pro Tour event on March 14th in Elmhurst, IL! Also...@sunkingbrewing can we talk sponsorship? Yes? No? Soft maybe? Meet up at Gen Con?Subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fleshandpodCheck us out on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3lWbhCfWe're available on Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3dF4IQ3Join our Discord here: https://discord.gg/nrGegbag4uQuestions and comments can be sent to @fleshandpod.bsky.social on BlueSky, as well as fleshandpod@gmail.comNerd Rage Gaming Weekend: https://www.nrgevents.gg/conventions/nrg-events-elmhurst-ilMerch!: gamergoblin.gg/collections/flesh-and-podPod BlueSky: @fleshandpod.bsky.socialDarick BlueSky: @charm3r.comLogan BlueSky: @loganpetersen.bsky.social

The sport of ultramarathon is growing! With that, we have much more exposure to the wide range of events that fall within the ultra category. With growth, we see increased competitive pressure, but not always in a uniform manner. Let's discuss what this means for the different disciplines within ultramarathon, and what we will likely see in the coming years. Endurance Training Simplified Series Episode Sponsors: ProBio: probionutrition.com/endurance Code: Endurance (20% Off) LMNT: drinkLMNT.com/HPO (free sample pack with purchase) deltaG: deltagketones.com Code: BITTER20 (20% Off) Training Peaks: https://bit.ly/4bN041t Code HPOPOD (free 14-day trial) Support HPO: zachbitter.com/hposponsors HPO Website: zachbitter.com/hpo  Zach's Coaching: zachbitter.com/coaching Zach's Journal: substack.com/@zachbitter Find Zach: zachbitter.com | IG: @zachbitter | X: @zbitter | FB: Zach Bitter | Strava: Zach Bitter 

Making observations in nature isn't just about what we see. Scientists use (almost) all of their senses to make observations, and in this video, we are focusing on the sense of touch. After exploring nature through sight, sound, and smell, it's now time to focus on the textures of nature and discover how different plants, surfaces, and organisms actually feel. Make sure to watch the ENTIRE video and read ALL of the text here for best practices for you and wildlife, as well as helpful apps to identify organisms.In this activity, I challenge you to head outside and search for as many different textures as you can find in nature. Can you find something rough like bark? Soft like moss? Fuzzy, smooth, or prickly? Even in wintertime, you'll find lots of different textures to explore!IMPORTANT: Before touching anything, make sure you know what wildlife in your area could be harmful, such as poison ivy or venomous animals. If you're ever unsure about an organism, don't touch it.Some organisms may surprise you! For instance, I talk about the cup plant, which has leaves that feel like tough sandpaper.Even in wintertime, you'll find lots of different textures to explore!IMPORTANT: Before touching anything, make sure you know what wildlife in your area could be harmful, such as poison ivy or venomous animals. If you're ever unsure about an organism, don't touch it. Tools like the Seek by iNaturalist app can assist with identifications through their built-in AI system. IMPORTANT: When it comes to animals, completely avoid touching mammals and birds, as this can harm them. Some amphibians, reptiles, and insects may be handled carefully if they are safe and non-venomous, and any animal you handle should be handled minimally and released afterward to reduce stress on the animal. Wear gloves when handling amphibians to protect their sensitive skin.Observing nature through touch and the other senses helps kids slow down and mindfully engage with their surroundings. I invite you to ask your children to reflect not only on WHAT they feel, but HOW they feel. For instance, how does being in nature make your child feel? Calm? Curious? Excited? Join us as we step outside, explore textures, and practice observing the natural world with fresh curiosity!Does your child love animals? Support and grow your child's passion for wildlife in my free training, Animals Everywhere! Parents, caretakers, and educators: You'll discover how to get your child outside, curious, and engaged in REAL science for a lifetime of experiential learning...without one-off kits, a lot of time, or complicated instructions. Enroll here to reserve your spot: https://stephanieschuttler.com/animals-everywhere/.Are you a parent wanting to get your kids outside and learning about wildlife? Join the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club! Every week, you'll receive exclusive access to the accompanying downloadable activities, printables, get connected with a community of like-minded individuals, and more. 

Why did Trump's Secretary of State Marco Rubio 'love bomb' Europe at the Munich Security Conference, and how did it compare to JD Vance's infamous 'enemy within' speech this time last year? Is Europe united enough in the face of Trump 2.0? Has Starmer failed to grasp the scale of the rupture posed by Trump's new world order, or is he trying to buy time? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more, direct from the Munich Security Conference. __________ Sign up for our free newsletter at therestispolitics.com. Join The Rest Is Politics Plus: Start your free trial at therestispolitics.com to unlock exclusive bonus content – including Rory and Alastair's miniseries – plus ad-free listening, early access to episodes and live show tickets, an exclusive members' newsletter, discounted book prices, and a private chatroom on Discord. The Rest Is Politics is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit fuseenergy.com/politics. Get our exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ nordvpn.com/restispolitics It's risk-free with Nord's 30 day money back guarantee ✅ __________ Instagram: @restispolitics Twitter: @restispolitics Email: therestispolitics@goalhanger.com __________ Social Producer: Celine Charles Video Editor: Kieron Leslie Assistant Producer: Daisy Alston-Horne Producer: Evan Green Senior Producer: Callum Hill General Manager: Tom Whiter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of Data Dump, we break down the numbers behind Tomoyuki Sugano and José Quintana — and what the data says about their 2026 outlook.Recorded on 2/11/26Sugano arrives with elite command, pitchability, and years of dominance overseas. But how does his arsenal translate? We dive into his pitch mix, strike-throwing profile, whiff rates, and what comparable MLB arms tell us about his ceiling at altitude.Quintana, meanwhile, continues to defy aging curves. Is it smoke and mirrors? Soft contact mastery? Sequencing? We analyze his underlying metrics — K-BB%, ground ball rate, contact quality, and road/home splits — to determine whether his success is sustainable or regression-bound.Subscribe for weekly Rockies analytics breakdowns.#ColoradoRockies #DataDump #TomoyukiSugano #JoseQuintana #MLBAnalytics #RockiesBaseball #BlakeStreetBanter

Japanese GDP is weak, but Thailand's economic growth beat forecasts. New Zealand's housing market is soft. And the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) is expected to hold its official cash rate tomorrow. In part two of our deep-dive interview, ANZ's Chief Economist for Greater China, Raymond Yeung, talks about China's exports, jobs, and the AI boom. Before accessing this podcast, please read the disclaimer at https://www.anz.com/institutional/five-in-five-podcast/

Oben gute Laune, unten gute Laune: Überzeugt Kovac jetzt auch die letzten Kritiker in Dortmund? Zieht sich aus wie ‘n Babybel: Bremer Defensive teilweise blank gegen die Bayern. Baila Baila Baila Baila: Riera lässt die Eintracht endlich wieder tanzen. Sie starten die Raketetetete: Der HSV auf dem Weg zum Klassenerhalt? Ich bin keine Karnevalsmaus: Der FC kann am Karnevalswochenende einfach nicht gewinnen.Ihr habt Bock bekommen auf HOLY? Eure Alternative zu ungesunden Soft- und Energydrinks! Dann nutzt doch unsere Rabattcodes und spart bei eurer nächsten Bestellung:FRITZSTROH5 (5€ Rabatt auf die erste Bestellung)FRITZSTROH (10% Rabatt auf alles, auch für Bestandskunden)Nutzt unseren Link und ab dafür in den Warenkorb: https://weareholy.com/fritzstroh/tryMit dem Code „FRITZUNDSTROH“ bekommt ihr bei unserem Partner Matchday Nutrition - Sportnahrung extra für Fussballer - maximalen Rabatt im Shop: http://bit.ly/fritzundstrohpodcast---------------Wöchentlicher Fussball-Podcast mit Max Fritzsching & Michael Strohmaier! Rückblick & Highlights vom Bundesliga-Spieltag und auch ein bisschen 2. Bundesliga - jeden Sonntag neu!Auch als YouTube-Show verfügbar: www.youtube.com/@fritzundstroh_fussballshowClips, Memes und vieles mehr auf Social Media!Instagram: www.instagram.com/fritzundstroh_fussballshow/TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@fritzundstrohX (Twitter): www.x.com/FRITZUNDSTROH---------------Managed by Scaling GmbHBusiness-Anfragen an: info@scaling-agentur.de Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Für manche fängt Vertrieb erst an, wenn der Kunde NEIN sagt. Ob das im IT-Sales auch eine gute Idee ist?

Tonight is slow and close. Soft whispers, face tracing, soothing massage tools, and gentle presses along your head, shoulders, and neck to melt tension and guide you into deep sleep.#ASMR #GentleWhispering #deepsleep

Do people ask you to repeat yourself in English? The problem probably isn't your accent. It's clarity. In this episode, you'll learn 10 powerful pronunciation fixes that will instantly make your English clearer, smoother, and easier to understand — without trying to sound American or British. You'll practice: • Linking sounds in connected speech • The American flap T sound (why "what are you" sounds like "whaddaya") • Soft final T pronunciation • Natural contractions like should've, would've, they'll, and I'd like to • Professional vs casual pronunciation differences • Tongue twisters for articulation • Word stress in advanced vocabulary like phenomenal and unprecedented • Common native phrases used in everyday conversation This episode is perfect for intermediate to advanced English learners who want to improve spoken English, sound more natural, and build confidence in real conversations. Press play, repeat out loud, and train your mouth to move like a native speaker. Clarity builds confidence. Confidence builds fluency. Let's practice.      

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Monty Roberts Certified Instructor Waldo Franco became the second Monty Roberts Certified Instructor in Brazil. Listen in as he shares how horses - and violence free training - changed his life. He has influenced for good one of the largest rodeos on earth.Horsemanship Radio 297:Show Host: Debbie LoucksGuest: Waldo FrancoTitle Sponsor: HandsOn Gloves, All-In-One Shedding/Bathing/Grooming GlovesPhotos used with permissionLearn more about Good Horsemanship at Monty Roberts EQUUS Online University Monty's Calendar

Struggling to find deep, rejuvenating sleep? This sleep hypnosis session will help you release tension, revitalize your health and wake strong and renewed. Perfect for anyone dealing with health anxiety or low energy. As you drift into deep sleep tonight, I'll guide you through gentle hypnotic suggestions to help your unconscious mind process and improve your overall well-being. You'll experience deep hypnotic relaxation while your mind does the healing work naturally. This session is ideal for: ✨ Anyone struggling with their energy ✨ People carrying stress or worry ✨ Those who want to wake up feeling healthy and strong

Send a textThe world feels sharper than it used to. Conversations cut faster. Systems feel colder. And many good people feel tempted to harden—not because they don't care, but because they're tired.In this final bonus episode of The Kindness Matters Podcast, Mike shares why staying soft in a harsh world is not weakness—it's courage. Drawing from his new book, Still Changing A World: Small Acts of Kindness That Make a Big Difference, he explores how we can protect our humanity without burning out, disappearing, or becoming bitter.This episode is about boundaries instead of walls, rest instead of retreat, and why small, everyday acts of kindness matter more—not less—when big systems feel broken.In this episode, you'll hear:Why the urge to harden your heart is often about exhaustion, not lack of compassionThe difference between boundaries and emotional wallsHow staying “soft and strong” helps you remain human without self-erasureWhy small acts create real change, even when they don't go viralHow to keep showing up with kindness without carrying the weight of fixing everythingFeatured readings from the book:“When You're Tempted to Harden Your Heart”“Small Acts Matter More When Big Systems Feel Broken”Key takeaway:You are not responsible for fixing the whole world. You are responsible for how you show up in the part of it you touch.Kindness doesn't require perfection, consensus, or constant output. It requires presence, boundaries, and the courage to stay human—especially when the world makes that hard.Resources & Links:Still Changing A World: Small Acts of Kindness That Make a Big Difference by Mike Rathbun (Available wherever books are sold — link in show notes)If this episode resonated:Share it with someone who feels tired but hasn't given upLeave a review to help others find the showOr do one small act of kindness today—those still countThank you for listening. Thank you for caring. And thank you for staying soft in a sharp world.If you would like to purchase this book in either Kindle format or Paperback you can do that here.Support the show

If the word "discipline" makes you tense up or think of punishment, it's time for a major perspective shift. In this third episode of the Raising Eyebrows series, Dr. Kailey Buller and I are pulling back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood parts of parenting: how we actually teach our children to do better. We move past the myths of "time-outs" and "punitive measures" to explore the biological reality of what is happening in your child's brain when they are struggling. If you've ever felt like you're stuck in a loop of yelling just to be heard, join us as we explore how to move from being the "loud parent" to a calm, empowered leader who focuses on teaching rather than just reacting.We dive deep into the messy difference between punishment and true discipline — which actually comes from the word disciple, meaning to teach. Dr. Kailey brings her medical expertise to the table to explain why a "logical consequence" isn't just a fancy phrase, but a necessary tool for building self-reliant adults. We discuss the "witching hour" for both parents and kids, and why your own physical and mental state is often the secret ingredient to a more peaceful home. If you're tired of the conflicting advice that oscillates between "too soft" and "too harsh," this conversation will give you the clarity to find the middle ground that actually works for your unique family.It's time to raise those eyebrows at the old-school methods that don't serve your connection and discover a path toward respect, cooperation, and long-term results.

This episode explores what motivation really is - and why relying on it can set us up for frustration. Motivation isn't a stable or reliable resource; it rises and falls with mood, energy levels, stress, and life circumstances. Waiting to “feel motivated” often means waiting indefinitely.Instead, the focus shifts to building discipline through small, consistent habits that carry us forward even on low-energy days. The episode reflects on how showing up imperfectly still counts, and how progress is often quiet, gradual, and unglamorous.Follow me on instagram for more inspiring, motivational and uplifting content. See you there❤️

John Seager, President and CEO of Population Connection, has authored numerous articles and op-eds on population growth and development.    Studies have shown, when given the choice, most women prefer to have smaller families and families want to make their own decisions. Soft power is critical to saving lives and free people from tyranny and disease. These efforts have been undercut by the decimation of USAID and withdrawal from the UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund. Population issues should not be pollical, but bipartisan as in the past.   The educational materials fit into each state's educational requirements to be objective and informative. Modern contraception is a transformative tool to help people plan their families. If there is a decline in population, according to a Goldman Sachs study, communities that lose population will also lose schools, hospitals and employment opportunities. The recent Republican bill will close hundreds of hospitals in the U.S.  

Soft skills ที่คุณต้องมีใน Resume ปี 2026 จาก 5 Soft Skills to Put on Your Resume & How to Prove Them โดย Tim StobierskiLeadership Every Day: Start your day thinking like a leader.เริ่มต้นวัน ด้วยวิธีคิดแบบผู้นำIf you are a great leader, many lives will have a great life.ผู้นำที่ดี…ชีวิตของหลายคนก็จะดีขึ้น

Drift into peace with two hours of gentle rain blended with quiet bird sounds. Light rainfall creates a steady, soothing rhythm while distant birds add a soft touch of life and calm. This relaxing nature soundscape is ideal for sleep, studying, meditation, or deep focus. Let the peaceful rain and birds ease your thoughts, reduce stress, and create a safe, natural atmosphere for rest and concentration. Perfect for listeners who enjoy calming rain sounds, birdsong ambience, and tranquil audio for nighttime or quiet work.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/asmr-rain-recordings--5347561/support.Lose the AD intros by becoming a subscriber!https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/asmr-rain-recordings--5347561/support

On December 14, 1981, the coastal town of St. John's was shattered by a single, haunting action at a roadside bus stop.   What followed became the most expensive and exhaustive investigation in Canadian History, a manhunt spanning decades that involved hundreds of suspects, false confessions, and a question that has lingered for over forty years… Who was behind the wheel that day?   If you have any information, please call the RCMP at 709-772-5400 or if you wish to stay anonymous, you cancall Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. For more information about the podcast and the cases discussed, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠VoicesforJusticePodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   Follow us on social media: Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@VFJPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@VoicesforJusticePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@VoicesforJusticePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@VoicesforJusticePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   Voices for Justice is hosted by Sarah Turney Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SarahETurney⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SarahETurney⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SarahETurney⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SarahETurney⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SarahTurney⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   The introduction music used in Voices for Justice is Thread of Clouds by Blue Dot Sessions. Outro music is Melancholic Ending by Soft and Furious. The track used for ad transitions is Pinky by Blue Dot Sessions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Goodman writes edge-of-your-seat spy thrillers. His debut, 'A Relucant Spy', was published in 2024. We follow Jamie Tulloch, a successful exec at a top tech company, who has a secret... he's part of the Legend Programme. It's a secret intelligence effort to help provide backstories for undercover agents. It's simple, real people, living real lives and are willing to hand over their identities for a few weeks to help a spy blend in. Yet, when Jamie gets a tap on the shoulder, and things go wrong... he needs to play himself well enough to save the world.It won the McDermid Debut Award at the Theakston Old Peculiar Harrogate Crime Writing Festival, also the Bloody Scotland Debut Prize, and was nominated for many more. He's publishing the second in the series, 'Solitary Agents', in June.David is at a really interesting time of his writing life. He's in between novels, had debut success, things are being optioned for TV, and whilst still busy with the day job, has been able to give up fridays for writing. We discuss how his writing life has changed now he's firmly in the publishing business. Also, why his 'day-notes' keeps the writing muscle going. You can hear about future writing plans, juggling projects, and waking up early.Get a copy of the book(s) - uk.bookshop.com/shop/writersroutineThis week's episode is sponsored by Philippa Hall's 'Quick Book Reviews Podcast', take a listen wherever you get your shows.Support the show -patreon.com/writersroutineko-fi.com/writersroutineRead the newsletter - writersroutine.substack.com@writerspodwritersroutine.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's Friday. Pause for a breath you didn't know you were holding. Exhale.This week's Soft Landings affirmation is for the woman who's tired of measuring herself against someone else's yardstick. For midlife women exhausted from the endless performance of worth.Today's Affirmation:"I release the belief that my worth is defined by what I've been taught to buy, do, or become."You don't need the right house, the right body, the right title to matter. You don't need to achieve enough, accumulate enough, or transform enough to be worthy.Your worth isn't a product. It isn't a performance. It isn't a before-and-after photo.This weekly self-worth affirmation for women in midlife is a gentle reminder: you're already whole. Worthy without the purchase. Worthy without the productivity. Worthy without the perfect transformation.What would it feel like to stop chasing someone else's definition of enough?Not because you've proven anything. Not because you've earned the right. Just because you're already whole.Save. Share. Come back when you need the reminder.

This podcast elucidates the intricate interplay between current trade policies, consumer behavior, and corporate performance within the furniture industry, centering on the pivotal inquiry of demand trajectories. With tariffs re-emerging as a focal point, the administration's strategy aims to diminish imports while fostering domestic production, a dual-edged sword that simultaneously complicates operational frameworks for importers and retailers. The pronounced increase in the effective average tariff rate, now nearing 10%, signals a substantial shift in cost structures, potentially constraining consumer purchasing power and thereby influencing discretionary spending on furniture items. Furthermore, the episode delves into the ramifications of recent legal developments and enforcement activities, particularly concerning mattress imports, which underscore the imperative for compliance and transparency amid heightened scrutiny of global supply chains. As we navigate this multifaceted landscape, it becomes evident that a nuanced understanding of these factors is essential for positioning our businesses effectively in an evolving market. The current landscape of the furniture industry is intricately woven with a myriad of factors that dictate the trajectory of demand and the strategic positioning of businesses within this sector. Foremost among these factors is the evolving trade policy, which has witnessed a significant elevation in tariffs, escalating from a mere 2% in 2024 to an unprecedented 10% in 2025. This sharp increase not only marks the highest level of tariffs seen in decades but also serves as a double-edged sword for industry participants. For domestic manufacturers, the implications of such policies may appear advantageous, as they ostensibly encourage a resurgence of domestic production while simultaneously reducing reliance on overseas supply chains. However, for importers and retailers who are heavily dependent on global sourcing, the repercussions of these tariffs necessitate a recalibration of their operational strategies. As tariffs exert upward pressure on costs, industry stakeholders are compelled to contemplate the ramifications on retail pricing and consumer demand, particularly in a market where furniture purchases are often perceived as discretionary. Moreover, the discourse surrounding trade policy is further complicated by the potential legal uncertainties looming on the horizon, specifically regarding a pending Supreme Court case that could challenge the authority under which certain tariffs have been imposed. This adds a layer of complexity for planners striving to forecast costs amidst an environment characterized by fluctuating regulations. Concurrently, the enforcement landscape has intensified, especially within the bedding category, where investigations into alleged evasion of anti-dumping duties are underway. Such developments compel companies to enhance their compliance measures and documentation practices, as any deviation may result in significant financial repercussions. Thus, the synthesis of these trade dynamics, coupled with shifting consumer sentiments and behaviors, necessitates a sophisticated understanding of market forces as businesses navigate the evolving landscape. As we delve deeper into consumer behavior, particularly in the digital realm, we observe a growing unease regarding data privacy and dynamic pricing strategies. A notable percentage of consumers express a willingness to forsake retailers perceived as manipulating prices based on personal data, underscoring the critical balance that must be struck between personalization and transparency. In this high-stakes environment, trust becomes paramount, as consumers increasingly scrutinize pricing practices that may appear unfair or opaque. As such, furniture retailers are urged to refine their pricing strategies to prioritize clarity and fairness, fostering a stronger connection with their clientele. In conclusion, the...

Happy Lunar New Year! It's the year of the horse. Let your ventures and transformations lead you to accomplishing your goals that you have been reflecting upon. Let's celebrate with Jackie Chan and some Hong Kong cinema fun. Ryo Saeba (Jackie Chan) is known as City Hunter. He swore to his now deceased partner that he would look after his sister Kaori (Joey Wang). No funny business! City Hunter is hired to find a client's missing daughter, Kiyoko (Kumiko Goto). Once located, everyone conveniently finds their way to a cruise. The dance number is AMAZING! You'll love Hard and Soft! Unfortunately, there are a bunch of terrorists on board. They are led by “Big Mac” MacDonald (Richard Norton), and now City Hunter has to shut that nonsense down. RTS learns baccarat and the art of throwing deadly playing cards. Jeremy contemplates the many bowls of rice he has eaten over the years. So much rice and continuous hunger! La-Mar wonders if everything Street Fighter in this film was a fever dream. Yoga Flame! Collin helps City Hunter find a meal. It's a decent meal. No one eats goo bread! This film is based on the manga work of Tsukasa Hojo. Have fun with this zany adaptation. City Hunter! 

Poetry and baring the soul.Based on a post by Jorunn, in 4 parts. Listen to the ►Podcast at Connected.Arriving at her house, Leah and I carried my clothes up to the spare bedroom. I thanked Leah once again, then kissed her.Leah softly whispered, “Jorunn is downstairs!”I replied in the same whisper, “Then kiss me quietly.” And she did.I spent the remainder of the day doing my laundry, once Leah showed me how to use her Norwegian washing machine. Leah opened the clothes drying rack, and when done, I laid my clothes out to dry.For dinner, Leah prepared salmon fillets with boiled potatoes. As Jorunn and Leah washed the dishes, I sat on the center seat of the sofa, reflecting on the day. When they finished, both Jorunn and Leah rushed into the living room, extremely excited, and sat down on either side of me. Jorunn turned on the television and switched to Norwegian National Television. I wondered what the fuss was about.“Five more minutes,” yelped Jorunn.After a brief introduction, an old black-and-white movie started. Both Jorunn and Leah snuggled up tight against me and I put my arms around them. It felt great. The show, called “Dinner for One”, featured a 90-year-old countess celebrating her birthday. She invited four friends but outlived them all. Her butler decides to impersonate each of the four missing guests. As he slips into each of the roles, he drinks a toast, and quickly becomes intoxicated, leading to numerous sight gags. It felt good to laugh along with people again. It was rather short, and when it ended, Leah told me it was the most repeated television show of all time and is quite popular in Scandinavian countries and northern Europe.Leah and Jorunn went around rearranging and straightening Christmas decorations, then announced it was time to make Julekurver. I heard of them, but never actually made one. Made of paper, they are heart-shaped and filled with sweets.We quickly cleared the dining room table, then covered it with red and white paper, a plastic rule, a plastic circle, and scissor. Leah and Jorunn both moved quickly, folding a sheet of paper of each color, and I followed their action. Then it was time to measure and cut, and fortunately, they slowed down to allow me to keep up. Using a circle, we marked a half circle and cut the excess away. Then cut strips into the paper, not going all the way across. We wove the red and white papers together in a checkerboard pattern and unfolded them into a perfect heart shape. I thought the process rather inefficient and decided to show off my engineering skills from 3M by making a fancier one. As I unfolded it, Jorunn and Leah laughed, and a moment later, I discovered one way not to make a Julekurver.After a long and active day, I was tired, so I went to bed. Both Jorunn and Leah were talking softly in the living room as I drifted off to sleep.A nocturnal visitorDecember 23rd - Just Before MidnightI was startled awake when I heard my bedroom door close, followed by a soft, “Shush!”I listened closely in the total darkness for footsteps and heard someone approach my bed. Leah must be ready to resume what we started back at the hotel! A hand pulled back the covers, and instinctively I slid toward the middle of the bed to make space. Leah slid in next to me and drew the covers back over us.Leah moved and shifted, and a hand found the back of my head. I expected her lips to follow, and they did. Soft and gentle, a wonderful way for my nocturnal visitor to say hello. Leah told me at the hotel she did not want to feel rushed, so there was no urgency. Her lips retreated, and her hand slid down to caress my cheek, as delicate fingers gently stroked me.I reached out and found her left shoulder as Leah faced me, then marveled at the smoothness as my hand traced her arm downward. Approaching her hand, I extended further to touch her hip. I began softly rubbing, but her ass beckoned, and my hand moved to cup and squeeze her firm cheek. My fingers began shooting sensations of warmth, softness, and inner firmness directly to my brain. I pulled Leah tight against me and discovered she was already completely naked.Leah swung her left leg over me and moved to an upright position, straddling my crotch. Beneath my boxer shorts, my erect cock fought for release. Her hand found my cock within its shelter but did not liberate it. Instead, her hand pushed my cock flat against my lower stomach, and she slid forward, trapping it with the swollen outer lips of her pussy. Leah began slowly gyrating, and even through the fabric of my boxers, I felt her pussy lips spreading as they slid along either side of my hidden cock.The hushed sounds of Leah cooing and moaning barely reached my ears, as dampness built between us. I reached up with both hands, found her small breasts, and used my thumbs to tease her nipples to an erection. A heavy breath followed by a long ‘uh. Oh; Ah!’ brought me close to premature orgasm, but this was not what Leah wanted, so I held back.Leah must have sensed I was close. She stopped gyrating, lifted herself, and then began inching herself up my torso. She paused for a moment and sat on my chest, then her hands reached out to touch my face. Two fingertips began touring my facial features as if Leah wanted to memorize every feature of my face. In the darkness, my senses heightened, her fingers swirled, and circled, and glided over me. I never would have imagined how erotic it felt.Leah resumed moving higher, her knees passing over my shoulders until they rested on either side of my head. I reached up to confirm what lay just inches above my face and grazed the same hairy splendor I sampled back at the hotel. Inhaling deeply, I picked up traces of the same body wash on her thighs. I was ready to dive back in, so I reached up and grabbed Leah’s hips, then pulled her pussy down toward my awaiting tongue. I paused as her short curly hair began painting her scent onto my face. The scent of arousal overpowered my senses. But? Something strange? I froze. The contradiction awoke my twilight dream state.“Why did you stop, Gunnar?” From the darkness came Jorunn’s voice! The dream of Leah's nocturnal visit was replaced by the reality of a beautiful young woman revealing her devotion and desire to this 56 year old guy.I was stunned. I couldn’t reveal the real reason I stopped; was uncertainty. Jorunn’s pussy smelled different than Leah’s! I hadn’t noticed any difference between Leah’s and Jorunn’s tall, fit bodies. If there were any, they were undetectable in the darkness, especially with only my brief exposure to Leah. “I can’t do this with you, Jorunn.” I softly and sincerely spoke.“I want to make love to you tonight, Gunnar. More than anything in the world. Am I not pretty enough? Has not enough time passed since your wife’s funeral? You are the only man in the world I can love to, without fear of being hurt.”“Jorunn, you are an incredibly beautiful woman. For months, I fantasized about holding you in my arms, kissing you, and wishing to be exactly where I am now. But yesterday, I met your mother.”Jorunn asked, “Did she order you not to have sex with me?”I replied, “It’s not that. I think I’m falling in love with Leah. We spent a wonderful day together, and she swept me off my feet. If that love turns out to be mutual, I am prepared to pledge my heart totally to her and her alone. A lifetime commitment, one I will never dishonor. The only reason you and I got this far tonight is that in the darkness and my dream state, I thought you were Leah. I never would have done it otherwise.” But you are a lovely and desirable woman. I respect you and Leah. So much that I cannot be false to either of you. And I cannot dishonor myself, by doing what I know is dishonorable.”Jorunn shifted positions and lay next to me in the bed. In the darkness, Jorunn whispered, “You are so unlike my father. He always put himself first. I was ready to give myself to you tonight. You could have kept quiet and let it happen. Then lied about it to my mother in the morning. But you didn’t. You are a better man than my father ever was, and I know you will make my mother happy. Please don’t be afraid to give her, and yourself, a chance. She really needs someone like you in her life.”I heard a soft sob and reached out to touch Jorunn’s face. She was crying. Jorunn came into my bedroom tonight, looking for someone to love. She didn’t know about Leah and me, or what happened between us at the hotel. I very much doubt her mother would have told her. I admired what Jorunn just did. She was sacrificing her chance at love so that her mother might have one. Jorunn knew that she bore the duty to initiate affection, after so harshly rejecting my romantic advances, last week.Silence followed, before Jorunn finally said, “What you have shown me, Gunnar, is that there are still good men in this world. But I am still afraid to look for them.”I thought back to the day Jorunn and I went sledging. “Remember what you told me at Korketrekkeren? You don’t need to be afraid of looking for a man, Jorunn. What you need to be afraid of is being too afraid to try looking for a man. Promise me that you will push off, just like riding a sledge, and start looking. When you reach the bottom of that scary hill, you will no longer be afraid, and someone you love will be waiting there for you.”“I will, Gunnar. I promise. And thank you.” Jorunn climbed out of my bed and closed the door as she left.Christmas EveDecember 24 - MorningI woke up in the guest room bed. Hearing noises and holiday folk music in the kitchen, I dressed and went downstairs. Leah smiled and said, “God Jul!”, Norwegian's way of saying merry Christmas. Then she made me scrambled eggs with smoked salmon. Afterward, I enjoyed a slice of fruited Christmas Cake with coffee.“Leah, there is something I need to tell you. Jorunn came into my room last night looking for a man to love. In the darkness and my dream state, I thought it was you. It took a moment for me to realize it was Jorunn, and I stopped myself before going too far. Jorunn and I talked, and I confessed my love for you, to her. She understood, and asked that I give that love a chance. I want to do that. I asked Jorunn to no longer be afraid to look for love, and she agreed.”“Thank you for telling me, Gunnar. I have struggled to get Jorunn to go on dates after her father hurt her so badly. You must be a special man to find a place in her heart.”Leah sat down at the table with me, and continued; “I trust Jorunn, and now I trust you. So you will know, I will come to you tonight, bearing a lighted candle.”I said, “That sounds romantic.” My cock jolted to attention, under my trousers. I smiled and winked.Leah replied, “Wait until you see what I will be wearing.” She stood and returned to her baking, as the soft holiday music filled the busy kitchen. Leah's hips softly gyrated to the soft beat as she hummed with the lyrics.Jorunn came down later for breakfast, and after eating, she announced she would be working on edits and voiceovers for her recent videos. Since they were related to Christmas, she wanted to finish them to post them later tonight.Just before lunch, Leah led me back to the television and as we snuggled on the couch, she turned on “Tre Notter til Askepott”, a 1973 Czech reenactment of Cinderella, dubbed into Norwegian. The story was familiar, with Cinderella granted three wishes. It was enjoyable, but the dubbed dialog did not quite match the lips of the actors, so I needed to concentrate on what they were saying. Leah mentioned that this show is so popular in Norway, that storms of protest arose one year when they decided not to broadcast it. They ended up sending it out later in the holiday.Jorunn joined Leah and me for lunch. We ate Risengrynsgrot, which is rice porridge cooked with milk, sugar, and vanilla. We each had a bowl, and hiding in one of the three bowls was an almond. I suspected possible cheating such that I would be the one getting the almond, but as it turned out, Jorunn got the lucky bowl. As her prize, Leah gave Jorunn a chocolate-covered marzipan pig, an oddity for certain, but part of the tradition. There was porridge left over, and Leah said she would use it to make Riskrem, the delicious rice dessert eaten after tonight’s dinner. Solveig’s Riskrem was one of my favorite parts of the holiday season, and I was looking forward to tasting Leah’s.Leah turned to me and said, “If you want to eat, you must help in the kitchen.”Cooking was not something I knew very well, and after Leah led me into the kitchen, I let her know that. But since we were alone, I moved behind her, pulled her blonde hair aside, and nuzzled her neck.Leah said, “If you don’t stop, Gunnar, it will take longer before we eat.” But she wiggled her hips into my crotch before spinning out of my embrace.I helped Leah remove a large roasting pan from the refrigerator and put it in the oven. “That’s a strange-looking piece of meat,” I said.Leah replied, “It is called Ribbe, or roasted pork belly. It is one of the most popular Christmas meals in Norway. I scored the fat layer on top two days ago into a checkerboard pattern. Once cooked, the bottom meat stays tender while the cracklings on top get crispy.”Leah handed me a vegetable peeler and pointed to a bag of potatoes. I needed no further instructions on this. While I worked, Leah flittered around the kitchen, preparing the side dishes. She looked genuinely happy, and we talked and laughed and told tales of Christmases long ago.Just as we pulled the Ribbe from the oven, church bells began ringing from multiple sources. It was 17:00.“It seems like an odd time for church bells,” I said.Leah replied, “In Scandinavia, a new day traditionally starts at sundown, not midnight. Following the old ways, Christmas Day has arrived. It is time to eat.”Jorunn joined us in the mad flurry of activity as places were set, and food moved from the kitchen to the dining room. On the table was Ribbe, boiled potatoes, meatballs, gravy, sausages, sauerkraut, prunes, and lingonberries. Leah poured each of us a tall glass of juleøl, a dark spiced ale, brewed during Christmas all over Norway. She said at one time, a Norwegian king made it illegal to Not brew Christmas Ale. Everything was delicious, and I ate until I could stuff in no more.After dinner, we cleaned up and went into the living room to enjoy coffee, cookies, and a small bowl of Riskrem. I wondered why Leah brought out four bowls of Riskrem. Three topped with whipped cream and a berry sauce, one with only a blob of butter in the middle.Leah said, “We set out a bowl of porridge every Christmas for the fjøsnissen. The tradition evolved from the days when farming families would offer porridge to their barn elf, or nisse. The nisse takes care of the animals in the barn during winter so they don’t get sick. If you don’t do this, the fjøsnissen will play tricks on you.”As we nibbled, Jorunn set the bowl of porridge outside the front door for the fjøsnissen. Then we sat and watched an American Christmas movie on television. After it ended, Leah announced it was time to open the presents. I suspected this would happen and was glad I bought a gift for both Leah and Jorunn. We each dispersed, returned with our packages, and placed them under the Christmas tree.As expected, Leah and Jorunn shared the most gifts for each other, opening the usual mix of chocolates, clothing, and kitchen items. Then Jorunn handed me a gift from her. I opened it and found a DVD labeled, 'Christmas in Norway Tour’, along with a link and instructions to download the video if I preferred. Jorunn told me she made an hour-long video of all the things we did together over the past week, adding music and voiceovers so I would remember the now-completed tour. In exceedingly small letters, at the bottom of the instructions, I saw a link for a story with a similar name and suspected it might be one full of adjectives.Jorunn then opened my gift to her. I remembered the small camera she used this past week and bought her a new top-of-the-line digital camera. From her reaction, I did well.Leah then opened my gift to her. I purchased a genuinely nice Advent star to hang in her window, since she did not have one. It was large and electrically lit and after opening it, she wanted to hang it up right away, which we did. Then we went outside to see how it looked. Leah kissed me and whispered that the Advent Star possessed a special meaning for her this year, a sign of brighter days ahead.Seeing us standing outside, a Julenissen crossed the street and came up to us. The man, dressed in a red jacket with a matching pointed red hat, carried a cloth sack. He was older, and his white beard looked genuine.Jorunn yelled, “God Jul, Julenissen!”As the Julenissen joined us, Leah said, “Nice to see you again, Mr. Bjornstad.”The Julenissen opened a small cloth sack, pulled out a straw goat wrapped with red ribbons, and handed it to Jorunn. Leah explained that the Julenissen come around to houses on Christmas Eve to hand out presents and chocolate to the children. Often, more than one Julenissen would knock on your door during the evening. Unlike America, children get to meet the Julenissen in Norway.“It wouldn’t be the same this year without one of your julebukk!” said an excited Jorunn. Mr. Bjornstad had been coming to Jorunn’s house for a long time, and told us he likes to keep alive the old Norse traditions, such as the julebukk. In addition to handing out hand-made gifts, he tells folklore stories and tales from the days of the Vikings. What a wonderful thing to do to preserve the ancient Norse legacy of sagas and storytelling.Leah excused herself as Mr. Bjornstad started telling such a tale to Jorunn and me. He described Valhalla, where Odin and the brave warriors would train by day, and feast on roast boar and ale at night. Leah returned a moment later with four glasses of Aquavit. We toasted the season and sipped our Aquavit with the Julenissen after the story ended. We then sang a Christmas song together.Then we went back inside and watched the DVD that Jorunn made. The tour sounded exciting and full of fun, which indeed, it was. It also gave Leah another chance to see me in action. It was a full evening, and close to 23:00 when the DVD ended. We were all tired, and it was time for bed. Jorunn told us she was going upstairs to take a shower. Leah and I followed her up to our two bedrooms.A Single CandleDecember 24th - Late EveningFive minutes later, there was a knock on my bedroom door. Opening it, Leah stood there, holding a single candle, and wearing a lavender-colored silk nightgown and robe set. The half-sleeve wrap robe only partially covered her nightgown, leaving the lace-trimmed bustline and hem of her nightgown exposed. She put a finger to her mouth and whispered, “Shhh!” Then she led me by hand to her bedroom. The only light inside came from her single candle.My eyes quickly adjusted, or perhaps it was just my intent stare, “You look incredible.”Leah

Poetry and baring the soul.Based on a post by Jorunn, in 4 parts. Listen to the ►Podcast at Connected.Arriving at her house, Leah and I carried my clothes up to the spare bedroom. I thanked Leah once again, then kissed her.Leah softly whispered, “Jorunn is downstairs!”I replied in the same whisper, “Then kiss me quietly.” And she did.I spent the remainder of the day doing my laundry, once Leah showed me how to use her Norwegian washing machine. Leah opened the clothes drying rack, and when done, I laid my clothes out to dry.For dinner, Leah prepared salmon fillets with boiled potatoes. As Jorunn and Leah washed the dishes, I sat on the center seat of the sofa, reflecting on the day. When they finished, both Jorunn and Leah rushed into the living room, extremely excited, and sat down on either side of me. Jorunn turned on the television and switched to Norwegian National Television. I wondered what the fuss was about.“Five more minutes,” yelped Jorunn.After a brief introduction, an old black-and-white movie started. Both Jorunn and Leah snuggled up tight against me and I put my arms around them. It felt great. The show, called “Dinner for One”, featured a 90-year-old countess celebrating her birthday. She invited four friends but outlived them all. Her butler decides to impersonate each of the four missing guests. As he slips into each of the roles, he drinks a toast, and quickly becomes intoxicated, leading to numerous sight gags. It felt good to laugh along with people again. It was rather short, and when it ended, Leah told me it was the most repeated television show of all time and is quite popular in Scandinavian countries and northern Europe.Leah and Jorunn went around rearranging and straightening Christmas decorations, then announced it was time to make Julekurver. I heard of them, but never actually made one. Made of paper, they are heart-shaped and filled with sweets.We quickly cleared the dining room table, then covered it with red and white paper, a plastic rule, a plastic circle, and scissor. Leah and Jorunn both moved quickly, folding a sheet of paper of each color, and I followed their action. Then it was time to measure and cut, and fortunately, they slowed down to allow me to keep up. Using a circle, we marked a half circle and cut the excess away. Then cut strips into the paper, not going all the way across. We wove the red and white papers together in a checkerboard pattern and unfolded them into a perfect heart shape. I thought the process rather inefficient and decided to show off my engineering skills from 3M by making a fancier one. As I unfolded it, Jorunn and Leah laughed, and a moment later, I discovered one way not to make a Julekurver.After a long and active day, I was tired, so I went to bed. Both Jorunn and Leah were talking softly in the living room as I drifted off to sleep.A nocturnal visitorDecember 23rd - Just Before MidnightI was startled awake when I heard my bedroom door close, followed by a soft, “Shush!”I listened closely in the total darkness for footsteps and heard someone approach my bed. Leah must be ready to resume what we started back at the hotel! A hand pulled back the covers, and instinctively I slid toward the middle of the bed to make space. Leah slid in next to me and drew the covers back over us.Leah moved and shifted, and a hand found the back of my head. I expected her lips to follow, and they did. Soft and gentle, a wonderful way for my nocturnal visitor to say hello. Leah told me at the hotel she did not want to feel rushed, so there was no urgency. Her lips retreated, and her hand slid down to caress my cheek, as delicate fingers gently stroked me.I reached out and found her left shoulder as Leah faced me, then marveled at the smoothness as my hand traced her arm downward. Approaching her hand, I extended further to touch her hip. I began softly rubbing, but her ass beckoned, and my hand moved to cup and squeeze her firm cheek. My fingers began shooting sensations of warmth, softness, and inner firmness directly to my brain. I pulled Leah tight against me and discovered she was already completely naked.Leah swung her left leg over me and moved to an upright position, straddling my crotch. Beneath my boxer shorts, my erect cock fought for release. Her hand found my cock within its shelter but did not liberate it. Instead, her hand pushed my cock flat against my lower stomach, and she slid forward, trapping it with the swollen outer lips of her pussy. Leah began slowly gyrating, and even through the fabric of my boxers, I felt her pussy lips spreading as they slid along either side of my hidden cock.The hushed sounds of Leah cooing and moaning barely reached my ears, as dampness built between us. I reached up with both hands, found her small breasts, and used my thumbs to tease her nipples to an erection. A heavy breath followed by a long ‘uh. Oh; Ah!’ brought me close to premature orgasm, but this was not what Leah wanted, so I held back.Leah must have sensed I was close. She stopped gyrating, lifted herself, and then began inching herself up my torso. She paused for a moment and sat on my chest, then her hands reached out to touch my face. Two fingertips began touring my facial features as if Leah wanted to memorize every feature of my face. In the darkness, my senses heightened, her fingers swirled, and circled, and glided over me. I never would have imagined how erotic it felt.Leah resumed moving higher, her knees passing over my shoulders until they rested on either side of my head. I reached up to confirm what lay just inches above my face and grazed the same hairy splendor I sampled back at the hotel. Inhaling deeply, I picked up traces of the same body wash on her thighs. I was ready to dive back in, so I reached up and grabbed Leah’s hips, then pulled her pussy down toward my awaiting tongue. I paused as her short curly hair began painting her scent onto my face. The scent of arousal overpowered my senses. But? Something strange? I froze. The contradiction awoke my twilight dream state.“Why did you stop, Gunnar?” From the darkness came Jorunn’s voice! The dream of Leah's nocturnal visit was replaced by the reality of a beautiful young woman revealing her devotion and desire to this 56 year old guy.I was stunned. I couldn’t reveal the real reason I stopped; was uncertainty. Jorunn’s pussy smelled different than Leah’s! I hadn’t noticed any difference between Leah’s and Jorunn’s tall, fit bodies. If there were any, they were undetectable in the darkness, especially with only my brief exposure to Leah. “I can’t do this with you, Jorunn.” I softly and sincerely spoke.“I want to make love to you tonight, Gunnar. More than anything in the world. Am I not pretty enough? Has not enough time passed since your wife’s funeral? You are the only man in the world I can love to, without fear of being hurt.”“Jorunn, you are an incredibly beautiful woman. For months, I fantasized about holding you in my arms, kissing you, and wishing to be exactly where I am now. But yesterday, I met your mother.”Jorunn asked, “Did she order you not to have sex with me?”I replied, “It’s not that. I think I’m falling in love with Leah. We spent a wonderful day together, and she swept me off my feet. If that love turns out to be mutual, I am prepared to pledge my heart totally to her and her alone. A lifetime commitment, one I will never dishonor. The only reason you and I got this far tonight is that in the darkness and my dream state, I thought you were Leah. I never would have done it otherwise.” But you are a lovely and desirable woman. I respect you and Leah. So much that I cannot be false to either of you. And I cannot dishonor myself, by doing what I know is dishonorable.”Jorunn shifted positions and lay next to me in the bed. In the darkness, Jorunn whispered, “You are so unlike my father. He always put himself first. I was ready to give myself to you tonight. You could have kept quiet and let it happen. Then lied about it to my mother in the morning. But you didn’t. You are a better man than my father ever was, and I know you will make my mother happy. Please don’t be afraid to give her, and yourself, a chance. She really needs someone like you in her life.”I heard a soft sob and reached out to touch Jorunn’s face. She was crying. Jorunn came into my bedroom tonight, looking for someone to love. She didn’t know about Leah and me, or what happened between us at the hotel. I very much doubt her mother would have told her. I admired what Jorunn just did. She was sacrificing her chance at love so that her mother might have one. Jorunn knew that she bore the duty to initiate affection, after so harshly rejecting my romantic advances, last week.Silence followed, before Jorunn finally said, “What you have shown me, Gunnar, is that there are still good men in this world. But I am still afraid to look for them.”I thought back to the day Jorunn and I went sledging. “Remember what you told me at Korketrekkeren? You don’t need to be afraid of looking for a man, Jorunn. What you need to be afraid of is being too afraid to try looking for a man. Promise me that you will push off, just like riding a sledge, and start looking. When you reach the bottom of that scary hill, you will no longer be afraid, and someone you love will be waiting there for you.”“I will, Gunnar. I promise. And thank you.” Jorunn climbed out of my bed and closed the door as she left.Christmas EveDecember 24 - MorningI woke up in the guest room bed. Hearing noises and holiday folk music in the kitchen, I dressed and went downstairs. Leah smiled and said, “God Jul!”, Norwegian's way of saying merry Christmas. Then she made me scrambled eggs with smoked salmon. Afterward, I enjoyed a slice of fruited Christmas Cake with coffee.“Leah, there is something I need to tell you. Jorunn came into my room last night looking for a man to love. In the darkness and my dream state, I thought it was you. It took a moment for me to realize it was Jorunn, and I stopped myself before going too far. Jorunn and I talked, and I confessed my love for you, to her. She understood, and asked that I give that love a chance. I want to do that. I asked Jorunn to no longer be afraid to look for love, and she agreed.”“Thank you for telling me, Gunnar. I have struggled to get Jorunn to go on dates after her father hurt her so badly. You must be a special man to find a place in her heart.”Leah sat down at the table with me, and continued; “I trust Jorunn, and now I trust you. So you will know, I will come to you tonight, bearing a lighted candle.”I said, “That sounds romantic.” My cock jolted to attention, under my trousers. I smiled and winked.Leah replied, “Wait until you see what I will be wearing.” She stood and returned to her baking, as the soft holiday music filled the busy kitchen. Leah's hips softly gyrated to the soft beat as she hummed with the lyrics.Jorunn came down later for breakfast, and after eating, she announced she would be working on edits and voiceovers for her recent videos. Since they were related to Christmas, she wanted to finish them to post them later tonight.Just before lunch, Leah led me back to the television and as we snuggled on the couch, she turned on “Tre Notter til Askepott”, a 1973 Czech reenactment of Cinderella, dubbed into Norwegian. The story was familiar, with Cinderella granted three wishes. It was enjoyable, but the dubbed dialog did not quite match the lips of the actors, so I needed to concentrate on what they were saying. Leah mentioned that this show is so popular in Norway, that storms of protest arose one year when they decided not to broadcast it. They ended up sending it out later in the holiday.Jorunn joined Leah and me for lunch. We ate Risengrynsgrot, which is rice porridge cooked with milk, sugar, and vanilla. We each had a bowl, and hiding in one of the three bowls was an almond. I suspected possible cheating such that I would be the one getting the almond, but as it turned out, Jorunn got the lucky bowl. As her prize, Leah gave Jorunn a chocolate-covered marzipan pig, an oddity for certain, but part of the tradition. There was porridge left over, and Leah said she would use it to make Riskrem, the delicious rice dessert eaten after tonight’s dinner. Solveig’s Riskrem was one of my favorite parts of the holiday season, and I was looking forward to tasting Leah’s.Leah turned to me and said, “If you want to eat, you must help in the kitchen.”Cooking was not something I knew very well, and after Leah led me into the kitchen, I let her know that. But since we were alone, I moved behind her, pulled her blonde hair aside, and nuzzled her neck.Leah said, “If you don’t stop, Gunnar, it will take longer before we eat.” But she wiggled her hips into my crotch before spinning out of my embrace.I helped Leah remove a large roasting pan from the refrigerator and put it in the oven. “That’s a strange-looking piece of meat,” I said.Leah replied, “It is called Ribbe, or roasted pork belly. It is one of the most popular Christmas meals in Norway. I scored the fat layer on top two days ago into a checkerboard pattern. Once cooked, the bottom meat stays tender while the cracklings on top get crispy.”Leah handed me a vegetable peeler and pointed to a bag of potatoes. I needed no further instructions on this. While I worked, Leah flittered around the kitchen, preparing the side dishes. She looked genuinely happy, and we talked and laughed and told tales of Christmases long ago.Just as we pulled the Ribbe from the oven, church bells began ringing from multiple sources. It was 17:00.“It seems like an odd time for church bells,” I said.Leah replied, “In Scandinavia, a new day traditionally starts at sundown, not midnight. Following the old ways, Christmas Day has arrived. It is time to eat.”Jorunn joined us in the mad flurry of activity as places were set, and food moved from the kitchen to the dining room. On the table was Ribbe, boiled potatoes, meatballs, gravy, sausages, sauerkraut, prunes, and lingonberries. Leah poured each of us a tall glass of juleøl, a dark spiced ale, brewed during Christmas all over Norway. She said at one time, a Norwegian king made it illegal to Not brew Christmas Ale. Everything was delicious, and I ate until I could stuff in no more.After dinner, we cleaned up and went into the living room to enjoy coffee, cookies, and a small bowl of Riskrem. I wondered why Leah brought out four bowls of Riskrem. Three topped with whipped cream and a berry sauce, one with only a blob of butter in the middle.Leah said, “We set out a bowl of porridge every Christmas for the fjøsnissen. The tradition evolved from the days when farming families would offer porridge to their barn elf, or nisse. The nisse takes care of the animals in the barn during winter so they don’t get sick. If you don’t do this, the fjøsnissen will play tricks on you.”As we nibbled, Jorunn set the bowl of porridge outside the front door for the fjøsnissen. Then we sat and watched an American Christmas movie on television. After it ended, Leah announced it was time to open the presents. I suspected this would happen and was glad I bought a gift for both Leah and Jorunn. We each dispersed, returned with our packages, and placed them under the Christmas tree.As expected, Leah and Jorunn shared the most gifts for each other, opening the usual mix of chocolates, clothing, and kitchen items. Then Jorunn handed me a gift from her. I opened it and found a DVD labeled, 'Christmas in Norway Tour’, along with a link and instructions to download the video if I preferred. Jorunn told me she made an hour-long video of all the things we did together over the past week, adding music and voiceovers so I would remember the now-completed tour. In exceedingly small letters, at the bottom of the instructions, I saw a link for a story with a similar name and suspected it might be one full of adjectives.Jorunn then opened my gift to her. I remembered the small camera she used this past week and bought her a new top-of-the-line digital camera. From her reaction, I did well.Leah then opened my gift to her. I purchased a genuinely nice Advent star to hang in her window, since she did not have one. It was large and electrically lit and after opening it, she wanted to hang it up right away, which we did. Then we went outside to see how it looked. Leah kissed me and whispered that the Advent Star possessed a special meaning for her this year, a sign of brighter days ahead.Seeing us standing outside, a Julenissen crossed the street and came up to us. The man, dressed in a red jacket with a matching pointed red hat, carried a cloth sack. He was older, and his white beard looked genuine.Jorunn yelled, “God Jul, Julenissen!”As the Julenissen joined us, Leah said, “Nice to see you again, Mr. Bjornstad.”The Julenissen opened a small cloth sack, pulled out a straw goat wrapped with red ribbons, and handed it to Jorunn. Leah explained that the Julenissen come around to houses on Christmas Eve to hand out presents and chocolate to the children. Often, more than one Julenissen would knock on your door during the evening. Unlike America, children get to meet the Julenissen in Norway.“It wouldn’t be the same this year without one of your julebukk!” said an excited Jorunn. Mr. Bjornstad had been coming to Jorunn’s house for a long time, and told us he likes to keep alive the old Norse traditions, such as the julebukk. In addition to handing out hand-made gifts, he tells folklore stories and tales from the days of the Vikings. What a wonderful thing to do to preserve the ancient Norse legacy of sagas and storytelling.Leah excused herself as Mr. Bjornstad started telling such a tale to Jorunn and me. He described Valhalla, where Odin and the brave warriors would train by day, and feast on roast boar and ale at night. Leah returned a moment later with four glasses of Aquavit. We toasted the season and sipped our Aquavit with the Julenissen after the story ended. We then sang a Christmas song together.Then we went back inside and watched the DVD that Jorunn made. The tour sounded exciting and full of fun, which indeed, it was. It also gave Leah another chance to see me in action. It was a full evening, and close to 23:00 when the DVD ended. We were all tired, and it was time for bed. Jorunn told us she was going upstairs to take a shower. Leah and I followed her up to our two bedrooms.A Single CandleDecember 24th - Late EveningFive minutes later, there was a knock on my bedroom door. Opening it, Leah stood there, holding a single candle, and wearing a lavender-colored silk nightgown and robe set. The half-sleeve wrap robe only partially covered her nightgown, leaving the lace-trimmed bustline and hem of her nightgown exposed. She put a finger to her mouth and whispered, “Shhh!” Then she led me by hand to her bedroom. The only light inside came from her single candle.My eyes quickly adjusted, or perhaps it was just my intent stare, “You look incredible.”Leah

Poetry and baring the soul.Based on a post by Jorunn, in 4 parts. Listen to the ►Podcast at Connected.Arriving at her house, Leah and I carried my clothes up to the spare bedroom. I thanked Leah once again, then kissed her.Leah softly whispered, “Jorunn is downstairs!”I replied in the same whisper, “Then kiss me quietly.” And she did.I spent the remainder of the day doing my laundry, once Leah showed me how to use her Norwegian washing machine. Leah opened the clothes drying rack, and when done, I laid my clothes out to dry.For dinner, Leah prepared salmon fillets with boiled potatoes. As Jorunn and Leah washed the dishes, I sat on the center seat of the sofa, reflecting on the day. When they finished, both Jorunn and Leah rushed into the living room, extremely excited, and sat down on either side of me. Jorunn turned on the television and switched to Norwegian National Television. I wondered what the fuss was about.“Five more minutes,” yelped Jorunn.After a brief introduction, an old black-and-white movie started. Both Jorunn and Leah snuggled up tight against me and I put my arms around them. It felt great. The show, called “Dinner for One”, featured a 90-year-old countess celebrating her birthday. She invited four friends but outlived them all. Her butler decides to impersonate each of the four missing guests. As he slips into each of the roles, he drinks a toast, and quickly becomes intoxicated, leading to numerous sight gags. It felt good to laugh along with people again. It was rather short, and when it ended, Leah told me it was the most repeated television show of all time and is quite popular in Scandinavian countries and northern Europe.Leah and Jorunn went around rearranging and straightening Christmas decorations, then announced it was time to make Julekurver. I heard of them, but never actually made one. Made of paper, they are heart-shaped and filled with sweets.We quickly cleared the dining room table, then covered it with red and white paper, a plastic rule, a plastic circle, and scissor. Leah and Jorunn both moved quickly, folding a sheet of paper of each color, and I followed their action. Then it was time to measure and cut, and fortunately, they slowed down to allow me to keep up. Using a circle, we marked a half circle and cut the excess away. Then cut strips into the paper, not going all the way across. We wove the red and white papers together in a checkerboard pattern and unfolded them into a perfect heart shape. I thought the process rather inefficient and decided to show off my engineering skills from 3M by making a fancier one. As I unfolded it, Jorunn and Leah laughed, and a moment later, I discovered one way not to make a Julekurver.After a long and active day, I was tired, so I went to bed. Both Jorunn and Leah were talking softly in the living room as I drifted off to sleep.A nocturnal visitorDecember 23rd - Just Before MidnightI was startled awake when I heard my bedroom door close, followed by a soft, “Shush!”I listened closely in the total darkness for footsteps and heard someone approach my bed. Leah must be ready to resume what we started back at the hotel! A hand pulled back the covers, and instinctively I slid toward the middle of the bed to make space. Leah slid in next to me and drew the covers back over us.Leah moved and shifted, and a hand found the back of my head. I expected her lips to follow, and they did. Soft and gentle, a wonderful way for my nocturnal visitor to say hello. Leah told me at the hotel she did not want to feel rushed, so there was no urgency. Her lips retreated, and her hand slid down to caress my cheek, as delicate fingers gently stroked me.I reached out and found her left shoulder as Leah faced me, then marveled at the smoothness as my hand traced her arm downward. Approaching her hand, I extended further to touch her hip. I began softly rubbing, but her ass beckoned, and my hand moved to cup and squeeze her firm cheek. My fingers began shooting sensations of warmth, softness, and inner firmness directly to my brain. I pulled Leah tight against me and discovered she was already completely naked.Leah swung her left leg over me and moved to an upright position, straddling my crotch. Beneath my boxer shorts, my erect cock fought for release. Her hand found my cock within its shelter but did not liberate it. Instead, her hand pushed my cock flat against my lower stomach, and she slid forward, trapping it with the swollen outer lips of her pussy. Leah began slowly gyrating, and even through the fabric of my boxers, I felt her pussy lips spreading as they slid along either side of my hidden cock.The hushed sounds of Leah cooing and moaning barely reached my ears, as dampness built between us. I reached up with both hands, found her small breasts, and used my thumbs to tease her nipples to an erection. A heavy breath followed by a long ‘uh. Oh; Ah!’ brought me close to premature orgasm, but this was not what Leah wanted, so I held back.Leah must have sensed I was close. She stopped gyrating, lifted herself, and then began inching herself up my torso. She paused for a moment and sat on my chest, then her hands reached out to touch my face. Two fingertips began touring my facial features as if Leah wanted to memorize every feature of my face. In the darkness, my senses heightened, her fingers swirled, and circled, and glided over me. I never would have imagined how erotic it felt.Leah resumed moving higher, her knees passing over my shoulders until they rested on either side of my head. I reached up to confirm what lay just inches above my face and grazed the same hairy splendor I sampled back at the hotel. Inhaling deeply, I picked up traces of the same body wash on her thighs. I was ready to dive back in, so I reached up and grabbed Leah’s hips, then pulled her pussy down toward my awaiting tongue. I paused as her short curly hair began painting her scent onto my face. The scent of arousal overpowered my senses. But? Something strange? I froze. The contradiction awoke my twilight dream state.“Why did you stop, Gunnar?” From the darkness came Jorunn’s voice! The dream of Leah's nocturnal visit was replaced by the reality of a beautiful young woman revealing her devotion and desire to this 56 year old guy.I was stunned. I couldn’t reveal the real reason I stopped; was uncertainty. Jorunn’s pussy smelled different than Leah’s! I hadn’t noticed any difference between Leah’s and Jorunn’s tall, fit bodies. If there were any, they were undetectable in the darkness, especially with only my brief exposure to Leah. “I can’t do this with you, Jorunn.” I softly and sincerely spoke.“I want to make love to you tonight, Gunnar. More than anything in the world. Am I not pretty enough? Has not enough time passed since your wife’s funeral? You are the only man in the world I can love to, without fear of being hurt.”“Jorunn, you are an incredibly beautiful woman. For months, I fantasized about holding you in my arms, kissing you, and wishing to be exactly where I am now. But yesterday, I met your mother.”Jorunn asked, “Did she order you not to have sex with me?”I replied, “It’s not that. I think I’m falling in love with Leah. We spent a wonderful day together, and she swept me off my feet. If that love turns out to be mutual, I am prepared to pledge my heart totally to her and her alone. A lifetime commitment, one I will never dishonor. The only reason you and I got this far tonight is that in the darkness and my dream state, I thought you were Leah. I never would have done it otherwise.” But you are a lovely and desirable woman. I respect you and Leah. So much that I cannot be false to either of you. And I cannot dishonor myself, by doing what I know is dishonorable.”Jorunn shifted positions and lay next to me in the bed. In the darkness, Jorunn whispered, “You are so unlike my father. He always put himself first. I was ready to give myself to you tonight. You could have kept quiet and let it happen. Then lied about it to my mother in the morning. But you didn’t. You are a better man than my father ever was, and I know you will make my mother happy. Please don’t be afraid to give her, and yourself, a chance. She really needs someone like you in her life.”I heard a soft sob and reached out to touch Jorunn’s face. She was crying. Jorunn came into my bedroom tonight, looking for someone to love. She didn’t know about Leah and me, or what happened between us at the hotel. I very much doubt her mother would have told her. I admired what Jorunn just did. She was sacrificing her chance at love so that her mother might have one. Jorunn knew that she bore the duty to initiate affection, after so harshly rejecting my romantic advances, last week.Silence followed, before Jorunn finally said, “What you have shown me, Gunnar, is that there are still good men in this world. But I am still afraid to look for them.”I thought back to the day Jorunn and I went sledging. “Remember what you told me at Korketrekkeren? You don’t need to be afraid of looking for a man, Jorunn. What you need to be afraid of is being too afraid to try looking for a man. Promise me that you will push off, just like riding a sledge, and start looking. When you reach the bottom of that scary hill, you will no longer be afraid, and someone you love will be waiting there for you.”“I will, Gunnar. I promise. And thank you.” Jorunn climbed out of my bed and closed the door as she left.Christmas EveDecember 24 - MorningI woke up in the guest room bed. Hearing noises and holiday folk music in the kitchen, I dressed and went downstairs. Leah smiled and said, “God Jul!”, Norwegian's way of saying merry Christmas. Then she made me scrambled eggs with smoked salmon. Afterward, I enjoyed a slice of fruited Christmas Cake with coffee.“Leah, there is something I need to tell you. Jorunn came into my room last night looking for a man to love. In the darkness and my dream state, I thought it was you. It took a moment for me to realize it was Jorunn, and I stopped myself before going too far. Jorunn and I talked, and I confessed my love for you, to her. She understood, and asked that I give that love a chance. I want to do that. I asked Jorunn to no longer be afraid to look for love, and she agreed.”“Thank you for telling me, Gunnar. I have struggled to get Jorunn to go on dates after her father hurt her so badly. You must be a special man to find a place in her heart.”Leah sat down at the table with me, and continued; “I trust Jorunn, and now I trust you. So you will know, I will come to you tonight, bearing a lighted candle.”I said, “That sounds romantic.” My cock jolted to attention, under my trousers. I smiled and winked.Leah replied, “Wait until you see what I will be wearing.” She stood and returned to her baking, as the soft holiday music filled the busy kitchen. Leah's hips softly gyrated to the soft beat as she hummed with the lyrics.Jorunn came down later for breakfast, and after eating, she announced she would be working on edits and voiceovers for her recent videos. Since they were related to Christmas, she wanted to finish them to post them later tonight.Just before lunch, Leah led me back to the television and as we snuggled on the couch, she turned on “Tre Notter til Askepott”, a 1973 Czech reenactment of Cinderella, dubbed into Norwegian. The story was familiar, with Cinderella granted three wishes. It was enjoyable, but the dubbed dialog did not quite match the lips of the actors, so I needed to concentrate on what they were saying. Leah mentioned that this show is so popular in Norway, that storms of protest arose one year when they decided not to broadcast it. They ended up sending it out later in the holiday.Jorunn joined Leah and me for lunch. We ate Risengrynsgrot, which is rice porridge cooked with milk, sugar, and vanilla. We each had a bowl, and hiding in one of the three bowls was an almond. I suspected possible cheating such that I would be the one getting the almond, but as it turned out, Jorunn got the lucky bowl. As her prize, Leah gave Jorunn a chocolate-covered marzipan pig, an oddity for certain, but part of the tradition. There was porridge left over, and Leah said she would use it to make Riskrem, the delicious rice dessert eaten after tonight’s dinner. Solveig’s Riskrem was one of my favorite parts of the holiday season, and I was looking forward to tasting Leah’s.Leah turned to me and said, “If you want to eat, you must help in the kitchen.”Cooking was not something I knew very well, and after Leah led me into the kitchen, I let her know that. But since we were alone, I moved behind her, pulled her blonde hair aside, and nuzzled her neck.Leah said, “If you don’t stop, Gunnar, it will take longer before we eat.” But she wiggled her hips into my crotch before spinning out of my embrace.I helped Leah remove a large roasting pan from the refrigerator and put it in the oven. “That’s a strange-looking piece of meat,” I said.Leah replied, “It is called Ribbe, or roasted pork belly. It is one of the most popular Christmas meals in Norway. I scored the fat layer on top two days ago into a checkerboard pattern. Once cooked, the bottom meat stays tender while the cracklings on top get crispy.”Leah handed me a vegetable peeler and pointed to a bag of potatoes. I needed no further instructions on this. While I worked, Leah flittered around the kitchen, preparing the side dishes. She looked genuinely happy, and we talked and laughed and told tales of Christmases long ago.Just as we pulled the Ribbe from the oven, church bells began ringing from multiple sources. It was 17:00.“It seems like an odd time for church bells,” I said.Leah replied, “In Scandinavia, a new day traditionally starts at sundown, not midnight. Following the old ways, Christmas Day has arrived. It is time to eat.”Jorunn joined us in the mad flurry of activity as places were set, and food moved from the kitchen to the dining room. On the table was Ribbe, boiled potatoes, meatballs, gravy, sausages, sauerkraut, prunes, and lingonberries. Leah poured each of us a tall glass of juleøl, a dark spiced ale, brewed during Christmas all over Norway. She said at one time, a Norwegian king made it illegal to Not brew Christmas Ale. Everything was delicious, and I ate until I could stuff in no more.After dinner, we cleaned up and went into the living room to enjoy coffee, cookies, and a small bowl of Riskrem. I wondered why Leah brought out four bowls of Riskrem. Three topped with whipped cream and a berry sauce, one with only a blob of butter in the middle.Leah said, “We set out a bowl of porridge every Christmas for the fjøsnissen. The tradition evolved from the days when farming families would offer porridge to their barn elf, or nisse. The nisse takes care of the animals in the barn during winter so they don’t get sick. If you don’t do this, the fjøsnissen will play tricks on you.”As we nibbled, Jorunn set the bowl of porridge outside the front door for the fjøsnissen. Then we sat and watched an American Christmas movie on television. After it ended, Leah announced it was time to open the presents. I suspected this would happen and was glad I bought a gift for both Leah and Jorunn. We each dispersed, returned with our packages, and placed them under the Christmas tree.As expected, Leah and Jorunn shared the most gifts for each other, opening the usual mix of chocolates, clothing, and kitchen items. Then Jorunn handed me a gift from her. I opened it and found a DVD labeled, 'Christmas in Norway Tour’, along with a link and instructions to download the video if I preferred. Jorunn told me she made an hour-long video of all the things we did together over the past week, adding music and voiceovers so I would remember the now-completed tour. In exceedingly small letters, at the bottom of the instructions, I saw a link for a story with a similar name and suspected it might be one full of adjectives.Jorunn then opened my gift to her. I remembered the small camera she used this past week and bought her a new top-of-the-line digital camera. From her reaction, I did well.Leah then opened my gift to her. I purchased a genuinely nice Advent star to hang in her window, since she did not have one. It was large and electrically lit and after opening it, she wanted to hang it up right away, which we did. Then we went outside to see how it looked. Leah kissed me and whispered that the Advent Star possessed a special meaning for her this year, a sign of brighter days ahead.Seeing us standing outside, a Julenissen crossed the street and came up to us. The man, dressed in a red jacket with a matching pointed red hat, carried a cloth sack. He was older, and his white beard looked genuine.Jorunn yelled, “God Jul, Julenissen!”As the Julenissen joined us, Leah said, “Nice to see you again, Mr. Bjornstad.”The Julenissen opened a small cloth sack, pulled out a straw goat wrapped with red ribbons, and handed it to Jorunn. Leah explained that the Julenissen come around to houses on Christmas Eve to hand out presents and chocolate to the children. Often, more than one Julenissen would knock on your door during the evening. Unlike America, children get to meet the Julenissen in Norway.“It wouldn’t be the same this year without one of your julebukk!” said an excited Jorunn. Mr. Bjornstad had been coming to Jorunn’s house for a long time, and told us he likes to keep alive the old Norse traditions, such as the julebukk. In addition to handing out hand-made gifts, he tells folklore stories and tales from the days of the Vikings. What a wonderful thing to do to preserve the ancient Norse legacy of sagas and storytelling.Leah excused herself as Mr. Bjornstad started telling such a tale to Jorunn and me. He described Valhalla, where Odin and the brave warriors would train by day, and feast on roast boar and ale at night. Leah returned a moment later with four glasses of Aquavit. We toasted the season and sipped our Aquavit with the Julenissen after the story ended. We then sang a Christmas song together.Then we went back inside and watched the DVD that Jorunn made. The tour sounded exciting and full of fun, which indeed, it was. It also gave Leah another chance to see me in action. It was a full evening, and close to 23:00 when the DVD ended. We were all tired, and it was time for bed. Jorunn told us she was going upstairs to take a shower. Leah and I followed her up to our two bedrooms.A Single CandleDecember 24th - Late EveningFive minutes later, there was a knock on my bedroom door. Opening it, Leah stood there, holding a single candle, and wearing a lavender-colored silk nightgown and robe set. The half-sleeve wrap robe only partially covered her nightgown, leaving the lace-trimmed bustline and hem of her nightgown exposed. She put a finger to her mouth and whispered, “Shhh!” Then she led me by hand to her bedroom. The only light inside came from her single candle.My eyes quickly adjusted, or perhaps it was just my intent stare, “You look incredible.”Leah

02-12-26 - James Van Der Beek Has Died But Still Might Not Convince Us To Get Colonoscopies - Couple Sets Record For Oldest Cockatiel - Story Of 1900s Experiment On 9mo Old Little Albert Proves Today's Kids Are SoftSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hour 2 of A&G features... The Pam Bondi hearing explosions Pies at Ace Hardware Gender Bending Madness: the Canada shooter Olympian cheats on his girlfriend & the El Paso airspace debacle See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dear boss babe... If you've been telling yourself, “Once this season slows down, then I'll enjoy my life,” this episode is your loving wake-up call. Because self care isn't something you earn after success — it's what creates the capacity for it. In this episode, I'm sharing: Why high achievers get stuck in survival mode The truth about your “soft girl era” Why you don't need a new life — you need better structure How to support your nervous system without dimming your ambition You are not lazy. You are not unmotivated. You are overloaded — and that's solvable. If this hit, listen to the full episode Episode 138: Is Soft Girl Era Even Real? and share it with another boss babe who needs this reminder. I'm rooting for you.

02-12-26 - James Van Der Beek Has Died But Still Might Not Convince Us To Get Colonoscopies - Couple Sets Record For Oldest Cockatiel - Story Of 1900s Experiment On 9mo Old Little Albert Proves Today's Kids Are SoftSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alabama is not in a great place right now.

The Yankees get injury news and Craig Carton immediately EXPLODES. After hearing young pitcher Cam Schlittler has back inflammation, Carton goes OFF calling baseball players “soft” and saying football and hockey guys would NEVER miss time for this.

Hour 2 of A&G features... The Pam Bondi hearing explosions Pies at Ace Hardware Gender Bending Madness: the Canada shooter Olympian cheats on his girlfriend & the El Paso airspace debacle See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This sleep hypnosis is created for bedtime, when you're ready to let the day fall away and be gently guided into rest. Through progressive muscle relaxation and soothing hypnotic guidance, your body is invited to soften, release tension, and feel at ease.As you relax, you're carried into the feeling of a warm tropical night in Bora Bora — calm water nearby, gentle air on your skin, and nothing left to do or manage. Soft imagery, affirmations, and unhurried pacing help you feel safe, supported, and free to drift.Many listeners fall asleep naturally and wake feeling lighter, calmer, and quietly restored — as if they've been held by the night itself.Use this track whenever you want to feel cared for and guided into peaceful, effortless sleep.

In this episode of Purposely Catholic, we sit down with Dr. Ray Guarendi to talk about raising children with clarity, conviction, and Catholic faith at the center. Drawing from his book Drama Free Discipline, we unpack how discipline is not about control or emotion — but formation.Chapter:00:00 Intro01:50 Dr. Ray joins the show03:00 What does drama free discipline look like?05:00 Wisdom of the ages09:15 Over analyzing as a parent13:00 Over reacting in the moment and how to combat it16:50 Fathers need to step up!27:50 Kids not cooperating? Here is how to handle it31:30 Delayed disobedience36:40 The blackout works40:00 Smart phones and the anxiety complex of kids43:00 Stranger danger outside? No! Stranger danger on the web!!!46:14 Fallen Human Nature51:30 Be consistent, show love, and be disciplinary53:00 Gentle parenting and adoption59:00 How do we pass on the faith to our kids?✴️

In today's episode, we are stripping back the luxury labels to find the breakthrough products that outperform their pricey counterparts. From the viral Korean “pudding” blushes that have officially infiltrated the drugstore to a $13 watery moisturizer that saturates skin, we're showcasing “recession-proof” musts that don't sacrifice your self-care routine.Shop everything in this episode hereYou'll hear about:The “micro-emulsion” breakthrough: Why everyone is buzzing about a $13 milky moisturizer – and the specific way it outshines heavy-duty creams Red carpet secrets for less: The exact $12 lip treat used on Lainey Wilson for the Grammys (and why it might be better than the “status” balms in your bag)The return of the “mousse” moment? We road-test the new 16-hour cheek and lip mousse that's giving us major 2000s nostalgia, now with a sophisticated, K-beauty twist Fresh and flushed: Is red blush low-key the most underrated runway beauty hack? Get in on the viral trend for $12. Foundation innovation: Soft matte is everything in 2026 – and a new small-but-mighty foundation formula is not to be overlookedFragrance that flatters: The $16 glass-bottle “sunshine” scent for hair and body that you'd swear is designed (just in time for Valentine's Day!)

Shannon Sharpe and Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson break down the Best moments from Super Bowl LX on Nightcap! The guys react to the Seattle Seahawks’ stunning win over the New England Patriots, Sam Darnold silencing critics on the biggest stage, and the most talked-about plays of the game. They also go in on the Bad Bunny halftime show critics, calling out the haters after his viral performance, and discuss Patriots left tackle Will Campbell avoiding the media following a rough night. Don’t miss this full Super Bowl LX recap, reactions, and unfiltered takes!Best of SB LX.jpg Subscribe to Nightcap presented by PrizePicks so you don’t miss out on any new drops! Download the PrizePicks app today and use code SHANNON to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup! Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/NI... 0:00 - What happened to boycotting Benito?!8:51 - Uchenna Nwosu breaks down his Pick-6 and more22:52 - Will Campbell refuses to speak with media48:39 - $180 Burger at Levi's Stadium (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements.) #ClubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Synopsis:  As the federal government's grip on power tightens, a growing movement is harnessing the power of local governments to resist authoritarianism and protect constitutional freedoms.This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donateDescription: There are countless strategies for resisting authoritarianism — many of which we've discussed on this program. This time, we're looking at ways to stop the MAGA Right using the power of cities and states. What's possible when people take federalism seriously and partner with state officials to protect their constitutional freedoms — and elections — from being violated by the federal government? Our guests are organizers and strategists with experience and plans for outmaneuvering MAGA at the state and municipal level. Christopher Armitage is a U.S. Air Force veteran, former law enforcement officer, writer, and founder of “The Existentialist Republic” on Substack. He is the author of a handbook on “Oppositional Federalism”. Sumathy Kumar is the Executive Director of Housing Justice for All and the New York State Tenant Bloc. She was the former Co-Chair of the NYC Democratic Socialists of America and under her leadership, NYC-DSA elected six socialist legislators to the New York State Legislature, including mayor Zohran Mamdani. From withholding federal revenue to building social housing, hear the creative ways people and local governments can turn up the heat. All that, plus a commentary from Laura.“We need to take power away from the Trump administration and from the GOP. That means taking that power and putting it locally . . . Being able to provide a good quality of life in an affordable environment for your residents is soft succession.”“Tenants are half the state in New York, they're 70% of the city . . . What I tell people is that you're not by yourself, you're with millions of other people who want this. It is scary to resist what's happening, especially when we see what ICE is doing, what the federal government is doing to people who stand up. But they are doing that because they are feeling threatened by the resistance . . .” - Sumathy KumarGuests:• Christopher Armitage: Journalist & Policy Strategist; Substack, The Existentialist Republic; Author, Oppositional Federalism• Sumathy Kumar: Executive Director, Housing Justice for All & NY State Tenant Bloc Watch the episode released on YouTube; PBS World Channel 11:30am ET Sundays and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast.Full Episode Notes are located HERE.Full Conversation Release: We offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation in this podcast feed. Music Credit: 'Rise' by Maurice Joshua and 2FTHR released on Maurice Joshua Digital, 'Steppin' by Podington Bear, and original sound design by Jeannie HopperSupport Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends RESOURCES:*Recommended book:“Oppositional Federalism” by Christopher Armitage: *Get the Book(*Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:•  D.A. Larry Krasner Facing Impeachment: Criminal Justice Reform in the Crosshairs:  Watch / Listen: Episode Cut•  Organizing for Gaza Ceasefire Through Policy & Protest: Meet JVP & NY Assemblymember Mamdani: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversation•  Overcoming the Housing Crisis: The Story of the Cooper Square Community Land Trust: Watch / Listen: Episode Cut•. A Public Bank for Public Good:  Watch / Listen Related Articles and Resources:•  DSA's Sumathy Kumar & the Socialists in Office Committee, by Stephanie Luce, August 20, 2021, Convergence•  The Cost-of-Living Crisis Explains Everything, by Annie Lowrey, November 11, 2024, The Atlantic•  It's Time for Americans to Start Talking About “Soft Secession”, by Christopher Armitage, August 18, 2025, The Existentialist Republic•. ICYMI:  New analysis shows democratic AGS who sued protected their states' public health funding, while GOP-led states lost out, August 28, 2025, Democratic Attorneys General Association•  New York law aims to stop funding of illegal Israeli settlements in West Bank, by Chris McGreal, May 17, 2023, The Guardian•. What is The Montana Plan? Transparent Election Initiative•  Experts Say Blue States Can Stop Paying Federal Taxes, There's Precedent, by Christopher Armitage, November 10, 2025, The Existentialist Republic•  Building “Mass Governance” in Zohran Mamdani's New York City, by Sumathy Kumar and Gianpaolo Baiocchi, Jacobin Magazine•  Trump Lawsuit Against IRS Puts Him on Both Sides of the Same Case, by Richard Rubin, C Ryan Barber and Annie Linskey, February 1, 2026, The Wall Street Journal  Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O'Conner-Senior Consulting Producer. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and FriendsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriendsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lgLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriendsPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriendsACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel

Nick and Jonathan debate whether or not a soft schedule will help the team down the stretch.

Joe is solo for this episode as he begins going over the altercation between the Pistons and Hornets, the problem with the NBA regular season, & six questions for the top teams so far this season (1:07). Then, he gives an update from the first day of Pitchers and Catchers for both the Yankees & Mets (21:16). Finally, Joe checks in on the Men's Basketball season after the first big “Big Tuesday” (34:11), & SO much more!

It's Wednesdays with Wilson as Brian joins to talk about a couple of things with Dan. and soft on crime Democrats reach a new low in Kentucky | aired on Wednesday, February 11th, 2026 on Nashville's Morning News with Dan Mandis See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whitney White is a theatrical powerhouse. A director, writer, actor, and musician, White's work has been seen on Broadway, Off Broadway, and at major institutions including The Public Theater, the Brooklyn Academy of Music, and, most recently, the Royal Shakespeare Company. Her projects include Jaja's African Hair Braiding, The Last Five Years, Macbeth in Stride, and By The Queen, which was featured in the Folger's 2025 Reading Room Festival. In this episode, White discusses All Is But Fantasy, her four-play musical cycle created for the RSC, where it's now receiving its world premiere. The high-energy, gig-theater show investigates Shakespeare's women and ambition, focusing on Lady Macbeth, Emilia, Juliet, and Richard III. Each piece combines performance with original music, using sound and rhythm as a way into the text and as a tool for rethinking these characters whose inner lives are often cut short or overlooked. White reflects on why Shakespeare's women so often meet tragic ends, how those stories continue to feel familiar, and what it means to keep staging them now. She considers the ways that music, performance, and adaptation can help us better understand Shakespeare today. From the Shakespeare Unlimited podcast. Published February 10, 2026. © Folger Shakespeare Library. All rights reserved. This episode was produced by Matt Frassica, with Garland Scott serving as executive producer. It was edited by Gail Kern Paster. Technical support was provided by Melvin Rickarby in Stratford, England, and Voice Trax West in Studio City, California. Web production was handled by Paola García Acuña. Transcripts are edited by Leonor Fernandez. Final mixing services were provided by Clean Cuts at Three Seas, Inc. Whitney White is an Obie and Lily Award-winning and Tony Award-nominated director, actor, and musician, celebrated for her bold, innovative storytelling across both Broadway and off-Broadway. She recently received the Drama League's 2025 Founders Award for Excellence in Directing and an Obie Award for Sustained Achievement in Directing. All Is But Fantasy, White's four-part musical exploration of Shakespeare's women and ambition, commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company, marks her RSC debut as a writer, director, and actor. The two-part high-energy gig theater show is receiving its world premiere at The Other Place in Stratford-upon-Avon in January and February 2026. White's other directing credits on Broadway include The Last Five Years and Jaja's African Hair Braiding, off-Broadway credits include Liberation, Walden, Jordan's, Soft, On Sugarland, What to Send Up When It Goes Down, Our Dear Drug Lord, and For All the Women Who Thought They Were Mad. She recently opened Saturday Church, a new musical featuring songs by Sia and Honey Dijon at New York Theatre Workshop. She also created Macbeth In Stride at Brooklyn Academy of Music, writing the book, music and lyrics. Additional directing work includes The Secret Life of Bees, By The Queen, The Spectacularly Lamentable Trial of Miz Martha Washington, A Human Being of a Sort, An Iliad, The Amen Corner, Othello, Canyon, and Jump. On screen, White has appeared in Ocean's Eight, Single Drunk Female, Louie, and The Playboy Club, and she contributed as a writer to Boots Riley's acclaimed series I'm A Virgo for Prime Video.

Timestamps: 0:00 we've got a situation 0:12 Discord global age verification 2:31 Ayaneo Next 2 price 5:01 QUICK BITS INTRO 5:08 Arrow Lake refresh 6:00 W11 setup adds Copilot 6:25 Dutch authorities seize VPN server(?) 7:00 OpenAI Dime earbuds 7:41 SpaceX: Moon before Mars 8:56 Soft, warm robot waifus lol sorry NEWS SOURCES: https://lmg.gg/K4f48 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jesus never lowered the standard to gain a crowd—He raised the cost to reveal the committed.In this episode, Mark Thomas challenges a softened version of Christianity and reveals a hard truth: Jesus did not call the soft or the casual—He called the surrendered. Following Christ requires denying self, taking up your cross, and fully submitting your life to Him.If you're ready to move beyond shallow faith and count the true cost of discipleship, this episode is for you.

On today's show, we're chatting with Hannah Englehart, a vintage dealer in Minneapolis at Olio Vintage, and the creator and designer of a new upcycled clothing line, Soft Jaws, which she just launched. Hannah's journey into vintage started with thrifting with her grandma in Ohio, and hunting for treasures in Amish country antique stores. After working at Plato's Closet as a teen, and selling vintage on Depop part-time for three years while grinding through corporate jobs, Hannah took a leap– she saved up six months of living expenses and moved to Minneapolis to sell vintage full-time. Within 72 hours of arriving in town, she was set up at the Minneapolis Vintage Market, meeting the community that would become her creative collaborators and her vintage people. Now she's part of the Olio Vintage collective, where she's found the stability and support to expand into styling and design. She worked as wardrobe stylist on indie films, and – after teaching herself to sew on YouTube – she's just launched Soft Jaws – a clothing line featuring reversible tie-front blouses made from vintage linens and reclaimed textiles. We talk about the collective model that allows vintage dealers to support each other, her holy grail finds, and why she's auctioning a rare Bonnie Cashin bag to support Immigrant Law Center Minnesota. This conversation is all about finding your people, building community, and creating something meaningful, and I think you'll really enjoy it – so let's dive right in! DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE: [5:01] Thrifting with her grandma in middle school in the suburbs of Ohio. [7:53] Working at Plato's Closet as a teenager [10:07] When Hannah knew she wanted to work in vintage, styling for her friend's photography projects validated that path [12:31] Meeting the founders of Olio Vintage at a local market and becoming one of their first guest vendors [13:47] Why Hannah is a big believer in the vintage collective model and how transparency benefits everyone [15:23] How she knew it was the right time to dive into selling vintage full-time after squirreling away six months of living expenses [19:05] What makes the Minneapolis vintage scene so special  [22:02] How Minneapolis vintage dealers are responding to the ICE occupation [25:22] Burning out in her second year of selling full-time and how she restructured her time to make space for styling and design [28:34] Teaching herself to sew on YouTube and spending a year perfecting her first pattern for Soft Jaws [37:08] Advice for aspiring vintage sellers - don't let the "oversaturated" narratives discourage you [38:33] On personal style, treating winter as a "fashion assignment," and her holy grail finds.  EPISODE MENTIONS:  Lobster Garden Vintage Soft Jaws Olio Vintage Immigrant Law Center Minnesota Woman Land Film Minneapolis Vintage Market  Carrie Martinson, founder of Olio  Pre-Loved's 2025 Vintage Dealer Income Survey Results Why Vintage Dealers in Collectives Earn More How Minneapolis Vintage Dealers Responded to ICE Occupation Moth Oddities Little Dipper  Oubliette Leah - LJN Pictures The Standard Market - March 7 LET'S CONNECT: 

Thomas Halliday concludes with the climate-driven Ordovician mass extinction, the Cambrian explosion of modern animal body plans in China featuring predators like Omnidens, and the Ediacaran era's strange soft-bodied organisms preceding complex life.