tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75585144246462988012023-11-16T03:59:56.838-08:00Laughing with LauraHa ha ha & welcome to the happy blog of Laughing LauraAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509156777211609256noreply@blogger.comBlogger205125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7558514424646298801.post-15674542571141402592018-09-18T13:35:00.002-07:002018-09-18T13:39:21.827-07:00PERFORMANCES OPEN TO THE PUBLIC<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As part of the Laugh-Fest this weekend, there will be two amazing performances: a concert by Celia Farran on Friday, September 21, at 7 p.m. and physical comedy show by Kenny Ahern on Saturday, September 22, at 7 p.m. They are included in the cost of the Laugh-Fest of the Midwest (<a href="http://www.laughinglaura.com/laughfest.html">register here</a>).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Both events will be open to the public for $15/adults $7/children under 12 at the door. We want to be able to share these incredible events with a wider audience so please invite your friends and neighbors to share in the fun.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">CELIA</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>When:</b> Friday, September 21 at 7 p.m.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Where:</b> Sugar Creek Bible Camp, Ferryville, Wisconsin</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Cost:</b> $15/adults $7/children under 12</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Facebook Event Page:</b> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/696015547428171/">https://www.facebook.com/events/696015547428171/</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Why:</b> Because it is going to be an amazing, soulful, hilarious, uplifting and riveting performance by Laugh-Fest's <span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; text-align: left;">Singer/Songwriter/Comedienne Celia! She dishes up the most delicious concoction of the silly and sacred delighting audiences across the nation. In addition to having the kind of silky smooth voice often associated with classic Celtic Singers, Celia excels at comedy. She often transforms right on stage into one or more of her alter-egos-whose antics typically leave the audience howling with laughter. With powerful, heart-felt vocals and wacky comedic improvisations, the audience never knows what will happen with Celia on stage.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Celia often uses sophisticated “looping” technology to perform duets, trios, and even larger ensembles with herself. Nothing is pre-recorded. She lays down a track then using the looping technology harmonizes with herself — all live and in real time. The result is an amazing listening experience for the audience.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“Go out of your way to see her. You won’t be disappointed.” - Rick’s Café Magazine</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For more information about Celia, visit her Web site: <a data-lynx-mode="hover" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.celiaonline.com%2F&h=AT1HklKn5g5iBkSVP_jSsNSwJiZXo608_KkFKF0t-XeL1QpXmpkkckXX5DpucNoiaTTmucZSln4imT_U6DR5IRn2dF4cjltBY-vEslOrHSNV8Q7QusPjoi0DwzvoPrxdVEOZVrc" href="http://www.celiaonline.com/" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; color: #365899; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.celiaonline.com</a>. Don't forget you can also register for her <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/2164678130478327/">Laughter and the Voice workshop on Friday</a>. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">KENNY</span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTwSGPKvZYHLGrB7ExdXfceFeFwq0jL1myEPfkA74HXNKJt1nMNKsBL4QBm530l4o4FG1WgWAk46pE03dTZMb0SqYrCfgeW6YDdRBZMl_duFH_26ZkFm8j7J6etXGzuzdyYxF63CDlMpzp/s1600/35c3174320207a54d354a7d108b570c1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="519" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTwSGPKvZYHLGrB7ExdXfceFeFwq0jL1myEPfkA74HXNKJt1nMNKsBL4QBm530l4o4FG1WgWAk46pE03dTZMb0SqYrCfgeW6YDdRBZMl_duFH_26ZkFm8j7J6etXGzuzdyYxF63CDlMpzp/s400/35c3174320207a54d354a7d108b570c1.jpeg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>When:</b> Saturday, September 21 at 7 p.m.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Where:</b> Sugar Creek Bible Camp, Ferryville, Wisconsin</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Cost:</b> $15/adults $7/children under 12</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Why:</b> Because it is going to knock your socks off! <span class="style34" style="color: #333333; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;"><strong>Kenny Ahern is a world-class family entertainer</strong>. </span><span style="color: #333333; text-align: left;">It all started in 1983, when a college professor suggested that Kenny audition for Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, and write a research paper about the experience. That was 25 years and thousands of performances ago.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="style35" style="color: #333333;"><br /></span><span style="color: #333333;">Kenny has taken master classes in physical comedy with Broadway star and Tony Award recipient, Bill Irwin and Yale School of Drama faculty head Christopher Bayes. He studied with Pavel Groditsky of The Soviet National School for the Circus and Variety Arts (movement workshop) and trained at Ringling Brothers & Barnum and Bailey Clown College—receiving a BFA (Bachelor in Fun Arts). Kenny has learned from thousands of the best directors in comedy throughout the world ... his audiences. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"> </span><span class="style35" style="color: #333333;"><br /></span><span style="color: #333333;">An accomplished educator, Kenny has been a faculty member with Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Clown College, The University of Wisconsin—</span><a href="http://clowncamp.org/" style="color: #0440b2; text-decoration: none;">La Crosse’s Clown Camp®</a><span style="color: #333333;">. He has guest lectured for the the drama departments of The University of Virginia and The DePaul University, and presented workshops for The University of Minnesota/Guthrie Theater B.F.A. Actor Training Program.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br style="color: #333333;" /><span style="color: #333333;">A Few Performances of Note: Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus; The China International Children Arts Festival—Taipei, Taiwan; Variete Theatre Festival—Singapore; The 2005 World Expo—Aichi, Japan; The Brooks & Dunn Neon Circus and Wild West Tour; The International Street Performers Vaudeville Festival—Edmonton, Alberta; The Disneyland Grand Ballroom Theatre; The Moscow Circus School—Moscow, Russia; The White House; The WI, IA, MN, OH, UT, MO, SC State Fairs.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">For more information, visit:<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_1877758895"> </a></span><a href="http://www.kennyahern.com./">http://www.kennyahern.com.</a></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509156777211609256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7558514424646298801.post-78705671153520374542018-09-17T12:09:00.003-07:002018-09-17T12:40:07.386-07:00READY TO TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE WITH LAUGHTER?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4HaqVHwBxWSoudRiwWuI98TKVqj2Ix1g8YDrWNon-gZes9gJaI2DPiJ2caX_QSjZdxfl8pw5ya0m26NnDYVwjQbLh-usg67Lgv7kS7NDnG1OhIqImT17L3F9ywAggzs6BY4QW-w8GHNDS/s1600/4567t798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="650" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4HaqVHwBxWSoudRiwWuI98TKVqj2Ix1g8YDrWNon-gZes9gJaI2DPiJ2caX_QSjZdxfl8pw5ya0m26NnDYVwjQbLh-usg67Lgv7kS7NDnG1OhIqImT17L3F9ywAggzs6BY4QW-w8GHNDS/s400/4567t798.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I bet you are ready for a major life change! You want more JOY, more resilience, more hopefulness, more connection, more FUN, right? I certainly did. That's why I became a Certified Laughter Yoga Leader a dozen years ago. I knew that there had to be a better way to cope with the stresses of life.<br />
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And here's the good news: there is! You can survive the complicated difficulties that get thrown at you by laughing intentionally. Learning the method of Laughter Yoga can help you do just that. Then you'll have the method to create joy in with your own biochemistry. And that shifts everything in your entire life! Imagine what it would be like to get in touch with your HAPPY SELF!<br />
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Best of all, learning Laughter Yoga gives you an easy but ever-so-useful tool that can transform the lives of others, too. You can start your very own LAUGHTER CLUB or use it to volunteer at your kid's school or the local care center or recovery group or church or mosque or whatever place people gather and want to be healthier and happier. You could even monetize this skill by offering wellness programs around your community and beyond. <a href="http://www.laughinglaura.com/laughter-school-1.html">Read all about the benefits of the course here</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVTFoPikC3LnyDiB4D5aaZMc_C0QNpiGopQRRHvIvj_c0qiaJRkkGIkGYLZN9g4GV3Ymz_TKg8sET9dJb7Q02mpv4_ulI7qxPWMYyVpM-yYBfHgDHtWGKzvv-7wvtogT-W3wx4ybmJPsSG/s1600/e18849fc069dc52dad34e740dc826707.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="307" data-original-width="614" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVTFoPikC3LnyDiB4D5aaZMc_C0QNpiGopQRRHvIvj_c0qiaJRkkGIkGYLZN9g4GV3Ymz_TKg8sET9dJb7Q02mpv4_ulI7qxPWMYyVpM-yYBfHgDHtWGKzvv-7wvtogT-W3wx4ybmJPsSG/s400/e18849fc069dc52dad34e740dc826707.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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That's why I'm offering a Certified Laughter Yoga Leader Retreat this week (September 20-21)! It's a pre-event learning opportunity connected to the 11th annual <a href="http://www.laughinglaura.com/laughfest.html">Laugh-Fest of the Midwest</a> happening this weekend. There's still time to register for the Laugh-Fest.<br />
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And there's still time for you to register for the Certified Laughter Yoga Leader Retreat, too! YAY! <a href="http://www.laughinglaura.com/ly-leader-training.html">Register at this page</a>. This is a rare opportunity and it's especially wonderful because it's happening at Sugar Creek Bible Camp. Don't miss this chance. We want you to be part of the group.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9t948AjjDWPlmopBoto_cOaQJ7OoUO9W8i3DxNwQwCSjJvF86jv_XW5Der9toBbQf3_Q-Oyya476tP6IpCxShMyiE3VQxrCLjleuBwyqa6cvCDQJ9bKEGq6NPkHs_l73_xo5s0rnWbmm2/s1600/1ebec9f1a4879b822e36fc0d94e4500c.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="344" data-original-width="514" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9t948AjjDWPlmopBoto_cOaQJ7OoUO9W8i3DxNwQwCSjJvF86jv_XW5Der9toBbQf3_Q-Oyya476tP6IpCxShMyiE3VQxrCLjleuBwyqa6cvCDQJ9bKEGq6NPkHs_l73_xo5s0rnWbmm2/s400/1ebec9f1a4879b822e36fc0d94e4500c.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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One more thing: here's my new professionally-produced promotional video. It's below. I'm excited to share Laughter Yoga with more and more people.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509156777211609256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7558514424646298801.post-90361212684448982012018-09-02T11:25:00.000-07:002018-09-02T11:25:36.148-07:00PRE-LAUGH-FEST WORKSHOP<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif; font-size: 14.489999771118164px;"><i>Exciting news: On the day the Laugh-Fest begins, September 21, you can come early and take a full-day workshop with <a href="http://laughingwithlaura.blogspot.com/2016/03/laughfest-interviewspart-8_31.html" style="color: #7700aa; text-decoration: none;">Celia</a>! She will be offering an interactive experience called Laughter & The Voice.</i></span><br style="color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.489999771118164px;" /><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif; font-size: 14.489999771118164px;"><i><br />Your voice is an amazing instrument. It is always with you. Come and uncover your “consistent instrument” through vocal games & discovery. <span class="il">Celia</span> will guide the group through imaginative play & exercises that will leave you with a new appreciation for this incredible expressive part of you called your voice. Expect to become more present in your body & vocal singing or speech expression whether you want to lead singing circles, audition for American Idol, or simply rock out behind your steering wheel with the windows up. We will play & sing together. You might even have a fantastic time!</i></span><br style="color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.489999771118164px;" /><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif; font-size: 14.489999771118164px;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.489999771118164px;"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEIQyW3BzuTT2_lpL0iYJXRHjHxamYx2YCjp4j7PTYMxKyYzTCqSRhj5HYaY6E2r3xmff6hX_EJUbDVZl5eecwNGG_EuSf40u4Xv47PGz7BOHi2nWudOVtmqJ30mttA0_WDiB2u1zS3kDB/s1600/celia+family+show+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #7700aa; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"><i><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEIQyW3BzuTT2_lpL0iYJXRHjHxamYx2YCjp4j7PTYMxKyYzTCqSRhj5HYaY6E2r3xmff6hX_EJUbDVZl5eecwNGG_EuSf40u4Xv47PGz7BOHi2nWudOVtmqJ30mttA0_WDiB2u1zS3kDB/s400/celia+family+show+photo.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.498039) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.498039) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="323" /></i></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif; font-size: 14.489999771118164px;"><i><br /><span class="il">Celia</span> has been performing for over 30 years with training in stage speech & vocal singing. She currently tours the nation as a singer/songwriter/comedienne and is also a recording artist with 13 recordings to date. <span class="il">Celia</span> teaches vocal workshops as well as private voice in person or via the internet. She specializes in guiding singers to finding new tones & soundscapes they didn't even know they had. <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.celiaonline.com%252F%26h%3DTAQEmS1Gf%26enc%3DAZPgj_6w01vMrtpyoJaC7Spc03-YUt7AG1Xp_xxJHhtytZlxqMLxYKa6n9yw9NCG8p4%26s%3D1&source=gmail&ust=1460908314276000&usg=AFQjCNEb-3mW2pDwW6rG15RIMHKMoCKHWA" href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.celiaonline.com%2F&h=TAQEmS1Gf&enc=AZPgj_6w01vMrtpyoJaC7Spc03-YUt7AG1Xp_xxJHhtytZlxqMLxYKa6n9yw9NCG8p4&s=1" style="color: #7700aa; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.celiaonline.com</a>.</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"><i>Increase your fun & learning by adding this workshop to your Laugh-Fest experience! The workshop runs on Friday, September 21, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Sugar Creek Bible Camp in Ferryville, Wisconsin. If you would like to come early and stay over Thursday night at the camp, you can arrange that with me, Laughing Laura (email: <a href="mailto:laughinglauragentry@gmail.com" style="color: #7700aa; text-decoration: none;">laughinglauragentry@gmail.com</a>).</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"><i>Fee: $149 — Laugh-Fest attendees can register for just $99!</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"><i>Contact <span class="il">Celia</span> Farran to register:</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif; font-size: 14.489999771118164px;"><i><a href="mailto:Celia@Celiaonline.com" style="color: #7700aa; text-decoration: none;"><span class="il">Celia</span>@Celiaonline.com</a></i></span><br /><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif; font-size: 14.489999771118164px;"><i><a href="mailto:Celia@Celiaonline.com" style="color: #7700aa; text-decoration: none;"><br /></a></i></span><i><a href="http://laughingwithlaura.blogspot.com/2016/03/laughfest-interviewspart-8_31.html"><span style="color: #7700aa; font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.489999771118164px;">Pssst: Check out the interview Celia's did about about the Laugh-Fest a couple of years ago here.</span></span></a></i><br /><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif; font-size: 14.489999771118164px;"><br /></span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif; font-size: 14.489999771118164px;">Oh, and there is still time to register for the amazing <a href="http://www.laughinglaura.com/laughfest.html" style="color: #7700aa; text-decoration: none;">Laugh-Fest of the Midwest!</a> You will want to seize this incredible opportunity to gather with laughers from around the country for a rollicking good time in the hills of Wisconsin.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509156777211609256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7558514424646298801.post-61547235562526607592018-08-24T09:50:00.001-07:002018-08-24T09:50:47.295-07:00LAUGH-FEST IS COMING SOON!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCI1x19XyZPrRX56PgiGqC8jrTrk6NSNY_I6xSDSgMno5QI7GPdWcf1NxCfUY2eUKZZm-im2HsPqdDsWGkGZ6cwANsZjkMTWlX2RfbQ09HxUkLP5ogFjph0pCk7HKmg0MOSRhxkvnA9WyH/s1600/laughfest2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #7700aa; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="784" data-original-width="1600" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCI1x19XyZPrRX56PgiGqC8jrTrk6NSNY_I6xSDSgMno5QI7GPdWcf1NxCfUY2eUKZZm-im2HsPqdDsWGkGZ6cwANsZjkMTWlX2RfbQ09HxUkLP5ogFjph0pCk7HKmg0MOSRhxkvnA9WyH/s400/laughfest2018.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.498039) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.498039) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">HELLO LAUGHERS,</span></h2>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;">The exciting new is that Laugh-Fest is right around the corner! It is less than a month away now (September 21-23) and so if you haven't registered, we ask you to please do so right now.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;">YOU MUST COME!</span></h2>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.489999771118164px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know it takes time and money to get yourself to Laugh-Fest but let me remind you: IT IS WORTH IT! Personal renewal, wellness, friendship and laughter are awesome. Don't you deserve a boost of JOY? I know I do. It is an investment in your well-being.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.489999771118164px;"><br /></span></span></span>
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<span style="color: purple;">INSPIRATIONAL SPEAKERS</span></h2>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.489999771118164px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #191919;"><span style="background-color: white;">This year there will be a number of new speaker with incredible information and inspiration. Of course, many of our favorite presenters will be back because it just wouldn't be Laugh-Fest without them. Check out the speaker's page here: </span></span>http://www.laughinglaura.com/laughfest-presenters.html</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #191919;"><span style="background-color: white;">The complete schedule is here: </span></span>https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CJ9I2qmUIbUEdAF0ZGed2K7LR2B1WYy0/view</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;">BECOME A CERTIFIED LAUGHTER YOGA LEADER</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can become a certified Laughter Yoga Leader or take the course again if you're already a leader. That's because I'm offering a 2 day course prior to the Laugh-Fest.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Learn more and register here: http://www.laughinglaura.com/ly-leader-training.html</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;">SPREAD THE WORD</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #191919;">Can you please help us spread the word? We know you have networks of fabulous friends. If you're on Facebook, you can share the Laugh-Fest event with your friends: </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/865194070343240/" style="color: #7700aa; text-decoration: none;">https://www.facebook.com/events/865194070343240/</a><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #191919;">. The more laughter friends, the better for all of us.</span></span><br style="color: #191919;" /><br style="color: #191919;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #191919;">Teddy Widdel is the official event organizer this year so we want to thank Teddy for her work to put this experience together for us all. If you want to lend a hand, you can email her directly at laughawiddel@gmail.com.</span></span><br style="color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.489999771118164px;" /><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJvxkxHxbbQv2OoQvy9G7EGsje-PUASRNMFQetxT4MyooKDjBQOfgtnVOVs2hsod-eI4yY1rtWukWxV1m80JV6CQwklsMOXh_Lt5b1Lrm7fJj7of5IsVXsfhd3lhZQ1KpvrFUFxQ1alblp/s1600/26166112_10155819303031590_5670603027563266929_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #7700aa; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="539" data-original-width="960" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJvxkxHxbbQv2OoQvy9G7EGsje-PUASRNMFQetxT4MyooKDjBQOfgtnVOVs2hsod-eI4yY1rtWukWxV1m80JV6CQwklsMOXh_Lt5b1Lrm7fJj7of5IsVXsfhd3lhZQ1KpvrFUFxQ1alblp/s400/26166112_10155819303031590_5670603027563266929_n.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.498039) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.498039) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Can't wait to laugh with you all! YAY!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509156777211609256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7558514424646298801.post-28617378007421330342018-06-23T08:25:00.000-07:002018-06-23T08:28:33.442-07:00LAUGH-FEST REGISTRATION HAS OPENED<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCI1x19XyZPrRX56PgiGqC8jrTrk6NSNY_I6xSDSgMno5QI7GPdWcf1NxCfUY2eUKZZm-im2HsPqdDsWGkGZ6cwANsZjkMTWlX2RfbQ09HxUkLP5ogFjph0pCk7HKmg0MOSRhxkvnA9WyH/s1600/laughfest2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="784" data-original-width="1600" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCI1x19XyZPrRX56PgiGqC8jrTrk6NSNY_I6xSDSgMno5QI7GPdWcf1NxCfUY2eUKZZm-im2HsPqdDsWGkGZ6cwANsZjkMTWlX2RfbQ09HxUkLP5ogFjph0pCk7HKmg0MOSRhxkvnA9WyH/s400/laughfest2018.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">INCREDIBLE NEWS FOR LAUGHERS, JOY-SEEKERS AND</span></div>
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GENERALLY SILLY PEOPLE EVERYWHERE:</div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">REGISTRATION HAS OPENED FOR <a href="http://www.laughinglaura.com/laughfest.html">LAUGH-FEST 2018!</a></span></h2>
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As always, the Laugh-Fest will be held at Sugar Creek Bible Camp in Ferryville, Wisconsin where the natural beauty and hospitality can't be beat. For the first time, we're holding it in the fall. Plan to join us for a wonderful autumn experience.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEqugDV4OJrzcEhqh-YPRfNCVI5-5nrxeEd6qjjJY-lNtse2qIlJFU5w9YNMvMVb64J89uaoh7LQCjiWqsgkLPugvYSm5hy3FZVXd_eDtufMUlj6wNci9bnG3mHFJBzc3dHQ_aqadj0Q7T/s1600/your-smile-makes-me-happy-background_23-2147632863.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="626" data-original-width="626" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEqugDV4OJrzcEhqh-YPRfNCVI5-5nrxeEd6qjjJY-lNtse2qIlJFU5w9YNMvMVb64J89uaoh7LQCjiWqsgkLPugvYSm5hy3FZVXd_eDtufMUlj6wNci9bnG3mHFJBzc3dHQ_aqadj0Q7T/s400/your-smile-makes-me-happy-background_23-2147632863.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We need your help! Here's what you can do.<br />
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1. First of all, if you're a laughter enthusiast please register. We need all the best laughers to attend. That's what the experience is all about. Go to this link to register now at the early-bird rate: <a data-ft="{"tn":"-U"}" data-lynx-mode="origin" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.laughinglaura.com%2Flaughfest.html&h=AT3ko4hbSq3zKc7qY20DGlrGBNZ_VHKeBaM1hoD_WjEPMOV3ocpD_j8pGkMF522kKkhDv259qWx2OGYFrpAnlMi67qfO0vn_snLAGHQmbtRPdWIIRog3VNMy5mSHBoc9V_cjf5sppUgqtFINiaWRMdRDvmO0SQ" href="http://www.laughinglaura.com/laughfest.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.laughinglaura.com/laughfest.html</a><br />
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2. Find us amazing presenters. Maybe that's you and maybe that's someone you know. We're now accepting applications for workshop leaders. You can find the form on the Laugh-Fest page: <a data-ft="{"tn":"-U"}" data-lynx-mode="origin" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.laughinglaura.com%2Flaughfest.html&h=AT3ko4hbSq3zKc7qY20DGlrGBNZ_VHKeBaM1hoD_WjEPMOV3ocpD_j8pGkMF522kKkhDv259qWx2OGYFrpAnlMi67qfO0vn_snLAGHQmbtRPdWIIRog3VNMy5mSHBoc9V_cjf5sppUgqtFINiaWRMdRDvmO0SQ" href="http://www.laughinglaura.com/laughfest.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.laughinglaura.com/laughfest.html</a>. Share it with anyone you know who might be interested in presenting.<br />
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3. Spread the word. We know you have networks of fabulous friends. If you're on Facebook, you can share the Laugh-Fest event with your friends: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/865194070343240/">https://www.facebook.com/events/865194070343240/</a>.<br />
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Teddy Widdel is the official event organizer this year so we want to thank Teddy for her work to put this experience together for us all. If you want to lend a hand, you can email her directly at laughawiddel@gmail.com.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJvxkxHxbbQv2OoQvy9G7EGsje-PUASRNMFQetxT4MyooKDjBQOfgtnVOVs2hsod-eI4yY1rtWukWxV1m80JV6CQwklsMOXh_Lt5b1Lrm7fJj7of5IsVXsfhd3lhZQ1KpvrFUFxQ1alblp/s1600/26166112_10155819303031590_5670603027563266929_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="539" data-original-width="960" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJvxkxHxbbQv2OoQvy9G7EGsje-PUASRNMFQetxT4MyooKDjBQOfgtnVOVs2hsod-eI4yY1rtWukWxV1m80JV6CQwklsMOXh_Lt5b1Lrm7fJj7of5IsVXsfhd3lhZQ1KpvrFUFxQ1alblp/s400/26166112_10155819303031590_5670603027563266929_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Can't wait to laugh with you all! YAY!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509156777211609256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7558514424646298801.post-22555689447668530592018-02-22T12:21:00.000-08:002018-02-22T12:21:38.938-08:00LAUGH-FEST 2018!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsdkYt0YGdCt_JMFlhXEQ9sSeKXBIvuh6ZuwWJwGpwJ6i2npv1ZSN4D9Oqe0yB0wsq0wAs9pDOIA4-vPRf3YgXbXTTYR9_HCpsybhj0V9ax8rwJRsfYbOXDNN5B-fc8ZhoUZY1w9uFqHjF/s1600/laughfest2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="784" data-original-width="1600" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsdkYt0YGdCt_JMFlhXEQ9sSeKXBIvuh6ZuwWJwGpwJ6i2npv1ZSN4D9Oqe0yB0wsq0wAs9pDOIA4-vPRf3YgXbXTTYR9_HCpsybhj0V9ax8rwJRsfYbOXDNN5B-fc8ZhoUZY1w9uFqHjF/s400/laughfest2018.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Announcing 11th annual Laugh-Fest of the Midwest. The joy and frivolity will happen at the usual venue of Sugar Creek Bible Camp in Ferryville, Wisconsin in the fall: September 21-23. This is a beautiful time of year to spend a weekend in the country so please mark your calendars now.</div>
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It is being organized this year by none other than Laughter Yoga Teacher </div>
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and powerhouse <a href="https://www.bewellgodbless.com/personal-services/laughter-yoga-87">Teddy Widdel</a> (pictured below).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZkT2WgWaB8q4rqaixTaRUs7OsobZck3GHLsLs-MJPX2kQefPuQ2Dr8Hfnt0BZ1R8-jDU1ZpHSGcbdvSHeqKrDp8saykJo3U2enIz4X6uyVyh2kaiHBxdDAvk4rxzWudD1lvviQ9AZmKM3/s1600/Teddy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="501" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZkT2WgWaB8q4rqaixTaRUs7OsobZck3GHLsLs-MJPX2kQefPuQ2Dr8Hfnt0BZ1R8-jDU1ZpHSGcbdvSHeqKrDp8saykJo3U2enIz4X6uyVyh2kaiHBxdDAvk4rxzWudD1lvviQ9AZmKM3/s400/Teddy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I have appointed her my successor and she's super excited to take the leadership and build upon the amazing foundation we've begun. Lots of exciting things are in store for the upcoming Laugh-Fest Check out Teddy's <a href="https://www.bewellgodbless.com/personal-services/laughter-yoga-87">website here</a>.</div>
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We'll be posting more information here at this blog and at <a href="http://www.laughinglaura.com/">my website</a> when registration opens. We just wanted to give you heads-up about the date and so you can start dreaming about the fun you'll have.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509156777211609256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7558514424646298801.post-59853488558656137702017-05-09T12:13:00.001-07:002017-05-09T12:17:48.733-07:00LAUGH-FEST 2017 RE-CAP<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">Last weekend, a whole group of happy laughers from around the country gathered together in Ferryville, Wisconsin to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Laugh-Fest of the Midwest on World Laughter Day weekend (thus making it the world’s longest World Laughter Day celebration). Eighteen presenters shared with over 50 participants in the biggest and best fest so far. We thank everyone who came, who presented, who laughed and who sent us good wishes from afar. We truly are one big laughter family and everyone is welcome. The world needs more laughter.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">Here are a few pictures from the amazing event.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVf08zX_IXZOdzY_SWSd4_w6s3f-qzDq2Q8JJUcgoZzjKwKND9Xp77YJM0Dog17kP0nZj6rM6JlQ2pMOfM3n0WNEROiHum4dhu5XODRWwI_WHsxaDeWWU9s2hqdwuhBvcHaxvIHuIo4hX3/s1600/1.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVf08zX_IXZOdzY_SWSd4_w6s3f-qzDq2Q8JJUcgoZzjKwKND9Xp77YJM0Dog17kP0nZj6rM6JlQ2pMOfM3n0WNEROiHum4dhu5XODRWwI_WHsxaDeWWU9s2hqdwuhBvcHaxvIHuIo4hX3/s400/1.1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fun advertisement designed by Lynda Tourloukis</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0BVfXXEaXPyGThy48sSF6xPNwjcYA4wkhlZv0S-pFZtCsM9aCwkJiWY3szleLi2Qd9TJuqppaiG8wm2ED-L1a3cUbh-dOSQHS8uHJkZ6uXyckFG3vbKX9uO5YZLBWzDZ-EqoFUSp3NFR6/s1600/1.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0BVfXXEaXPyGThy48sSF6xPNwjcYA4wkhlZv0S-pFZtCsM9aCwkJiWY3szleLi2Qd9TJuqppaiG8wm2ED-L1a3cUbh-dOSQHS8uHJkZ6uXyckFG3vbKX9uO5YZLBWzDZ-EqoFUSp3NFR6/s400/1.2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The official group picture (even though it doesn't quite include everybody)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJkSGaEiVw7Z_0856n1cwOwCxK5V9SFMSUhIy30W3b1nOYjrJota2X43jBpFnEPlmXH7N0C7zX8FIJR4O-1amIk5iK_j5YC39dFRKqIYIJhQdQJGaHBC_dVLlWTT7yzOlo3oeItIuvsCV4/s1600/1.3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJkSGaEiVw7Z_0856n1cwOwCxK5V9SFMSUhIy30W3b1nOYjrJota2X43jBpFnEPlmXH7N0C7zX8FIJR4O-1amIk5iK_j5YC39dFRKqIYIJhQdQJGaHBC_dVLlWTT7yzOlo3oeItIuvsCV4/s400/1.3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What we hope Google will use someday for World Laughter Day!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjitm7ZR_g5chKwxeBwTdfynv194GIJHdN_0Dtsh_VIdOpbBgrRJGD619DXT8OmdBEAjIdRd-hKepZznmDHi46yNBGi0o_ztbq7SLj-unFl5O7iIos5Dt5HLmpb5sxvfR970K1GiXYlK8hm/s1600/1.4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjitm7ZR_g5chKwxeBwTdfynv194GIJHdN_0Dtsh_VIdOpbBgrRJGD619DXT8OmdBEAjIdRd-hKepZznmDHi46yNBGi0o_ztbq7SLj-unFl5O7iIos5Dt5HLmpb5sxvfR970K1GiXYlK8hm/s400/1.4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The adventure began on April 29 when Lynda Tourloukis flew into LaCrosse, Wisconsin to begin her teacher training class. Rick Gramlich and I met her at the airport with her banner!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPQ7Dg7RTvewXqeU7Y75tMufWUHYYxmzZjDd3sVvaPETS5az3Ig41wTqmHmje5i3YhrQNNfbm0sXPMfIrr74R9ry1uL-sw-RDTgs9zWRV9UimvI9HeeLi_hHOGNx7FNWwBxco23DBuqb_D/s1600/1.5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPQ7Dg7RTvewXqeU7Y75tMufWUHYYxmzZjDd3sVvaPETS5az3Ig41wTqmHmje5i3YhrQNNfbm0sXPMfIrr74R9ry1uL-sw-RDTgs9zWRV9UimvI9HeeLi_hHOGNx7FNWwBxco23DBuqb_D/s400/1.5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then Rick, Lynda & I went for dessert at the <a href="http://www.guadalupeshrine.org/">Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe</a>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxRhd5dFzFfaCKuveUksTb4rKPg3IS6MMqvCpYQl7n4QshXgkfjZBXFhqagotJyCAdhyphenhyphenG4TsHKmGGAxqebU6c7mrVbg6agAyx4auluw7aOf2sMBhXUn5l7orOAqeIPqC1cNxJ1PqChnzWq/s1600/1.6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxRhd5dFzFfaCKuveUksTb4rKPg3IS6MMqvCpYQl7n4QshXgkfjZBXFhqagotJyCAdhyphenhyphenG4TsHKmGGAxqebU6c7mrVbg6agAyx4auluw7aOf2sMBhXUn5l7orOAqeIPqC1cNxJ1PqChnzWq/s400/1.6.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lynda laughed for joy at the Votive Candle Chapel</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaM41lanThMpctZlKnjX6JE3TEXB3DWuvyNAfF1hUafwlirCUXuh0seYENMbXqPP6OwCp2CF6sSTx1T8uS61woOdNXcVH4F39i3AEGuaFApx4S9jKK-KEfWH-fx1N2qwi2RTW5Ni9PTQG9/s1600/1.7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaM41lanThMpctZlKnjX6JE3TEXB3DWuvyNAfF1hUafwlirCUXuh0seYENMbXqPP6OwCp2CF6sSTx1T8uS61woOdNXcVH4F39i3AEGuaFApx4S9jKK-KEfWH-fx1N2qwi2RTW5Ni9PTQG9/s400/1.7.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then she lit a candle and prayed for her upcoming training.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjptbAjK4yvwbsrevWlPL6qyDlRybGz3MBvk-I0OXV-LhLrU_6SjYlah2aqH7DcC1LK_3HbcUhRPnHxE0L_riH_W6Ua73eVIQWleieBKUeZpcIHlrPjAH9bGnyq_MMxlDaAYkU46IQeZ5Gc/s1600/1.8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjptbAjK4yvwbsrevWlPL6qyDlRybGz3MBvk-I0OXV-LhLrU_6SjYlah2aqH7DcC1LK_3HbcUhRPnHxE0L_riH_W6Ua73eVIQWleieBKUeZpcIHlrPjAH9bGnyq_MMxlDaAYkU46IQeZ5Gc/s400/1.8.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We went into the shrine and did silent laughter!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAIxAVkkbVkRtoGHKkYAggsS06fqdAiAai40GqF3BR2-n0RYNOJv73YLHWOQb1BjJzOkFJVf9zKOueVUO56vgdGf3UDEXZkHP621gBp9ePlCJpWbLC_RUxkASuznnZqZSEUQfdIXUR59-Q/s1600/1.9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAIxAVkkbVkRtoGHKkYAggsS06fqdAiAai40GqF3BR2-n0RYNOJv73YLHWOQb1BjJzOkFJVf9zKOueVUO56vgdGf3UDEXZkHP621gBp9ePlCJpWbLC_RUxkASuznnZqZSEUQfdIXUR59-Q/s400/1.9.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here we are outside the shrine.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhey0pctXFSlIo1sTOBq516zVvPsn8KTY-Ke07GSa8vJ6Nl8j3M53ngXIgk45J6ibbEw-z43VPQYEr1-3_7EfYHBliDI2YJPFqHnCceVZFi8cPZsv5nkWkAoWpBYxzUpeCO_LN1na4kIu3C/s1600/2.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhey0pctXFSlIo1sTOBq516zVvPsn8KTY-Ke07GSa8vJ6Nl8j3M53ngXIgk45J6ibbEw-z43VPQYEr1-3_7EfYHBliDI2YJPFqHnCceVZFi8cPZsv5nkWkAoWpBYxzUpeCO_LN1na4kIu3C/s400/2.1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We arrived at camp and found Clint Darr was already there laughing!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaZPVjO2G3uX08lufbnuMh7AYMBTjSm_zYM1ypk224_x_izB4nLdT-tdgEyS7m2_V30a2I-hi98UsjDHUtIsj_P8Uupk0Kb8h-h1EHiql1ljn6Ifdub4m5BFk1YV8HAw2bp06iZ3qolH5c/s1600/2.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaZPVjO2G3uX08lufbnuMh7AYMBTjSm_zYM1ypk224_x_izB4nLdT-tdgEyS7m2_V30a2I-hi98UsjDHUtIsj_P8Uupk0Kb8h-h1EHiql1ljn6Ifdub4m5BFk1YV8HAw2bp06iZ3qolH5c/s400/2.2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lynda's class of Clint Darr and Amy Kuth. Congratulations to the two of them: they are the world's newest Laughter Yoga Teachers!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWS14HxUakOKMtwD96v8Zvw00y5M9bJBmikYW8_yiloS37MNzK-dlckqb6-s6UXnem008d4qxiiRHLJ0L6r5Phwk4eyQjuzq4SJ-sD5r6CdaiaMrBEOHmIK70SVgusJu8wi1eR6b89r8b6/s1600/2.3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWS14HxUakOKMtwD96v8Zvw00y5M9bJBmikYW8_yiloS37MNzK-dlckqb6-s6UXnem008d4qxiiRHLJ0L6r5Phwk4eyQjuzq4SJ-sD5r6CdaiaMrBEOHmIK70SVgusJu8wi1eR6b89r8b6/s400/2.3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then on Wednesday, May 3, Robert Rivest flew in from Massachusetts.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsEi0LcYmjWvYpJAQXRON5OFGf0RUsGP1i9JOxnkvj74DcrQEcYraJAEyWbKIw73bLflnooKWH-JPfSspnx40fkbVw77pInX9VmH_h0wG6D5LIESnAjI2V0R_IDxd-Bw4RwJ4pWpscci0J/s1600/2.4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsEi0LcYmjWvYpJAQXRON5OFGf0RUsGP1i9JOxnkvj74DcrQEcYraJAEyWbKIw73bLflnooKWH-JPfSspnx40fkbVw77pInX9VmH_h0wG6D5LIESnAjI2V0R_IDxd-Bw4RwJ4pWpscci0J/s400/2.4.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He, too, took a mini pilgrimage to the <a href="http://www.guadalupeshrine.org/">Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalup</a>e.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDKj1YzhSvuRkm2I8EtS4cFg4p-U5gYEhdRf48Uuoz1I8FvcdLuGCGXcjqbrANEPQ1pTtqB3TTY2_Zy_bd9M3Q50ujf1V5RviynbUMfnH6vtl3552PjtAxbuSip0fCvjuvs0-dzsXoVeot/s1600/2.5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDKj1YzhSvuRkm2I8EtS4cFg4p-U5gYEhdRf48Uuoz1I8FvcdLuGCGXcjqbrANEPQ1pTtqB3TTY2_Zy_bd9M3Q50ujf1V5RviynbUMfnH6vtl3552PjtAxbuSip0fCvjuvs0-dzsXoVeot/s400/2.5.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robert after his spiritual renewal at the shrine.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL3vsVetenCfmY3HT5Ymxg9_7ay7vMzkf4do1HPcePVJw-tC5uqe7U55KbdN_Ob70xvr8Xb7ZWt6j7p-QpNUqhXmcvPoMGKf_6kXZcHmptyyGV9up5wkxrbGA5DT8Vr_p7MwEHang9p_CL/s1600/2.6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL3vsVetenCfmY3HT5Ymxg9_7ay7vMzkf4do1HPcePVJw-tC5uqe7U55KbdN_Ob70xvr8Xb7ZWt6j7p-QpNUqhXmcvPoMGKf_6kXZcHmptyyGV9up5wkxrbGA5DT8Vr_p7MwEHang9p_CL/s400/2.6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robert Rivest, along with Lynda Tourloukis and her teacher students, led the Lansing Laughter Club at my church.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY8URNz49Q9erpNbjQkECHkvp00qdGy6lQmCGmGxBfjNuOJfUV5dPTMi0GGNJv58SmCBOumypT-gSSvAtS8ocCI9cX2r450F00J3zNDzqKWXnhbL5yjUYPUFAC4nCEY92T4aHFYfEeaWot/s1600/2.7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY8URNz49Q9erpNbjQkECHkvp00qdGy6lQmCGmGxBfjNuOJfUV5dPTMi0GGNJv58SmCBOumypT-gSSvAtS8ocCI9cX2r450F00J3zNDzqKWXnhbL5yjUYPUFAC4nCEY92T4aHFYfEeaWot/s400/2.7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robert finished up the laughter session with some mindful breathing in the sanctuary.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioaIDJ3qrpyn3mftZCGj5zMleKkTflTWCGFeCMtjxk1sBeIf65AKFyxiXdz067bINYBCPY5DHC93XgFGMBhCACAHaRplpkmzYHgkodUkmC8Xru4URw5BgE-GdtQXk_tWISJXfj7VyFssh8/s1600/2.9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioaIDJ3qrpyn3mftZCGj5zMleKkTflTWCGFeCMtjxk1sBeIf65AKFyxiXdz067bINYBCPY5DHC93XgFGMBhCACAHaRplpkmzYHgkodUkmC8Xru4URw5BgE-GdtQXk_tWISJXfj7VyFssh8/s400/2.9.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then Robert taught a two day Laughter Yoga Leader training. Here they all are laughing by the horse pasture.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIcJpH1ImvemT4sCfoUgn7RNNnG5gInBTs6-U0zkC60EM0hlySbBrOy-xS30p5LOPdSiTv4t4jh9_-GZaCLouaw09Ftof0h7tdriHqxIYnvK1ZSpLxxo9MfOtVoez5Bjnl6wXBlBy3dXHJ/s1600/3.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIcJpH1ImvemT4sCfoUgn7RNNnG5gInBTs6-U0zkC60EM0hlySbBrOy-xS30p5LOPdSiTv4t4jh9_-GZaCLouaw09Ftof0h7tdriHqxIYnvK1ZSpLxxo9MfOtVoez5Bjnl6wXBlBy3dXHJ/s400/3.1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tranquil camp of <a href="http://sugarcreekbiblecamp.org/">Sugar Creek Bible Camp</a> where it all took place.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB9P0XlwXvK5QM9qtA_jlPDA5NAxKw0kKjKemukDQdE050ZGRSwCPYEpt-30jKRAOJA96zCWpjMZOF7YhIFtGVgP95afnS93fTuddrQmKbdr7bxNkCe_drwGCXh-ButNej34jiMUVQ6toL/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB9P0XlwXvK5QM9qtA_jlPDA5NAxKw0kKjKemukDQdE050ZGRSwCPYEpt-30jKRAOJA96zCWpjMZOF7YhIFtGVgP95afnS93fTuddrQmKbdr7bxNkCe_drwGCXh-ButNej34jiMUVQ6toL/s400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Laugh-Fest kicked off with an outdoor Laughter Yoga session.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHLVQNg4pW9IVvQRgWKBngb2_w3HB9aylixi2XYtESL0P2Hyo8mjlutoiphqqaHrsrKATsF4UDct6KyBYyVuOBsJZvkBE6Wx5QKYQHc5oabkcl4eAwh_bcVuc3smdBXxh6P5Bfiv-mJhG_/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHLVQNg4pW9IVvQRgWKBngb2_w3HB9aylixi2XYtESL0P2Hyo8mjlutoiphqqaHrsrKATsF4UDct6KyBYyVuOBsJZvkBE6Wx5QKYQHc5oabkcl4eAwh_bcVuc3smdBXxh6P5Bfiv-mJhG_/s400/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then <a href="http://celiaonline.com/">Celia</a> gave a breathtaking concert.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUgqA9HSsh9JaM_Ykgkr81Tx7cvLqQEozQT7eLmINGYrXU0GR16m28WcX2_i69JK2Nywe8knJXNh_-zVU4z6MBnxRZOtzyXQk4ra1ZLpxU6EYvnhczFF2u2NEdJdCJMzByD51defD_YtiC/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUgqA9HSsh9JaM_Ykgkr81Tx7cvLqQEozQT7eLmINGYrXU0GR16m28WcX2_i69JK2Nywe8knJXNh_-zVU4z6MBnxRZOtzyXQk4ra1ZLpxU6EYvnhczFF2u2NEdJdCJMzByD51defD_YtiC/s400/5.jpg" width="388" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My husband, William, with my cousin and her baby.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg67qTbLdiueq5JW1hfFjC81qXstLpCqlnosMuO4oTStyy6NCkw5a1SznPWRCeBApAIW07j8FMmEwz0WR875wSjnGRrHmSgoGjAjhO4s8q_6D8sdJ6ZxKSyUFK7kf3ahia_UjU9IRTnki0Z/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg67qTbLdiueq5JW1hfFjC81qXstLpCqlnosMuO4oTStyy6NCkw5a1SznPWRCeBApAIW07j8FMmEwz0WR875wSjnGRrHmSgoGjAjhO4s8q_6D8sdJ6ZxKSyUFK7kf3ahia_UjU9IRTnki0Z/s400/6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUbtxNjFWLg3WDq_eXuFBfR6eOPB5rlk4azavsYtTIAFdiGIJ-ZD1hltW2yd6HMLZiDlbbWH7ap6cJOJWVtUHLt48dgHVOs-X2TqK-TeGYrgZ9qW0cZJThBFJWMxZFINoZd06FiLadPwQ/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUbtxNjFWLg3WDq_eXuFBfR6eOPB5rlk4azavsYtTIAFdiGIJ-ZD1hltW2yd6HMLZiDlbbWH7ap6cJOJWVtUHLt48dgHVOs-X2TqK-TeGYrgZ9qW0cZJThBFJWMxZFINoZd06FiLadPwQ/s400/7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg84gw4zv8v-KoGG-Jda1Ml4RGlBZgJPlH52vCO_x8n_3atvuX6HEKUVEUhovbnA04IgDuuTllpHCEnivzUQ3hxuxkwyLKtT84P7V7QReOE-Pf1zf10QjYutKjdgY7HqkkPA1530oaufhL/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg84gw4zv8v-KoGG-Jda1Ml4RGlBZgJPlH52vCO_x8n_3atvuX6HEKUVEUhovbnA04IgDuuTllpHCEnivzUQ3hxuxkwyLKtT84P7V7QReOE-Pf1zf10QjYutKjdgY7HqkkPA1530oaufhL/s400/8.jpg" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sister, Kathy Phelan, with my cousin's baby</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJVDLfW14bPa2uR9UmB7SrhljpziwqcRMD5KUmFVwY_688UyghNXuOyOd58284jqQY_4BkjDRn1uZGBxWVkeJTaLQ2KBUFavZzFsiY7x7q9Acxt9hYwV_YSwB8VWseBzV5ZxrFNy1DkhO/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJVDLfW14bPa2uR9UmB7SrhljpziwqcRMD5KUmFVwY_688UyghNXuOyOd58284jqQY_4BkjDRn1uZGBxWVkeJTaLQ2KBUFavZzFsiY7x7q9Acxt9hYwV_YSwB8VWseBzV5ZxrFNy1DkhO/s400/9.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then Robert Rivest gave and amazing mime performance and showed us some of the secrets.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirzlVdUBejfu5_f3n6sOtR16u30jZr59DeX27o9YBTJiihKsNqRVXnZcSwu6G-emdLrjCYxhFd7piKp0lSf_RIeoYA0Sk9YX5UTwn80Z4wAAq_xZoa613v2Y9rf_prmrRwDA4frttD1Okc/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirzlVdUBejfu5_f3n6sOtR16u30jZr59DeX27o9YBTJiihKsNqRVXnZcSwu6G-emdLrjCYxhFd7piKp0lSf_RIeoYA0Sk9YX5UTwn80Z4wAAq_xZoa613v2Y9rf_prmrRwDA4frttD1Okc/s400/10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgypQ87WraS_keyzJLAgc6bojbBqQd28KvJUOkktQ3ZYhpPdOKAtw2hDhJFTgeMUv_HE2mtmRRlue4nUw3ZwGFv-6-Mawh77mvw1dCTIB6iiONFsqM4scpgzxXOVqtZ7SuWEg51XsDxv7dk/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgypQ87WraS_keyzJLAgc6bojbBqQd28KvJUOkktQ3ZYhpPdOKAtw2hDhJFTgeMUv_HE2mtmRRlue4nUw3ZwGFv-6-Mawh77mvw1dCTIB6iiONFsqM4scpgzxXOVqtZ7SuWEg51XsDxv7dk/s400/11.jpg" width="363" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was William's birthday so we had a surprise cake!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0XzzVfNxAUDPpbOkd1RsqO1hByorsHGXTB69Z-BCT7CxBV_OmaaamBDl7C3Qz09VUP02sNX3U_3ZW1Z5Qy5ZqdenQ_jii8F8mcQhBmhgFrbuaAXLfSn8NpxDa_8XkO1BxRzN-ErCvDeNP/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0XzzVfNxAUDPpbOkd1RsqO1hByorsHGXTB69Z-BCT7CxBV_OmaaamBDl7C3Qz09VUP02sNX3U_3ZW1Z5Qy5ZqdenQ_jii8F8mcQhBmhgFrbuaAXLfSn8NpxDa_8XkO1BxRzN-ErCvDeNP/s400/12.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCntVoEsjOW1u-8dQVd9gsshXVDDPgbt-I8PfddALhr3hKw_hN5i0c8Dnp9aDbnWexDg-xMrordyMnRGr1aoQGJ6nbLZgdOZ7drLcQ-J0YSqHRourR3KXGyBtmnv_Asqs9-zvGUq_X0Um7/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCntVoEsjOW1u-8dQVd9gsshXVDDPgbt-I8PfddALhr3hKw_hN5i0c8Dnp9aDbnWexDg-xMrordyMnRGr1aoQGJ6nbLZgdOZ7drLcQ-J0YSqHRourR3KXGyBtmnv_Asqs9-zvGUq_X0Um7/s400/13.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">William and his nephew</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8obsPfzElQuZmK4aslGkZgSesDKDNKcGg9wMxSmi1BrtUDCdBYY0PuJknaiqWq8h-Z9i1mmHiixRp0InzISP5KG1ZAiDRxvvUqIELhDRle5GsDMYpanWGbxLdujXXs-hcXI-Qgjo4uCq/s1600/14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8obsPfzElQuZmK4aslGkZgSesDKDNKcGg9wMxSmi1BrtUDCdBYY0PuJknaiqWq8h-Z9i1mmHiixRp0InzISP5KG1ZAiDRxvvUqIELhDRle5GsDMYpanWGbxLdujXXs-hcXI-Qgjo4uCq/s400/14.jpg" width="271" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was Cinco de Mayo so we had a pinata for the kids (and kids at heart).</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi72AA8Vv1hyphenhyphenMHaMFZUY14HKnM7IMMM6o5gEVcG79rAAt7oI-_SEFa7rhOBA0qxNkgm8z-yGVdjFtKG6tMqZEUE9OWoJMseRKvauLypgZBZEI6v043qmL7ztKJTTHwtHufClafD5bDDLoxy/s1600/15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi72AA8Vv1hyphenhyphenMHaMFZUY14HKnM7IMMM6o5gEVcG79rAAt7oI-_SEFa7rhOBA0qxNkgm8z-yGVdjFtKG6tMqZEUE9OWoJMseRKvauLypgZBZEI6v043qmL7ztKJTTHwtHufClafD5bDDLoxy/s400/15.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joy Baldoz (who flew in from California!) and Clara Pask with their happy nametags</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2XIuykChWL-ZGuAge-T4J6eNOhAwBEh1dIbha515R0mgrnuMUMooS0Vo1MhcSWJvD2aPDaak8lxRLmuUtSY8-lvIx82zm2jq-Mu991G0ZXE47bthCQgFjtZ-diwFgCFb4kiz7bQApqrHC/s1600/16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2XIuykChWL-ZGuAge-T4J6eNOhAwBEh1dIbha515R0mgrnuMUMooS0Vo1MhcSWJvD2aPDaak8lxRLmuUtSY8-lvIx82zm2jq-Mu991G0ZXE47bthCQgFjtZ-diwFgCFb4kiz7bQApqrHC/s400/16.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rick Gramlich, Lynda Tourloukis, Celia Farran and William Gentry</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7RWMR01aZqErHIobHcAYGofEofXOpSzeGyg6EghmOMCtgodKW36VFmWTThyHg7zLa0p-MeIlyGRutnC2KBTHmoVuqGs7FWZLDNd0khp2Bg5iPAgHth5b4FrdW08wPQ6DMJlHxZ0DMT7-/s1600/17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7RWMR01aZqErHIobHcAYGofEofXOpSzeGyg6EghmOMCtgodKW36VFmWTThyHg7zLa0p-MeIlyGRutnC2KBTHmoVuqGs7FWZLDNd0khp2Bg5iPAgHth5b4FrdW08wPQ6DMJlHxZ0DMT7-/s400/17.jpg" width="341" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amy Kuth leading a mindful meditation on Saturday morning.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2STGh2Qyoc3_mXmVhShgNuRWrHtTnssHlpUqTZKDHTTfBD4k3vhVp3ricmFjXB_nLR1OLGld6OD6hc96_uY52OkP608RMjaEG1Jp9sOQYTE19i5aSvvgXJ-eXLEIOyPYnFbKN3ION570J/s1600/18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2STGh2Qyoc3_mXmVhShgNuRWrHtTnssHlpUqTZKDHTTfBD4k3vhVp3ricmFjXB_nLR1OLGld6OD6hc96_uY52OkP608RMjaEG1Jp9sOQYTE19i5aSvvgXJ-eXLEIOyPYnFbKN3ION570J/s400/18.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHf5_3zComPKIAOS0P5EeWyZlcY36GJPoRammYwN8wm8kaC7zsWVGdJH356LUxxan_S5Bl3UVHzwricVpYBK-uXVCo4BfLMOBkslYFToKPeK0gAL0yUFlnEsh1MWYbhA4USG7qhY3bNjQ-/s1600/19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHf5_3zComPKIAOS0P5EeWyZlcY36GJPoRammYwN8wm8kaC7zsWVGdJH356LUxxan_S5Bl3UVHzwricVpYBK-uXVCo4BfLMOBkslYFToKPeK0gAL0yUFlnEsh1MWYbhA4USG7qhY3bNjQ-/s400/19.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lauren Hunt leading a community singing session on Saturday morning.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ueEHbv6U3W8g1HBJ0nI06ENRzePrWYcMa-WsvAfF56uePMYp4twnn-S4ueiqC7Ea4gU81PBJGoU7XZshZDs4NXBaMe5zcJ5oi2ojuxGluwc8MB7FOw-zUpQWp3WXkErFtrKBNDF3YrWr/s1600/20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ueEHbv6U3W8g1HBJ0nI06ENRzePrWYcMa-WsvAfF56uePMYp4twnn-S4ueiqC7Ea4gU81PBJGoU7XZshZDs4NXBaMe5zcJ5oi2ojuxGluwc8MB7FOw-zUpQWp3WXkErFtrKBNDF3YrWr/s400/20.jpg" width="303" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robert Rivest, our keynote speaker, leading a mindful laughter session.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLuKp2k01fchf1QUWi0W6UdBswcJnFEz_nAujB1iUINAtUQqBYFJtZI6uVP0vhZyyexFlMFVIICXkV7Yi3hpng5NK3jBZwPbm3UxdCjCOA7Fhf0kg0U7hEMCrIp_XQ48vRNqWjiXgveRMk/s1600/21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLuKp2k01fchf1QUWi0W6UdBswcJnFEz_nAujB1iUINAtUQqBYFJtZI6uVP0vhZyyexFlMFVIICXkV7Yi3hpng5NK3jBZwPbm3UxdCjCOA7Fhf0kg0U7hEMCrIp_XQ48vRNqWjiXgveRMk/s400/21.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjWHG3yoYAO5DDOQjtgYPXs0GQyyqyxpJlOp4CDCKtGSkTTGW8XIiCfxJhLnDKMDKw-fL_ThaqoGjLfSBSL-oSSi9APPSRxxsCPTopccpkYFwjZ6sJh0M403lIvEW1pcsEibesqB1ifbq/s1600/23.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjWHG3yoYAO5DDOQjtgYPXs0GQyyqyxpJlOp4CDCKtGSkTTGW8XIiCfxJhLnDKMDKw-fL_ThaqoGjLfSBSL-oSSi9APPSRxxsCPTopccpkYFwjZ6sJh0M403lIvEW1pcsEibesqB1ifbq/s400/23.1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMld2cBZUpx8pHR3iomYOuZNNwHawYK4RZ7H2HyY7dfOll77lhVfsXGkuNtkQllESAlCKIiQKtH3e9XZeOv_MOY3rAAMxpJu8VSOTiBzPS1_ZZ8og9pHWpnq0LbBhweTiISMKj-ZQeB7ij/s1600/23.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMld2cBZUpx8pHR3iomYOuZNNwHawYK4RZ7H2HyY7dfOll77lhVfsXGkuNtkQllESAlCKIiQKtH3e9XZeOv_MOY3rAAMxpJu8VSOTiBzPS1_ZZ8og9pHWpnq0LbBhweTiISMKj-ZQeB7ij/s400/23.2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Laughing DJs from Utah with Robert Rivest, Ellen Mercer from Oklahoma and Ray Wojciechowski (and me photo-bombing in the back!). </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCcap5gQiDUxXXjafU-BDkbvQ2oRRqIDhLDrIUitoZZ_4oVXCmbaHk-mT84vEH4WbUTZSHe-dXQrtq6QKt5EDvkK84u4_43TZN5Ec6rvG6HFV8-yZruugU51OHqEw5AqtVDgd1L6p5Eh5a/s1600/23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCcap5gQiDUxXXjafU-BDkbvQ2oRRqIDhLDrIUitoZZ_4oVXCmbaHk-mT84vEH4WbUTZSHe-dXQrtq6QKt5EDvkK84u4_43TZN5Ec6rvG6HFV8-yZruugU51OHqEw5AqtVDgd1L6p5Eh5a/s400/23.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clint Darr giving his TED Talk lecture.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDOYctFT0VQRhjC6wWr018cEaIlSrniWFwmWdwMdioR8ta6utyixOqMORS1_sVu4maaKOuzsTh5f94xzuVY9HFsC8NNRZ_3WDUkULSTsLBOwCKdEipJwpmOTvUR-icxD7x9nJpatWdamqG/s1600/24.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDOYctFT0VQRhjC6wWr018cEaIlSrniWFwmWdwMdioR8ta6utyixOqMORS1_sVu4maaKOuzsTh5f94xzuVY9HFsC8NNRZ_3WDUkULSTsLBOwCKdEipJwpmOTvUR-icxD7x9nJpatWdamqG/s640/24.1.jpg" width="352" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ellen Mercer and Clint Darr</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4BOFX8W19bzFcetK5us8wrcVoOF8Bq6TQpk3-QFUe9PT9WlN5VQ-xeLBsnlbSsK64Rm9kq0ro9GjSqscPbbXMZFtbPOwEZaTEe-CoxG9Vk1WxyC5VaHK4XTzhX8SSu2u_nXRlZ6yoP5_w/s1600/24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4BOFX8W19bzFcetK5us8wrcVoOF8Bq6TQpk3-QFUe9PT9WlN5VQ-xeLBsnlbSsK64Rm9kq0ro9GjSqscPbbXMZFtbPOwEZaTEe-CoxG9Vk1WxyC5VaHK4XTzhX8SSu2u_nXRlZ6yoP5_w/s400/24.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ellen Mercer giving her Laughter and Chocolate presentation.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rick Gramlich and Robert Rivest.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzA69tRvvwxloaZubkyR2WsgN8zUjPLZ2sFEj0Hruj8TVCzIgRFfE4SBZQBxnQOa5W0iaT_pNSln7xd7iaovdBOrHlr7GhSePm0797gCH8zozWaegPeqljuKK255OeU9jX6qZB97YRH5Ap/s1600/25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzA69tRvvwxloaZubkyR2WsgN8zUjPLZ2sFEj0Hruj8TVCzIgRFfE4SBZQBxnQOa5W0iaT_pNSln7xd7iaovdBOrHlr7GhSePm0797gCH8zozWaegPeqljuKK255OeU9jX6qZB97YRH5Ap/s400/25.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then we did some dancing and a shark swam through (you never know what will happen next at Laugh-Fest).</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbVuGsJuFMwNefa2uPLCOLEzevn8kl-61BUDopd3-xHsUZmQqOleB4HIrXNRXm80ggN88uoOtMN4q9Hf87ojofeJD2Il5N8VhxRlitL4_REOxF5QJ-SpYKhavnlfRdYOaGlIc8N_Bvo26e/s1600/26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbVuGsJuFMwNefa2uPLCOLEzevn8kl-61BUDopd3-xHsUZmQqOleB4HIrXNRXm80ggN88uoOtMN4q9Hf87ojofeJD2Il5N8VhxRlitL4_REOxF5QJ-SpYKhavnlfRdYOaGlIc8N_Bvo26e/s400/26.jpg" width="377" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brenda and Kenny Ahern came to do a clowning workshop.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMwgfvzbDt7_9Rk9kb-qIGuvj1Xc6RjdFmGzE64F1MzHqjjkuWbNz81AUaIh4Au4Wz-CpQ_XgUYTwau6cnMrbRl94QAJ76Uc7q9NHGL4aixhhHLD6XCha89WjlnCWzWdyARhmqT0rWIwzI/s1600/27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMwgfvzbDt7_9Rk9kb-qIGuvj1Xc6RjdFmGzE64F1MzHqjjkuWbNz81AUaIh4Au4Wz-CpQ_XgUYTwau6cnMrbRl94QAJ76Uc7q9NHGL4aixhhHLD6XCha89WjlnCWzWdyARhmqT0rWIwzI/s400/27.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kenny explaining how to water spout.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4tZd5mPuOkSC3WBHWBmgpjxgzCBIpFsbuQo60wHS_Tic2l9K9H0haAtcnWgyt8EUAYZPyjM5zhOnbY76Q0r-0_UGVAQ7xd10jsZUaD3AaiHI9vteQqVQYkLocarDXx7Q3gJYIDXmrFUY/s1600/28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4tZd5mPuOkSC3WBHWBmgpjxgzCBIpFsbuQo60wHS_Tic2l9K9H0haAtcnWgyt8EUAYZPyjM5zhOnbY76Q0r-0_UGVAQ7xd10jsZUaD3AaiHI9vteQqVQYkLocarDXx7Q3gJYIDXmrFUY/s400/28.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHQCcjKCUFJd2NblTKf6MSqfPQ2V2wkXjf7-TiVQgMQxHEMvp95KTK1QrKBrqHjaRnRrftvGK6uZFnMp9BIbNpKmzYBTD92el4HJb_5Hjm1fyDZFsBPpW9DrWh6tpY7BJy3QTxUfxmjSaB/s1600/29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHQCcjKCUFJd2NblTKf6MSqfPQ2V2wkXjf7-TiVQgMQxHEMvp95KTK1QrKBrqHjaRnRrftvGK6uZFnMp9BIbNpKmzYBTD92el4HJb_5Hjm1fyDZFsBPpW9DrWh6tpY7BJy3QTxUfxmjSaB/s400/29.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kathy Phelan demonstrating her great water spouting.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgiRS2RbcSY_UxNeTmaCPHTrXjklh_Ig8_xWGcOPTiOWDc3vz6vBFh1PNa-6vn-a_hywaG061ABGjbwarCGphQkU7I-khhfWuhF2OD-Ogo_riNMdM7xyW04YMHODhwRgfSXgErkEU3lgFu/s1600/30.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgiRS2RbcSY_UxNeTmaCPHTrXjklh_Ig8_xWGcOPTiOWDc3vz6vBFh1PNa-6vn-a_hywaG061ABGjbwarCGphQkU7I-khhfWuhF2OD-Ogo_riNMdM7xyW04YMHODhwRgfSXgErkEU3lgFu/s400/30.1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We got all set to get pies in the face!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBuOPKzD2DUZVKo-1Ydrjt4c3VKhcGH5U_61m2LbrvnxZHp5NqBNnrXEDdqoPb13k7vqpnXH51s-TeMkOznWl8d04CPdZptYbV1tX1H7Qf49q5J5oOunXIdtjrO3IPus9L9RGY9TN_il13/s1600/31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBuOPKzD2DUZVKo-1Ydrjt4c3VKhcGH5U_61m2LbrvnxZHp5NqBNnrXEDdqoPb13k7vqpnXH51s-TeMkOznWl8d04CPdZptYbV1tX1H7Qf49q5J5oOunXIdtjrO3IPus9L9RGY9TN_il13/s640/31.jpg" width="352" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michael Phelan after getting a pie in the face!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFIY_ymdbV4VvtzNyXYpJeU40PyR9K8ZB-fDYlPnPuCEULrn3hlMMu7nZzOGqX5paCP83X1SBDc8r8sKUACPR_-wnJ7GzrwOINrV_mHQfjM9LufHXAfmCP8Ifl-nm_8Q1DBdFfsV6CThSD/s1600/32.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFIY_ymdbV4VvtzNyXYpJeU40PyR9K8ZB-fDYlPnPuCEULrn3hlMMu7nZzOGqX5paCP83X1SBDc8r8sKUACPR_-wnJ7GzrwOINrV_mHQfjM9LufHXAfmCP8Ifl-nm_8Q1DBdFfsV6CThSD/s400/32.1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Melony Orr after getting pied.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6NxzZTsERyaDx2rJcJ5j-r7YUcIiGGNA_Ld2mW6OaR5sN8ZCJDlGR9UcEMbzV1qEX7zUfOyeZUPa9TINYcqE0psoJcIjwdj4raA0GyjML3u0UqDifVQnaEc9FFBfpvuSFbWobWOSrlsb/s1600/36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6NxzZTsERyaDx2rJcJ5j-r7YUcIiGGNA_Ld2mW6OaR5sN8ZCJDlGR9UcEMbzV1qEX7zUfOyeZUPa9TINYcqE0psoJcIjwdj4raA0GyjML3u0UqDifVQnaEc9FFBfpvuSFbWobWOSrlsb/s400/36.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michael got carried away with the pie fighting (should I admit he's my nephew?)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liz Beal shared her heart-felt story of laughing through cancer.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlffFL89n4hg9f_sps9mrh7GLjfBzdCje8UkkMQM1u2Hy7hqMWxVNwovwWKnzZ6ALmRvypFbiOlWW0raumzMGdPDcNC_8tZb9Y9OBspCMmbv8apygijEzMjrncrbcj5pC2xpCJ9oj_4Ltv/s1600/38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlffFL89n4hg9f_sps9mrh7GLjfBzdCje8UkkMQM1u2Hy7hqMWxVNwovwWKnzZ6ALmRvypFbiOlWW0raumzMGdPDcNC_8tZb9Y9OBspCMmbv8apygijEzMjrncrbcj5pC2xpCJ9oj_4Ltv/s400/38.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Julie Pugmire and Delan Jensen (known as the Laughing DJs) gave their presentation about Laughter Yoga in the college context. Go banana!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSxWvzMaAfv2onT460reKVYaMdreLJQ81royUa3BX48mlIYAZMEyfEDFHFuu0c_LrPuMkhrWnuDNktOTd0hMmPWwwfyRJpGVRw70_eNF_LBEfVWlRr_A7plmkDHic9-S37W2ZIF5hYThnx/s1600/39.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSxWvzMaAfv2onT460reKVYaMdreLJQ81royUa3BX48mlIYAZMEyfEDFHFuu0c_LrPuMkhrWnuDNktOTd0hMmPWwwfyRJpGVRw70_eNF_LBEfVWlRr_A7plmkDHic9-S37W2ZIF5hYThnx/s400/39.1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the afternoon options was to do the Kundalini Dancing Mediation. Here the group danced near the creek and felt true bliss.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBmO13MbrfbGq-OtW9oA0seV9qHcUdmI6rsvIhFXAy1fU8yK3FVH6nPDmEWO2Lu4dD7jBSfY_23ElIW7aDlLuf927pqUOKRNZbZL-muy4xvptV5K1YI7Eamq5AHyyl2k7PAOBOl7rUBLGG/s1600/39.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBmO13MbrfbGq-OtW9oA0seV9qHcUdmI6rsvIhFXAy1fU8yK3FVH6nPDmEWO2Lu4dD7jBSfY_23ElIW7aDlLuf927pqUOKRNZbZL-muy4xvptV5K1YI7Eamq5AHyyl2k7PAOBOl7rUBLGG/s400/39.2.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jane Voigts, Laughing Laura, Kathy Phelan and Carrie Hein-Paredes after the meditation (can't you see our joy!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmyeOSVhHLbSXBD_NYpHb0HolGht_GYY8Q2sXJVzbdRjyskIdbpXNufXyDgOXhr_UlnH2VayNQ-EVK9vYyi5FeVo9LWmY94hSB9CrSiwd_tZD1sHb-d2aJcEnD8CIUM6nuG47kRPXkT2uf/s1600/39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmyeOSVhHLbSXBD_NYpHb0HolGht_GYY8Q2sXJVzbdRjyskIdbpXNufXyDgOXhr_UlnH2VayNQ-EVK9vYyi5FeVo9LWmY94hSB9CrSiwd_tZD1sHb-d2aJcEnD8CIUM6nuG47kRPXkT2uf/s400/39.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautiful Sugar Creek on Saturday.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8kX8QA_h0Kqqj1IIj7Tc2aPcI46zUjCmup5YdkYB-KGrCSgeeK8iN3ReAoZawmMjd0lZI8jQNckcuKysqp_Afhaj9MNHEa5ttlpD50ZqtHz0vVY3u35Ea70XYAOWgwju8foEBNYVbc9Q1/s1600/41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8kX8QA_h0Kqqj1IIj7Tc2aPcI46zUjCmup5YdkYB-KGrCSgeeK8iN3ReAoZawmMjd0lZI8jQNckcuKysqp_Afhaj9MNHEa5ttlpD50ZqtHz0vVY3u35Ea70XYAOWgwju8foEBNYVbc9Q1/s400/41.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfURjksOcwSCWK1GkZ21fUAuq6HIBFZw9E1AOrd1pUOiZ-p6ALzWnOlU46IrhDrNkRY2G-feD78r1cfHQQ7ZIqkjr7Fm5LZ0LYAVASQvXPpbDkGjPJANaeaUDW7CG_dBTntEfkn6R1E5oc/s1600/42.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfURjksOcwSCWK1GkZ21fUAuq6HIBFZw9E1AOrd1pUOiZ-p6ALzWnOlU46IrhDrNkRY2G-feD78r1cfHQQ7ZIqkjr7Fm5LZ0LYAVASQvXPpbDkGjPJANaeaUDW7CG_dBTntEfkn6R1E5oc/s400/42.1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meanwhile, Jeff Abbas led a nature hike where participants learned about how to forage for wild foods.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgioTZo2JZM6Wu2HJ17e4rh6wC9yLznGCj4VwkEDenHcoAjzkemVFmjuVz4J1mOieCQiJXEub2I-Y0k1AYpBGJtiutKB-76SOJqLfIT29drLQf7imL9XZwlj-GpbAxTt2e9xW0VTSFBsxfV/s1600/42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgioTZo2JZM6Wu2HJ17e4rh6wC9yLznGCj4VwkEDenHcoAjzkemVFmjuVz4J1mOieCQiJXEub2I-Y0k1AYpBGJtiutKB-76SOJqLfIT29drLQf7imL9XZwlj-GpbAxTt2e9xW0VTSFBsxfV/s400/42.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeff and the group found a whole bunch of morel mushrooms (a Midwest delicacy) and cooked them up for all to share at dinner.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5eY2vRDADJg1PAHNXvYnNNLrYRFWFXUHHKYHmb_5q9n2Km6TomifJwhX6eHQL8HbloqHuYC8MyZx8WiAkdeDq1u1V3lIlNLDecp5MsPOCDdNjISR8J0F3Tz2VsLY9hCSoyuO6KfvsXRSK/s1600/43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5eY2vRDADJg1PAHNXvYnNNLrYRFWFXUHHKYHmb_5q9n2Km6TomifJwhX6eHQL8HbloqHuYC8MyZx8WiAkdeDq1u1V3lIlNLDecp5MsPOCDdNjISR8J0F3Tz2VsLY9hCSoyuO6KfvsXRSK/s400/43.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys had a great time.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglBYSdLn06h4F-HrWwuXbCrIQeQ4hEY432JWxVV90phYkEPX5J0YyIs-E5JSMwx3siA9AKbKxkMGkp2pN1a08ij2DMPzWTVR717U6-s7khpMiW_bvF6ON3E2nf57tCmsQzc10GkZv9MAFB/s1600/45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglBYSdLn06h4F-HrWwuXbCrIQeQ4hEY432JWxVV90phYkEPX5J0YyIs-E5JSMwx3siA9AKbKxkMGkp2pN1a08ij2DMPzWTVR717U6-s7khpMiW_bvF6ON3E2nf57tCmsQzc10GkZv9MAFB/s400/45.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cabins Laugh-Festers stayed in.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI7q8T57G-SmuN5N3wOUOLuaAvzNnkQcDkhHax6SbsxPo_4NC0jNINPXEcQ5a1yiVtWFmxv-p7aLYCyomkTeLXDp4wB1DqlwTqlWvICAl0UrBPfeT5DdQ7Kh05UK_oyMjz-2sawM7R4vVe/s1600/46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI7q8T57G-SmuN5N3wOUOLuaAvzNnkQcDkhHax6SbsxPo_4NC0jNINPXEcQ5a1yiVtWFmxv-p7aLYCyomkTeLXDp4wB1DqlwTqlWvICAl0UrBPfeT5DdQ7Kh05UK_oyMjz-2sawM7R4vVe/s400/46.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liz Beal and Aaron Covey (two of our presenters).</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh69FPhOFiCWlZhj3jwXWzyz8I_F1DOqYbg81jRmNATgjuoS2Ws_AREa4Mihyv_ElchUZTkHQJsite94MTA7kXlWHhe0LZ5vfjCu6OpRLSMnRGuKqDe-5IJAptp8tIUHsWGo6rdKOpQX_QZ/s1600/47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh69FPhOFiCWlZhj3jwXWzyz8I_F1DOqYbg81jRmNATgjuoS2Ws_AREa4Mihyv_ElchUZTkHQJsite94MTA7kXlWHhe0LZ5vfjCu6OpRLSMnRGuKqDe-5IJAptp8tIUHsWGo6rdKOpQX_QZ/s400/47.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All ready for the costume party!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMm9kzLUrpjlVWYVSk-RwcVtdtyXvrIvDL0RBuzEKis3Y7hLFEur1eZncW6KxurWcB0F_ctlJOuq936FVzlKariKiDKrwj9A565j0Yz3XuiRcSjQiMpjiLFLjXJ_D2Vv7AW1hAwzqLTdtv/s1600/48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMm9kzLUrpjlVWYVSk-RwcVtdtyXvrIvDL0RBuzEKis3Y7hLFEur1eZncW6KxurWcB0F_ctlJOuq936FVzlKariKiDKrwj9A565j0Yz3XuiRcSjQiMpjiLFLjXJ_D2Vv7AW1hAwzqLTdtv/s400/48.jpg" width="258" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kathy Phelan and Carrie Hein-Paredes</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSBCi0q2oyy1sXGmfU_Hz8fGmiZ4b6I9m6cqOabi-LreVCq0vS40KosqY_jvaVFnmMK7Af5Jg-osgB3si0oRm0bq5Ccm1K8LMZ2eJWTOFxzjmCSq6uk7LGriJtkoMCG54s2nBv6BCwdl6c/s1600/49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSBCi0q2oyy1sXGmfU_Hz8fGmiZ4b6I9m6cqOabi-LreVCq0vS40KosqY_jvaVFnmMK7Af5Jg-osgB3si0oRm0bq5Ccm1K8LMZ2eJWTOFxzjmCSq6uk7LGriJtkoMCG54s2nBv6BCwdl6c/s400/49.jpg" width="388" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amanda Rhine came from Decorah to lead us in a hip hop dance session at the party. We rocked it!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbihXl9UQJQZnesFSAL5mBggYltN0YtKRgHMmdQY1VuKbmU2iV2h07-qSmTHKriBf2C5-4ETdnHq5nxKbfF9QujP51LmyPLJoTX5Pkk0JbsfsjguO0rhsQ0yL7t5YJYkl_IiIviI31DLx3/s1600/50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbihXl9UQJQZnesFSAL5mBggYltN0YtKRgHMmdQY1VuKbmU2iV2h07-qSmTHKriBf2C5-4ETdnHq5nxKbfF9QujP51LmyPLJoTX5Pkk0JbsfsjguO0rhsQ0yL7t5YJYkl_IiIviI31DLx3/s400/50.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghdFt_Id2r2aqGGqrIxJBRjgtrzEwqdJ9srv45x4nPT79oYVUJgkmUs3D2r-DLxQ9XE_NSAJhK9LkmCHyHEAxQAQXoUyy_UnzTQO0INrvIAUnvNJUIkzKUvIoBG2QbXLiNwkHiQE8ess5N/s1600/51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghdFt_Id2r2aqGGqrIxJBRjgtrzEwqdJ9srv45x4nPT79oYVUJgkmUs3D2r-DLxQ9XE_NSAJhK9LkmCHyHEAxQAQXoUyy_UnzTQO0INrvIAUnvNJUIkzKUvIoBG2QbXLiNwkHiQE8ess5N/s400/51.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sherry Avila strutting her stuff at the costume fashion parade.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg11KOW3di5weaV08qdKBBUaanvOpLekII8j4GcAtNbWIeXXqnVbXlbzEatoLKvjFC_ZCuU7R896XDRAarTbLt07T7jjd2l1N2CBPl6dPK3mn8fqEq0mCn42NPXBI20gFeLQxHhsrMfoWkJ/s1600/52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg11KOW3di5weaV08qdKBBUaanvOpLekII8j4GcAtNbWIeXXqnVbXlbzEatoLKvjFC_ZCuU7R896XDRAarTbLt07T7jjd2l1N2CBPl6dPK3mn8fqEq0mCn42NPXBI20gFeLQxHhsrMfoWkJ/s400/52.jpg" width="392" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calvin Weis having a great time.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHYJCb_ZFc8mhyphenhyphenSiXCH1OlQdYlPi4ijBqNGm9WSNxdGIwn-wxsv3HDieOXVDtuiImQuMoCG84x8WZQDacJJigpY7V_yESKpNPXQcgDKpXjhXq-P7uZUQhl9cs_UeW65ShZureDYBlGr5jY/s1600/53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHYJCb_ZFc8mhyphenhyphenSiXCH1OlQdYlPi4ijBqNGm9WSNxdGIwn-wxsv3HDieOXVDtuiImQuMoCG84x8WZQDacJJigpY7V_yESKpNPXQcgDKpXjhXq-P7uZUQhl9cs_UeW65ShZureDYBlGr5jY/s400/53.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN1PUB4_tygsVCKgalOQjphTT33hdXqiG48cbmTf7rljKSNcIGYzyJSN2opvTfglo1nMqfMEUo4Wy_VjjMiOrKuAqSHf9zBUKeSjhCf9eddO1XA3eG7hvv16uC-VWGF89p01IHH8mA_lJ7/s1600/54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN1PUB4_tygsVCKgalOQjphTT33hdXqiG48cbmTf7rljKSNcIGYzyJSN2opvTfglo1nMqfMEUo4Wy_VjjMiOrKuAqSHf9zBUKeSjhCf9eddO1XA3eG7hvv16uC-VWGF89p01IHH8mA_lJ7/s400/54.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More hip hop dancing!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs43ODdoxvpuiClSmw5SdoyHKc27vJcp9R5yIxEk9J8lsdZeulV5ytSG_EX3MAqrGBZ6T4w3vjZBxX6FmWbOktH0Aemnix2vMQKIhhGgwcctCiDlAkd7PnLAk7Jx4K8BMrTp99Dox-RWfK/s1600/55.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs43ODdoxvpuiClSmw5SdoyHKc27vJcp9R5yIxEk9J8lsdZeulV5ytSG_EX3MAqrGBZ6T4w3vjZBxX6FmWbOktH0Aemnix2vMQKIhhGgwcctCiDlAkd7PnLAk7Jx4K8BMrTp99Dox-RWfK/s400/55.1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michael Phelan and Louden Weis in the talent show.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHGnJrjQJhP4hyphenhypheno0_h7fEI8LC-OYXW9_zvgVheDlySCddaCyvKczhZ9niY_u15LS6R1PMW9vDMLfOkXdHwJCLOW8XsfoumXoPZqDFpfQQLlXv7_B25J_BJUWG-uL7DOikkhlAdCb70-0x4/s1600/56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHGnJrjQJhP4hyphenhypheno0_h7fEI8LC-OYXW9_zvgVheDlySCddaCyvKczhZ9niY_u15LS6R1PMW9vDMLfOkXdHwJCLOW8XsfoumXoPZqDFpfQQLlXv7_B25J_BJUWG-uL7DOikkhlAdCb70-0x4/s400/56.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Chicago folks: Ellen Klein, Lynda Tourloukis, Sherry and Frank Avila</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkSJG-e1AJKovj5OzF1fzZClIcbwF5qbRkBrNAIBNEPOGqMLEhnjpbt5dP_F6nJJqMk-CJ7zf5vKDlNhsKblA_abSpQS5i5DHoHmQUGfnXNO3OBgrRB8I67bT1gN3VkFZb2JB799pTmaDf/s1600/57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkSJG-e1AJKovj5OzF1fzZClIcbwF5qbRkBrNAIBNEPOGqMLEhnjpbt5dP_F6nJJqMk-CJ7zf5vKDlNhsKblA_abSpQS5i5DHoHmQUGfnXNO3OBgrRB8I67bT1gN3VkFZb2JB799pTmaDf/s400/57.jpg" width="370" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clint Darr in the talent show.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv3fzvCqannV5oJhAU2WsXfCXA-oXn5SDDHSytaDn-8UKRj8AicrOqRO8kI-J2lQVhAyWeMGc9213lqlkum6oM-tLO_GkM9wSbiaScXbHtzqu6x5eQCAovgctpAj3Urf3CdKaAdt_p5kIT/s1600/58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv3fzvCqannV5oJhAU2WsXfCXA-oXn5SDDHSytaDn-8UKRj8AicrOqRO8kI-J2lQVhAyWeMGc9213lqlkum6oM-tLO_GkM9wSbiaScXbHtzqu6x5eQCAovgctpAj3Urf3CdKaAdt_p5kIT/s400/58.jpg" width="348" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4gRhCxIwV8yMHu7vH6AQHyQ2RFtG-YaFSGdKIR5z0DBqNqcstPqINIwSvL0UKU-NWOIPCQHYQ8gs9NE_IbJhXeCJLLYDOSrtt2sCOv3QmQSxH9LrN6n90q9W7JRC19Sui462DsO0RDJOT/s1600/59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4gRhCxIwV8yMHu7vH6AQHyQ2RFtG-YaFSGdKIR5z0DBqNqcstPqINIwSvL0UKU-NWOIPCQHYQ8gs9NE_IbJhXeCJLLYDOSrtt2sCOv3QmQSxH9LrN6n90q9W7JRC19Sui462DsO0RDJOT/s400/59.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me with my cousin's daughter, Astin Hong</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipc7oU4A3vf8bUg0hq8s6iRAatqTTsm5qRuPLMebKAZBjlRwX1fL4AUvJ1HMWGztJCaiBA3kKKyfvqQ0-yzTlh-s_Q-ny2kUZzN2xfAjOf_EC1ojaN6TCUs0r-aRvBF4RRPh74vzuogm2P/s1600/60.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipc7oU4A3vf8bUg0hq8s6iRAatqTTsm5qRuPLMebKAZBjlRwX1fL4AUvJ1HMWGztJCaiBA3kKKyfvqQ0-yzTlh-s_Q-ny2kUZzN2xfAjOf_EC1ojaN6TCUs0r-aRvBF4RRPh74vzuogm2P/s400/60.1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZagwymI1VA94zGgS81eyyHhO1p6lRKYnBlqC9hu3RBXbf3nCXvHBvfOEaupc1gmSAZXJjV7rpzO2HmRil1nQfatmREhUprH1fnEqqX9mJbKjqjK1Avp_q29tcSe2P9X2ROn8gStFcE6jw/s1600/60.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZagwymI1VA94zGgS81eyyHhO1p6lRKYnBlqC9hu3RBXbf3nCXvHBvfOEaupc1gmSAZXJjV7rpzO2HmRil1nQfatmREhUprH1fnEqqX9mJbKjqjK1Avp_q29tcSe2P9X2ROn8gStFcE6jw/s400/60.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joy Baldoz showing how to BEE happy.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPlXJgeveznSc1SooyDOahm19Bp_iMrkDr_Xrne0crMNvD14Dx0hCkxDh4q74CJXUgZwDNaA-aRpfmLB7HhAfd-cUgskJgXBjCckG6OdaPhcD_Jc0NfFlsLWruK0eiI0R_n0m93DONtfK/s1600/61.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPlXJgeveznSc1SooyDOahm19Bp_iMrkDr_Xrne0crMNvD14Dx0hCkxDh4q74CJXUgZwDNaA-aRpfmLB7HhAfd-cUgskJgXBjCckG6OdaPhcD_Jc0NfFlsLWruK0eiI0R_n0m93DONtfK/s400/61.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sister, Kathy Phelan, me and my cousin, Marcy Hong</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl29w5IJZfY1qFXzRKfQLZJMLwBv9sAWS1tPLxs2KE3KTa1orsvRmiWDVSJslTUOKkenz2BTUH-J3Q0TLpa4MC2jwiCUVG92LwnlQUPjGE4S70ePPp4JpOZGZEInwhws8cqY8xqjJzLlgS/s1600/62.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl29w5IJZfY1qFXzRKfQLZJMLwBv9sAWS1tPLxs2KE3KTa1orsvRmiWDVSJslTUOKkenz2BTUH-J3Q0TLpa4MC2jwiCUVG92LwnlQUPjGE4S70ePPp4JpOZGZEInwhws8cqY8xqjJzLlgS/s400/62.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Saturday night campfire.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3QUvhpO0mFVXufmPcfPteHgmywB01jEll5G8xheKh7xxi3xRwXPSXV5uWl49gnxyhlfd81AK-lwzLx6djbO6qiiPRNceobPWCBem2REBBToml1ToFGcRo9RBes6zW8M5GR01KiChphkC3/s1600/63.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3QUvhpO0mFVXufmPcfPteHgmywB01jEll5G8xheKh7xxi3xRwXPSXV5uWl49gnxyhlfd81AK-lwzLx6djbO6qiiPRNceobPWCBem2REBBToml1ToFGcRo9RBes6zW8M5GR01KiChphkC3/s400/63.jpg" width="356" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The field trip to Our Savior's Lutheran Church of Lansing, Iowa on Sunday morning.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhH2_cTohGVagg7yhDb43s0xyWSEfDRJfBWBipAl8surhehu_LhQh8eg0J6ihMt89jIfRYRfvUlHXY3Ez01TZmihsRVO4FRgKIkgq-VjAffTBiU1sO_yfvsaJ0KbD6X4YWMTRhCiFytTfx/s1600/64.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhH2_cTohGVagg7yhDb43s0xyWSEfDRJfBWBipAl8surhehu_LhQh8eg0J6ihMt89jIfRYRfvUlHXY3Ez01TZmihsRVO4FRgKIkgq-VjAffTBiU1sO_yfvsaJ0KbD6X4YWMTRhCiFytTfx/s400/64.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teddy Widdel frightening a parishioner in the interactive children's sermon!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi83qjnZYnwKnNCUmpoD0VMI5qqg_TIW0lI-BTj2g_rj-Qv8cyJtM_Ox6Z8uV5aLvYRvQOmhqMANkVqJyJb9FN_K9qoDo_TXj8sXjvSBDe5MzsOo8d3Zpq5bq0_Y3ocSq-xGcOh0hS0X_PU/s1600/65.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi83qjnZYnwKnNCUmpoD0VMI5qqg_TIW0lI-BTj2g_rj-Qv8cyJtM_Ox6Z8uV5aLvYRvQOmhqMANkVqJyJb9FN_K9qoDo_TXj8sXjvSBDe5MzsOo8d3Zpq5bq0_Y3ocSq-xGcOh0hS0X_PU/s400/65.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rev. Jane Voigts preaching.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ltxayBePeKXsLRrjjbU78LQjHP_1knik0uTAKfSTDMq_YfLPo3IZINc-3aBVqbt3diZS20lJeVgip6vUs4l8xBhvqmaVHuYCQwdPDDns5U9wZHJBCIklOeE3OkXOOAvbujKuh6ZTtbIB/s1600/66.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ltxayBePeKXsLRrjjbU78LQjHP_1knik0uTAKfSTDMq_YfLPo3IZINc-3aBVqbt3diZS20lJeVgip6vUs4l8xBhvqmaVHuYCQwdPDDns5U9wZHJBCIklOeE3OkXOOAvbujKuh6ZTtbIB/s400/66.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me leading worship at my church.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8UPo7cthbKfEhigOpbGeDaiAs_2uxbp3GMxs_pYGMZMhNE6w30qCimTMDQ53-pZ15di4Rg8lCksVLHYths9iEZ7JtWM4iy76z0pD1KVCLy4z-SHwMMkx6wE9XZV7PmZz3-50XgosBxkOZ/s1600/76.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8UPo7cthbKfEhigOpbGeDaiAs_2uxbp3GMxs_pYGMZMhNE6w30qCimTMDQ53-pZ15di4Rg8lCksVLHYths9iEZ7JtWM4iy76z0pD1KVCLy4z-SHwMMkx6wE9XZV7PmZz3-50XgosBxkOZ/s400/76.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celia sharing her music at worship.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX-3dMBkswyhE2rsnNqBDZc9DXRUFNWiQ8N7ARTsx8V7BhqG9ydtJvc4RpB2hhb6PQnxBczFW6i-y6tml0PmdVYh80IPP5rgNRg3GkURh1-ngHsq7n8xo_diXKBn_9cEXxIkPLCUZRZJ3z/s1600/77.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX-3dMBkswyhE2rsnNqBDZc9DXRUFNWiQ8N7ARTsx8V7BhqG9ydtJvc4RpB2hhb6PQnxBczFW6i-y6tml0PmdVYh80IPP5rgNRg3GkURh1-ngHsq7n8xo_diXKBn_9cEXxIkPLCUZRZJ3z/s400/77.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8MPQbwWLlVfS5ofvVEdSMVePjMlw25XW4_7gmzcE-Rt_pbDDVtpKDleUEZI3o6YOztSK1s4MEQU0l2LpYEoJ7RzgM0N3sgfVO7LIuAPS8h34Fuvcj2i5wqUBgI9PIjhmJysTJvONk4Ch8/s1600/78.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8MPQbwWLlVfS5ofvVEdSMVePjMlw25XW4_7gmzcE-Rt_pbDDVtpKDleUEZI3o6YOztSK1s4MEQU0l2LpYEoJ7RzgM0N3sgfVO7LIuAPS8h34Fuvcj2i5wqUBgI9PIjhmJysTJvONk4Ch8/s400/78.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We did a World Laughter Day laughter flash mob downtown Lansing!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg5TdrFtuNzyytSX7VJ_BG7PTe5B-TxT0tKw7-QT7E2g7J8p68zJPfZmYl8sbAkZFHX-dbo4fzhaQ6VCcE3RMD4m5Dl_NmNqBwh13wmC_xWd6Uqct_tD6qTFcOK9a4joS3USyzDGNg_cPJ/s1600/79.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg5TdrFtuNzyytSX7VJ_BG7PTe5B-TxT0tKw7-QT7E2g7J8p68zJPfZmYl8sbAkZFHX-dbo4fzhaQ6VCcE3RMD4m5Dl_NmNqBwh13wmC_xWd6Uqct_tD6qTFcOK9a4joS3USyzDGNg_cPJ/s400/79.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kathy Phelan, her son, Michael, Carrie Hein-Paredes and me</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlLond5wkPT-LVUwqJRrtxFy2l4olKt4LNfC40oJbKHKn2udq77HPgbk3NVce15mBP75XedY8H7angeu98zU0FUCig0Bf9KwpEJPsJIn0BHki_CAaU-vBDKx4g06kNciZR-awx0WkV8zfB/s1600/98.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlLond5wkPT-LVUwqJRrtxFy2l4olKt4LNfC40oJbKHKn2udq77HPgbk3NVce15mBP75XedY8H7angeu98zU0FUCig0Bf9KwpEJPsJIn0BHki_CAaU-vBDKx4g06kNciZR-awx0WkV8zfB/s400/98.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teddy Widdel and her lovely sign.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMvxGczhmiILoo6GdHeml0_u1HDJRLE42yZwRUjF8LsCf2Oj_ZNov7eLE_6oZCWXij6Rx7Y_3cKPE6yLP5JecsNYwxJPaMQuEvSSKXeqC0wijMTFtP7lcpjBhbx2kNQlRtqS3llTVQmmjR/s1600/99.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMvxGczhmiILoo6GdHeml0_u1HDJRLE42yZwRUjF8LsCf2Oj_ZNov7eLE_6oZCWXij6Rx7Y_3cKPE6yLP5JecsNYwxJPaMQuEvSSKXeqC0wijMTFtP7lcpjBhbx2kNQlRtqS3llTVQmmjR/s400/99.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teddy Widdel's presentation</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lynda Tourloukis wrapping up the event</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The final ritual: a run through the tunnel of affirmation!</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509156777211609256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7558514424646298801.post-85531282497732546402017-04-19T11:23:00.002-07:002017-04-19T11:24:06.450-07:00TED-TALK SPEAKER TO PRESENT AT LAUGH-FEST<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our latest addition to the Laugh-Fest speaker line-up is none other than Clint Darr. He's recently given a TED Talk and now he's bringing it to the Laugh-Fest. His journey with laughter as an everyday educator turned him into a laughter powerhouse among his peers and has given him national acclaim for bringing a humorous approach to education in the afterschool environment with the simplicity of laughter. Sharing the outline of his TED program and the anecdotal stories and strategies he’s incorporated along the way, prepare for BIG FUN as we explore how to engage, energize and boost afterschool programs in your communities. Discover the wide range of life benefits personally and professionally and the techniques that keep it flowing, while exploring the benefits we offer others. ROTFL guaranteed!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Isn't it time you signed up for Laugh-Fest? There are too many things you won't want to miss. Remember that you can sign up for Saturday only or discount housing in order to save money. <a href="http://www.laughinglaura.com/laughfest-presenters.html">Click here to see the speaker page and get registered.</a></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509156777211609256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7558514424646298801.post-85906780483424123612017-04-01T14:57:00.002-07:002017-04-01T14:59:17.383-07:00LAUGH-FEST EARLYBIRD EXTENSION (NO FOOLIN')<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSVt-BUFRlBmUXnB3ro2xj76uBUp2o5UMb4bnDILSAm6jKGmfzfNe-XJub36qzGyo5BfBlEXvlOHSW8D1OS_uTOPl73_gZ5WEK8gJEJ7HHMnBE01m7PC2d7UmZ93gghF8aOAHqZjgTpE8/s1600/laughfest2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSVt-BUFRlBmUXnB3ro2xj76uBUp2o5UMb4bnDILSAm6jKGmfzfNe-XJub36qzGyo5BfBlEXvlOHSW8D1OS_uTOPl73_gZ5WEK8gJEJ7HHMnBE01m7PC2d7UmZ93gghF8aOAHqZjgTpE8/s400/laughfest2017.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">LAUGH-FEST 2017! It is almost here. That's right. It's a little over a month away and today was supposed to be the early-bird discount deadline (ha ha ha) but just to make sure that more of you are able to take advantage of this fantastic deal, we're extending it until April 10th. YAY! But don't delay because that's coming up soon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Still not sure if you've got time to come to Laugh-Fest this year? Then let me introduce you to <a href="http://www.kennyahern.com/">Kenny Ahren</a>. This guy is going to knock your socks off!</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Touring the planet for over two decades, Kenny Ahern has steadily built his reputation as a world-class family entertainer. Kenny has been a faculty member with Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Clown College and The University of Wisconsin—La Crosse’s <a href="http://www.clowncamp.org/"><span class="s2">Clown Camp</span></a>® (twenty years and this year he's directing it!). Kenny has been featured at the World Clown Association and Clowns of America International Conventions and the Clowns Around the World Festival/Conference—Singapore. He has also presented workshops for the Drama Departments of DePaul University, The University of Minnesota and the University of Virginia. Kenny will lead us in—get this—a PIE FIGHT! That’s right. He’ll teach us the clown art of making and throwing pies. We’ll also learn comic water spitting techniques sure to make you laugh.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have ALWAYS wanted to learn how to throw a pie in someone's face, haven't you? I'm super excited. Kenny is presenting at Laugh-Fest and I will get to present at <a href="http://www.clowncamp.org/clown-camp-2017/">Clown Camp</a>. Isn't that awesome? Let me suggest you register for both. I've been to Clown Camp and it's beyond fun.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Anyway, I live off the grid now and don't have a clear internet signal in my home (ha ha ha) which is why I haven't sent you many blogs about the Laugh-Fest. So I apologize for the radio silence. But believe me, this year's Laugh-Fest is turning out to be incredible. Not only do we have Robert Rivest presenting AND teaching a certified Laughter Yoga Leader course, but we have Lynda Tourloukis presenting AND teaching a certified Laughter Yoga Teacher course. On top of that we have Celia giving another soulfully comic concert AND teaching a workshop. Plus, we have Rev. Jane Voigts, the Laughing DJs, Teddy Widdel, Aaron Covey, Amanda Rhine and more! Please visit the <a href="http://www.laughinglaura.com/laughfest-presenters.html">Laugh-Fest presenters</a> page to learn more.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">REGISTER NOW at the <a href="http://www.laughinglaura.com/laughfest.html">LAUGH-FEST PAGE!</a> See you soon. ha ha ha!</span></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509156777211609256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7558514424646298801.post-72356958282156699812017-02-06T10:24:00.000-08:002017-02-06T10:24:09.069-08:00ROBERT RIVEST TO ROCK THE LAUGH-FEST<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbkaOYqn4jPj2UMfkG6RVjC1TGFaJQEmGExGKfogSdNNCQQT8Gy5PHC1RvYGxg8XaDkr6oO-CfCuKPfm_IX2WCND1qYDeRLjCi0Xm9d_rJzwbwYJ3ABF6RR3meX9GAPpIVUxhzHSMkuDpX/s1600/rob.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbkaOYqn4jPj2UMfkG6RVjC1TGFaJQEmGExGKfogSdNNCQQT8Gy5PHC1RvYGxg8XaDkr6oO-CfCuKPfm_IX2WCND1qYDeRLjCi0Xm9d_rJzwbwYJ3ABF6RR3meX9GAPpIVUxhzHSMkuDpX/s400/rob.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Big, big, happy, laughing news: the AMAZING Robert Rivest is going to be our keynote speaker/presenter/laugher at the <a href="http://www.laughinglaura.com/laughfest.html">2017 Laugh-Fest!</a> Robert, as you probably already know, is an <span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">internationally admired performer and teacher</span><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">. In addition to being a renowned comic mime artist, he is also an accomplished health, literacy and stress relief educator, a gifted mindfulness teacher, a certified laughter yoga master trainer and an engaging public speaker. Since 1990 Robert Rivest has given over 7,000 presentations in Europe, Asia, Africa and across the U.S. His mission is to use mindfulness, laughter and the performing arts to bring health and happiness to individuals and organizations around the world.</span></span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the <a href="http://www.laughinglaura.com/laughfest.html">Laugh-Fest</a> he will be performing a mime and giving a workshop called "Mindfulness, Expression and Laughter Yoga". You won't want to miss Robert's inspiration.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not only that, he will be teaching a certified Laughter Yoga Leader class May 4-5 (the days leading up to the launch of the Laugh-Fest on the evening of the 5th). So that means you can come and train with Robert then proceed to laugh all weekend. What an immersion experience! Consider taking his class as a refresher if you are already a Laughter Yoga Leader. His style and giftedness as a teacher can help take your laughter practice to a whole new level! Visit <a href="http://robertrivest.com/">Robert's website</a> to register.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To help you get to know Robert and his unique style, I suggest you laugh with him this week. He's made videos to laugh you through seven days, one for each day of the week. Check them out right here. Try it and you'll be hooked! </span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="s1">1) </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: #021eaa;">Breathing: </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wShhSU37Otc" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="s3">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wShhSU37Otc</span></a></span></div>
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<span class="s2"><span style="font-size: small;">Laughing: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5K9mmYLuFiI"><span class="s3">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5K9mmYLuFiI</span></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="s1">2) </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: #021eaa;">Breathing: </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SEkMVLkRbE" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="s3">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SEkMVLkRbE</span></a></span></div>
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<span class="s2"><span style="font-size: small;">Laughing: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFD5DFPWlPc"><span class="s3">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFD5DFPWlPc</span></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="s1">3) </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: #021eaa;">Breathing: </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74uLA3MPnHM" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="s3">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74uLA3MPnHM</span></a></span></div>
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<span class="s2"><span style="font-size: small;">Laughing: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_ormGTMiwM"><span class="s3">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_ormGTMiwM</span></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="s1">4) </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: #021eaa;">Breathing: </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmcHjRLYJp8" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="s3">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmcHjRLYJp8</span></a></span></div>
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<span class="s2"><span style="font-size: small;">Laughing: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sASAhNYH4zA"><span class="s3">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sASAhNYH4zA</span></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="s1">5) </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: #021eaa;">Breathing: </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULCG3v0cXTk" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="s3">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULCG3v0cXTk</span></a></span></div>
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<span class="s2"><span style="font-size: small;">Laughing: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_90HtirEZM8"><span class="s3">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_90HtirEZM8</span></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="s1">6) </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: #021eaa;">Breathing: </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZZMqfHvpa4" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="s3">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZZMqfHvpa4</span></a></span></div>
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<span class="s2"><span style="font-size: small;">Laughing: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXkvTli37mA&t=6s"><span class="s3">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXkvTli37mA&t=6s</span></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="s1">7) </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: #021eaa;">Breathing: </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiVhkEhgO4Y" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="s3">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiVhkEhgO4Y</span></a></span></div>
<div class="p3">
<span class="s2"><span style="font-size: small;">Laughing: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JXJkuu43Co"><span class="s3">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JXJkuu43Co</span></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">Breathe & Laugh with Robert Rivest and friends 7 days a week!</span></span></div>
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<span class="s4"><span style="font-size: small;">More at: <a href="http://robertrivest.com/video/laughalongwithrobe/"><span class="s3">http://robertrivest.com/video/laughalongwithrobe/</span></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: indigo; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.laughinglaura.com/laughfest.html">Register for the Laugh-Fest here!</a></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509156777211609256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7558514424646298801.post-82411029798492378722017-01-27T11:55:00.002-08:002017-01-27T11:55:35.702-08:0010 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE LAUGH-FEST IS COMING UP!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwdZ3RRSGkftFCAfKnaMqit9makYkTQNhOFDDGsySpMYTcV0f6edr9v2Y0jPFDv4OnjhB1fGCVSLwoi0JmnOUVv1oIJaX6awmEyZWaSUR2Lo94tC54Bf-JIGTZJe4Bm1SPN0Wz7NLsz-6o/s1600/laughfest2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwdZ3RRSGkftFCAfKnaMqit9makYkTQNhOFDDGsySpMYTcV0f6edr9v2Y0jPFDv4OnjhB1fGCVSLwoi0JmnOUVv1oIJaX6awmEyZWaSUR2Lo94tC54Bf-JIGTZJe4Bm1SPN0Wz7NLsz-6o/s400/laughfest2017.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Has it really been TEN YEARS? Well, yes it has! That's because Lynda Tourloukis started the "Laugh-Fest in the Midwest" a decade ago. Then, without realizing it I picked up the tradition by starting the "Laugh-Fest of the Midwest" right when Lynda stopped organizing it. When the two of us joined forces we realized that between the two of us (and a plethora of other amazing laughers) we had successfully put together nine years of laughter conferences here in America's heartland! Isn't that incredible? So this year, 2017, is the "Year of the Laugh"! We are celebrating a full ten years and we couldn't be more thrilled! YAY!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">This blow-out Laugh-Fest will be held in Ferryville, Wisconsin from </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><b>May 5-7, 2017</b></span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">. It will be an exciting weekend of laughter, fun, inspiration, creativity, dancing, singing and various merriment—all in a gorgeous, natural setting. Whether you are new to laughter yoga, a seasoned professional or just someone interested in joy and wellness, there's something for you at the Laugh-Fest.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Click here to visit the newly updated <a href="http://www.laughinglaura.com/laughfest.html">Laugh-Fest page</a> with all the details and registration information. We need you there! And pitch us a presentation idea if you'd like.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Also, read <a href="http://www.laughteryogalife.com/single-post/5740ef590cf28f6d2bcfc18e">Lynda's recap of last year's event</a>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Laugh-Fest is just a few months away. I can't wait to see you and delight in a weekend of pure bliss. See you there!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509156777211609256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7558514424646298801.post-13415302757338123952016-05-09T10:40:00.002-07:002016-05-09T10:41:51.636-07:00LAUGH-FEST! LAUGH-FEST! YES! YES! YES!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5y2Vapl0HsSlF-Yckwkh_OHspob9rCmgxjBWqKoc65wcAsvhe1HYR4_YYjwem5pLATA-ymedmIF1tP0SNfq0eDQvoC87tsL2R_t43XRc8USdtg6xSJ4ioN7Fy9-u3xwl4_4wyjFpD9yoW/s1600/laughfestlogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5y2Vapl0HsSlF-Yckwkh_OHspob9rCmgxjBWqKoc65wcAsvhe1HYR4_YYjwem5pLATA-ymedmIF1tP0SNfq0eDQvoC87tsL2R_t43XRc8USdtg6xSJ4ioN7Fy9-u3xwl4_4wyjFpD9yoW/s400/laughfestlogo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
OH WOW! The Laugh-Fest of the Midwest is almost here! You can almost hear the laughter ringing already. The great news is that we have the largest group registered for the fest we've ever had. And the even better news is that there is still a bit of space left for you and your friends. YAY!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The'll be a costume party and talent show this year!</td></tr>
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I get it, you're busy. Who has time to register months in advance? So for those of you who haven't yet, pop right over to the <a href="http://www.laughinglaura.com/laughfest.html">Laugh-Fest page</a> and register now. It is not too late! If money's tight, consider the Saturday only option or the discount housing. Those are both found on the <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B66AGyTuWqsnc2JQQVFyZy1GVkE/view?usp=sharing">mail-in form right here</a>. If you'd rather use Paypal for those options, email me at laughinglauragentry@gmail.com so I can invoice you.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBXmOM4pHIh0UMzhqU6kxhKwIJMAPM_w_-za3UdVKWVACZj9g8mAFF6ZZwkHgOG0EkYu0T2PX4a5jsf1yOdCbnSYe_jarClgDzVT5nt4gRUAbtNQOu-w3m3BeKfIWJRvyAHf9Ljjus36q5/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBXmOM4pHIh0UMzhqU6kxhKwIJMAPM_w_-za3UdVKWVACZj9g8mAFF6ZZwkHgOG0EkYu0T2PX4a5jsf1yOdCbnSYe_jarClgDzVT5nt4gRUAbtNQOu-w3m3BeKfIWJRvyAHf9Ljjus36q5/s400/13.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Experience the elation of laughter!</td></tr>
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Why come to the Laugh-Fest of the Midwest? Because it is a laughter vacation. It will enable you to spend quality time with other people serious about happiness and you'll get loads of laughter, inspiration, delicious food and time in nature. It's a joy-lift waiting for you. What could be better? Listen to my <a href="http://thejoyfactorpodcast.com/laughter-as-a-lifestyle/">podcast interview that has more about the Laugh-Fest here</a>.<br />
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I also want to thank the presenters who have put in such effort to create amazing experiences and who are making the trip to Ferryville to share their wisdom with us. We are so grateful for their generosity of spirit. You'll want to be at the Laugh-Fest just to hang out with these laughter giants. <a href="http://www.laughinglaura.com/laughfest.html">Read about them all here</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjenOSdf6EDcU6scTUalU8EuW5FKMh1GxKsISiQ5pRlhPLOjZnCjqqSlgemloYi59TDMvokuiwEkNfRMwgI8x9-TAMtCUECSYyfTsRBU9IrJXJSJ-2zihmDawT5G9gVmdmvJiGxSea6_EJl/s1600/124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjenOSdf6EDcU6scTUalU8EuW5FKMh1GxKsISiQ5pRlhPLOjZnCjqqSlgemloYi59TDMvokuiwEkNfRMwgI8x9-TAMtCUECSYyfTsRBU9IrJXJSJ-2zihmDawT5G9gVmdmvJiGxSea6_EJl/s400/124.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feel the bond of laughter connect hearts and minds</td></tr>
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And let you forget, there are two pre-conference workshops you can take to expand your learning and delight. Learn about Celia's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1601882320132022/">Laughter and the Voice workshop here</a> and Lynda's <a href="http://www.laughteryogalife.com/#!genius-play/x3etp">Genius Play workshop here</a>. These experiences are incredibly unique so take advantage of this opportunity if you can.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFnbd79Pu2WrmMlyTYt8eZ_9yVClr2_DN-giGeJR18AAQ7Hcq6jN_hWpGHYY_032m2UBH4YSPmgzMUbCWdm3I_vBnSf9cR9EoCfJ-ebx2ClKcCV3aTpkszzsVnXS9Y1XV1RQHN5jK-uSOM/s1600/IMG_2041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFnbd79Pu2WrmMlyTYt8eZ_9yVClr2_DN-giGeJR18AAQ7Hcq6jN_hWpGHYY_032m2UBH4YSPmgzMUbCWdm3I_vBnSf9cR9EoCfJ-ebx2ClKcCV3aTpkszzsVnXS9Y1XV1RQHN5jK-uSOM/s400/IMG_2041.jpg" width="255" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ray Wojciechowski will be at the Laugh-Fest making his wildly popular balloon creations!</td></tr>
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This year's festival theme is YES! so please say YES and be with us for a weekend you won't soon forget. TEEEEEHEE!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509156777211609256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7558514424646298801.post-30071136660562180292016-05-07T11:49:00.000-07:002016-05-07T11:54:06.793-07:00GENUIS PLAY EXPERIENCE—A PRE-LAUGH-FEST WORKSHOP<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5y2Vapl0HsSlF-Yckwkh_OHspob9rCmgxjBWqKoc65wcAsvhe1HYR4_YYjwem5pLATA-ymedmIF1tP0SNfq0eDQvoC87tsL2R_t43XRc8USdtg6xSJ4ioN7Fy9-u3xwl4_4wyjFpD9yoW/s1600/laughfestlogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5y2Vapl0HsSlF-Yckwkh_OHspob9rCmgxjBWqKoc65wcAsvhe1HYR4_YYjwem5pLATA-ymedmIF1tP0SNfq0eDQvoC87tsL2R_t43XRc8USdtg6xSJ4ioN7Fy9-u3xwl4_4wyjFpD9yoW/s400/laughfestlogo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The <a href="http://www.laughinglaura.com/laughfest.html">Laugh-Fest</a> is almost here! I can feel the giggles ascending already. You're excited to be, aren't you? Oh, and guess what? You can still<a href="http://www.laughinglaura.com/laughfest.html"> register here</a> right now! </div>
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You know it begins this Friday, May 13th, but what you might not know is that there is going to be an incredible pre-event workshop all day at the camp in Ferryville. It is called the Genius Play Experience and it is being led by none other than <a href="http://www.youcansayyes.com/">Lynda Tourloukis</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3z8VX3KnMcZ0IJSxcqihWYMEz44T6aMeAcQZEQwrpUNxj4mHpvU0-vVQm43TdCdseBcRCEBPysY6dv84ifvPwe7pxrozy2u4ExSUDCW_S5N3yU3UrLzm6IL2iqbuFedh0q0mNiND1pM0b/s1600/ojo_Iynda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3z8VX3KnMcZ0IJSxcqihWYMEz44T6aMeAcQZEQwrpUNxj4mHpvU0-vVQm43TdCdseBcRCEBPysY6dv84ifvPwe7pxrozy2u4ExSUDCW_S5N3yU3UrLzm6IL2iqbuFedh0q0mNiND1pM0b/s320/ojo_Iynda.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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"What is Genius Play?" You ask. Genius Play is another new innovation by the amazing Lynda Tourloukis. She's always on the cutting edge and here's your opportunity to learn from her.</div>
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Genius Play is an intriguing and inspiring experience where we can discover fun facets and learn more capabilities than we thought. This is an exploration that is light-hearted and playfully activates your ability to yield the potential of what is possible.</div>
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Discover what abilities you are not using and refine a few that you are. This is FUN. There is LAUGHTER. And there is OMG!!!</div>
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Hurry and register today. More information and registration is available at: </div>
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<a href="http://www.laughteryogalife.com/#!genius-play/x3etp" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>www.laughteryogalife.com/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>#!genius-play/x3etp</a></div>
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You can say YES! To Genius Play and to the Laugh-Fest of the Midwest. </div>
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And remember this is not the only workshop going on this Friday! There is also Celia Faran's Laughter and the Voice workshop, which is sure to be a fascinating experience. <a href="http://laughingwithlaura.blogspot.com/2016/04/laughter-voice-workshop.html">Learn more here. </a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509156777211609256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7558514424646298801.post-27291325502624313662016-05-04T12:57:00.002-07:002016-05-04T12:58:48.286-07:00A FREE PODCAST SO YOU CAN LAUGH ALONG<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm excited to announce an awesome Podcast all about laughter as a lifestyle. It is an interview I gave for the Joy Factor Podcast with Julie Hanson, </span><span style="color: #232323; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist. This free resource helps people to boost their joy with various wellness practices.</span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(35, 35, 35); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #232323;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Julie Hanson explains the mission of The Joy Factor in this way:</span></span><br />
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<b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>My mission is to help you remember your birthright. You deserve joy in your life and in your relationships. Let’s help you claim that shall we?</i></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>In addition to being an LCMFT (Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist), and LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) I am a formally trained life coach and registered yoga teacher. I integrate the best of eastern and western schools of thought to help clients lead happier, more authentic lives. I am adept at the art of selecting an approach that fits the person or couple and strongly believe my clients have the inner resources to create the lives and relationships they want. My role is to act as a guide and strategist by offering direction, modeling new skills and sometimes simply holding the flashlight as the answers are discovered. My therapy clients include individuals, couples and families. I have taught hundreds of engaged couples how to prepare for marriage using an approach grounded in research, creativity and humor. I also regularly teach parenting and conflict management classes, relaxation groups, as well as a psychology of yoga and self-compassion workshops.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This interview is so much fun and I explain more about what will be happening at the upcoming <a href="http://www.laughinglaura.com/laughfest.html">Laugh-Fest of the Midwest</a>. So please give it a listen <a href="http://thejoyfactorpodcast.com/laughter-as-a-lifestyle/">here</a> and share it with your friends! Thank you.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509156777211609256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7558514424646298801.post-29563598477168938192016-04-28T09:39:00.000-07:002016-04-28T09:48:39.687-07:00LAUGHFEST INTERVIEWS—PART 10<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Laugh-Fest is almost upon us (May 13-15) and the excitement keeps building! (<a href="http://www.laughinglaura.com/laughfest.html">register here</a>) We have an impossibly wonderful group of presenters this year who will be bringing our YES! theme to life. I've been highlighting many of them here at the blog. Today, I would like to introduce you to the incredible Judith Hitt.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="color: purple; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Judith Hitt has a background in Nursing, Music and the healing arts. In 1995, she hosted Patch Adams to come to Vermont to give a presentation on the role of humor in health and healing. From that time on, she was hooked and is a firm believer in bringing humor and joy into our lives, on all levels. Judith is also an ordained Buddhist Lama and Director of </span><a href="http://saraswatibhawan.org/" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="">Saraswati Bhawan</a><span style="color: purple; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, a Buddhist organization in Lansing, Iowa. She teaches workshops and retreats on meditation, yoga and healing worldwide, and is on the faculty of the International Harp Therapy Program. She will lead a "Yes Breath" meditation on Friday night. Here's my interview with her.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="im" style="color: #500050; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="im" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">LAURA: Judith, we are enthusiastic about the fact that you’ll be joining us for the Laugh-Fest. You are the first ordained Buddhist Lama to teach at this event and we think this will officially make you a Laughing Lama! Tee hee! So how did you decide to get involved this year?</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="im" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="im" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #500050;">JUDITH:</span> <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I love the idea of being a Laughing Lama! When you invited me to participate and lead a meditation for the LaughFest, I just felt it was a great opportunity to connect with others who wish to bring joy into the world and in other people's lives. And—it is in my own backyard! How could I refuse?</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="im" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple;">LAURA: You and your husband lead retreats at the Saraswati Bhawan, a Buddhist organization and retreat center in the hills above the Mississippi River in Lansing, Iowa. Through this work, what have you learned about the importance of retreats?</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="im" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="im" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #500050;">JUDITH:</span> <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">In our tradition, retreats are an essential part of our practice and training. There are many kinds of practices and many levels of training. In a nutshell, retreat gives us a chance to look deeply at the inner workings of our minds—which includes our thoughts and emotions, and the repetitive habit patterns that keep us bound to this cyclic existence. In retreat, we are better able to connect with our true nature, which often becomes obscured in the stress and busyness of our daily lives. By learning how to tame the 'monkey mind,' as we like to call it, and untangle the deeply ingrained habit patterns of our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors; we become freed from our repetitive negative habits, and are better able to respond to life in a way that is beneficial to ourselves and others. Rather than just 'reacting' out of unconscious habit patterns, we can respond with wisdom.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="im" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple;">LAURA: Indeed, learning healthier thought patterns is a goal of this laughing retreat. </span></span><span style="color: purple; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I understand that you have designed a creative “YES-BREATH” meditation for us to play with following the gigantic Laughter Yoga session we’ll enjoy on Friday night. What can we</span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1704978875" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204 , 204 , 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: purple; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;"> expect f</span></span><span style="color: purple; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">rom this experience?</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="im" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #500050;">JUDITH:</span> <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">It will be a wonderful opportunity to integrate and settle all the beautiful laughter energy from the day. Breath is life—we say 'yes' to life every time we inhale. We will breathe in the connections, love and joy that we experienced during the day, and bring it deep into our inner being, holding it like a treasure. We will use movement and sound with our breath to settle the energy into our inner being as a way to conclude our day and prepare for rest.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="im"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">LAURA: It sounds truly magnificent. What fun it will be to share this experience with one another. As you know, the theme of the Laugh-Fest this year is “YES!” It is about affirming life, living joyfully and saying yes to all the things that bring us into that space of abundance. In your own life journey, how has saying yes been important to you? What insights would you like to share?</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="im"><span style="color: purple; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="im"><span style="color: #500050; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">JUDITH:</span> <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">'Yes' means to have confidence. It is the ultimate antidote to fear. It is our fears and hesitations that hold us back from experiencing our lives to the fullest and from living our true potential. By saying 'yes' to life, to what comes our way, we more readily enter the present moment—free from past conditioning and fear of the future unknowns. By saying 'yes' in any given moment, we enter the flow of the divine, the universe, as it unfolds before us. We become fearless, joyful, and open to new possibilities.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="im" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple;">LAURA: YES! And now Judith, can you tell us what your hopes for the Laugh-Fest are?</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #500050; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">JUDITH: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">To have fun and to connect with others in a meaningful way!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: purple; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">LAURA: Me too! I know we will do so. HA HA HA!</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Judith Hitt (front row left) at the Lansing Laughter Club</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: purple;">Please join the Laughing Lama and the rest of the fabulous presenters and laughers at the 4th annual Laugh-Fest of the Midwest May 13-15, 2016 in Ferryville, Wisconsin. You can </span><a href="http://www.laughinglaura.com/laughfest.html" style="background-color: white;">register here</a><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif;">! Remember that you can do Saturday only or choose to stay in the Frontier Village should you wish to attend at a discount. We are want you there! YAY!</span></span></span></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509156777211609256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7558514424646298801.post-22625435864848400942016-04-16T09:12:00.003-07:002016-04-16T09:33:06.029-07:00LAUGHTER & THE VOICE WORKSHOP<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Exciting news: On the day the Laugh-Fest begins, May 13, you can come early and take a full-day workshop with <a href="http://laughingwithlaura.blogspot.com/2016/03/laughfest-interviewspart-8_31.html">Celia</a>! She will be offering an interactive experience called Laughter & The Voice.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br />Your voice is an amazing instrument. It is always with you. Come and uncover your “consistent instrument” through vocal games & discovery. <span class="il">Celia</span> will guide the group through imaginative play & exercises that will leave you with a new appreciation for this incredible expressive part of you called your voice. Expect to become more present in your body & vocal singing or speech expression whether you want to lead singing circles, audition for American Idol, or simply rock out behind your steering wheel with the windows up. We will play & sing together. You might even have a fantastic time!</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /><span class="il">Celia</span> has been performing for over 30 years with training in stage speech & vocal singing. She currently tours the nation as a singer/songwriter/comedienne and is also a recording artist with 13 recordings to date. <span class="il">Celia</span> teaches vocal workshops as well as private voice in person or via the internet. She specializes in guiding singers to finding new tones & soundscapes they didn't even know they had. <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.celiaonline.com%252F%26h%3DTAQEmS1Gf%26enc%3DAZPgj_6w01vMrtpyoJaC7Spc03-YUt7AG1Xp_xxJHhtytZlxqMLxYKa6n9yw9NCG8p4%26s%3D1&source=gmail&ust=1460908314276000&usg=AFQjCNEb-3mW2pDwW6rG15RIMHKMoCKHWA" href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.celiaonline.com%2F&h=TAQEmS1Gf&enc=AZPgj_6w01vMrtpyoJaC7Spc03-YUt7AG1Xp_xxJHhtytZlxqMLxYKa6n9yw9NCG8p4&s=1" target="_blank">www.celiaonline.com</a>.</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Increase your fun & learning by adding this workshop to your Laugh-Fest experience! The workshop runs on Friday, May 13, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Sugar Creek Bible Camp in Ferryville, Wisconsin. If you would like to come early and stay over Thursday night at the camp, you can arrange that with me, Laughing Laura (email: <a href="mailto:laughinglauragentry@gmail.com">laughinglauragentry@gmail.com</a>).</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Fee: $149 — Laugh-Fest attendees can register for just $99!</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Contact <span class="il">Celia</span> Farran to register:</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><a href="mailto:Celia@Celiaonline.com"><span class="il">Celia</span>@Celiaonline.com</a></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><a href="http://laughingwithlaura.blogspot.com/2016/03/laughfest-interviewspart-8_31.html">Pssst: Check out Celia's interview about the Laugh-Fest here.</a></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Oh, and there is still time to register for the amazing <a href="http://www.laughinglaura.com/laughfest.html">Laugh-Fest of the Midwest!</a> You will want to seize this incredible opportunity to gather with laughers from around the country for a rollicking good time in the hills of Wisconsin this May.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509156777211609256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7558514424646298801.post-34932639759585676632016-03-31T17:30:00.000-07:002016-04-07T04:34:23.436-07:00LAUGHFEST INTERVIEWS—PART 9<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.celiaonline.com/" style="font-size: inherit !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" target=""><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Celia</span></a><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> Farran is a singer/songwriter with 10 albums. She's also a comedienne and Laughter Yoga Teacher. Celia has written a Laugh-Fest theme song and will play a concert for us on Saturday night and at church on Sunday morning. Here's her interview.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "helvetica";">LAURA: Celia, we are so excited to have you back at Laugh-Fest—this year as a presenter! First of all, I’d like to talk about the theme song you wrote for us and we are thrilled. Can you tell us about your creative process with it?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica";"><span style="color: #38761d;">CELIA: Well, there I was about to do my yoga practice and I got a text from YOU asking if I had any songs about the power of saying “Yes”. I gave it a quick think and realized that I didn’t have any songs like that but it sure would be great if I did. Then the chorus came to me immediately. I texted you back within a few minutes to let you know that I had written the song. You texted back by saying “You are some kind of amazing.” Over the next day I rounded out the song and recorded it and now we have a theme song titled “Yes to Life” that we can sing together at Laugh-Fest. I think it is safe to say that this song happened because I said “Yes”! Click below to hear it.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">LAURA: This song is going to be a part of our conference throughout. I’m sure everyone will return home after a rejuvenating weekend with your song playing through their heads. What a fun way to remember the experience! Tell me, what meaning does this theme of saying YES mean to you personally?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";"><span style="color: #38761d;">CELIA: I am a firm believer in positive thinking and am a student of the New Thought material shared in Centers for Spiritual Living (I’m usually singing at a Unity or a Center for Spiritual Living somewhere every <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1665299343" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Sunday</span></span>). I believe that what I focus on increases. I prefer to call in what I am desiring by saying “yes” to it rather than looking at what I don’t want by saying “no”. This opens me up to receive all the goodness that I can handle. Laughter does this inherently without thought or analysis. Laughter and Singing are my favorite forms of saying “Yes”. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";">LAURA: You are going to be doing a short concert for the Laugh-Festers <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1665299344" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Saturday</span></span> night as part of our costume party. Tell us what we can expect.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";"><span style="color: #38761d;">CELIA: I like to mix things up when I do a concert. I like to combine the silly with the sacred. Music & Laughter are perfect partners. It might be best for me to include some of my “bio” info here to help folks get a sense of what I do when I take the stage:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";"><span style="color: #38761d;">Singer/Songwriter/Comedienne Celia has been described as “A cross between an Earthy Enya, Joan Baez, and Tina Fey.” She dishes up the most delicious concoction of the silly and sacred delighting audiences across the nation. In addition to having the kind of silky smooth voice often associated with classic Celtic Singers, such as “Celtic Woman”, Celia excels at comedy. She often transforms right on stage into one or more of her alter-egos-whose antics typically leave the audience howling with laughter. With powerful, heart-felt vocals and wacky comedic improvisations, the audience never knows what will happen with Celia on stage.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";"><span style="color: #38761d;">Celia often uses sophisticated “looping” technology to perform duets, trios, and even larger ensembles with herself. Nothing is pre-recorded. She lays down a track then using the looping technology harmonizes with herself — all live and in real time. The result is an amazing listening experience for the audience.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";"><span style="color: #38761d;">Celia has opened for notable authors: Neale Donald Walsch, Marianne Williamson & Dr. Masaru Emoto, provided live music for the Off-Broadway production of “Rum & Vodka, & has received a “Best Storytelling CD” nomination for “Irish Tales” by the International Just Plain Folks Awards (The Grassroots of Grammies). Her “Symbol” song has been named the “Anthem for the Veteran Pentacle Quest” in support of Religious tolerance & acceptance.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";"><span style="color: #38761d;">Celia is from Wisconsin and calls Prescott, AZ home. She is currently touring with her 10th album, “Letting Go". No matter how many times you think you’ve seen Celia, you can never predict what she will do and how deeply she can reach into the soul of an audience. Celia’s range of styles and entertainment is far more than a concert. It is more like a full Cabaret.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";"><span style="color: #38761d;">“Go out of your way to see her. You won’t be disappointed.” Rick’s Café Magazine</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";"><span style="color: #38761d;">“Celia’s music calls women to their glory and men to their hearts.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";"><span style="color: #38761d;">Marianne Williamson, Author “A Return to Love”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";"><span style="color: #38761d;">“Celia is an ambrosia of vitality flowing from sweet to sass with the utmost of grace.” Gemma, “A Million Voice Choir”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";">LAURA: Incredible! We are so fortunate to have you at the Laugh-Fest. Additionally, you’ll be playing music at the church field trip to Lansing, Iowa <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1665299345" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Sunday</span></span> morning. What is that performance going to entail?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica";">CELIA: </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica";">I have a great deal of Peaceful, Spiritual, and Meditation Music that I typically share at churches. I expect I will probably play our theme song “Yes to Life” for sure as well! I hear your services are filled with play…so I might get a bit playful too. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica";"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";">LAURA: Celia, you are also a Certified Laughter Yoga Teacher. How did you decide to get into Laughter Yoga and what has it done for you in your life?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica";">CELIA: </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica";">As a singer and comedienne I have witnessed the powerful healing transformation of laughter on rooms of people who don’t know each other when they walk in. It is a magic I can’t even begin to describe. When I heard that there was this thing called Laugher Yoga I decided that I wanted to become a Laughter Yoga Leader. I manifested an awesome opportunity to get my training right in my own living room when I was living in Santa Fe, NM in 2009. I was certified by Khristine Baker and exchanged the cost of the training for providing her a venue to teach in! </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica";"> </span></span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "helvetica";">I then started combining my Laughter Training with my Vocal training and began offering workshops called “Laughter & the Voice”. I will be offering this workshop</span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "helvetica";"> </span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1665299346" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204 , 204 , 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #38761d; font-family: "helvetica"; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Friday</span></span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "helvetica";"> </span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "helvetica";">before the Fest begins. </span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "helvetica";"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";">LAURA: That's right! And this is new news so blog readers, please take note of this exciting opportunity! Oh, and Celia, I understand you do a Laughter Party on the phone. What's that all about?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";"><span style="color: #38761d;">CELIA: In July of 2014 I started a Laughter Party on the Phone and during one of those calls I got inspired to become a Laughter Yoga Teacher so that I could certify others. In December 2014 I did my Teacher Training with Jeffrey Briar in California. Dedicating myself to a daily laughter practice has resulted in many positive changes including raising my immune level (I never get sick anymore), raising my emotional intelligence (I’m a much happier person-very little bothers me), and building laughter friendships with people all over the country.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";"><span style="color: #38761d;">If anyone is interested in joining us for Laughter Party on the phone the call in information can be found at the Facebook Group: <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.facebook.com/groups/LaughterParty/&source=gmail&ust=1459555848950000&usg=AFQjCNGzwTUWlZ71QhTRfeJhDmxh35E9Cg" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/LaughterParty/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/<wbr></wbr>groups/LaughterParty/</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";"><span style="color: #38761d;">It is FREE!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";">LAURA: Yes, it is free! How awesome is that! What are some things that inspire you?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";"><span style="color: #38761d;">CELIA: I have to say that everything inspires me. I get creative ideas all day long every day. I have more songs wanting to get sung and recorded than I can count. I love creating funny material as well as peaceful spiritual material. I also feel moved to write songs that make a real difference and I have had the unique opportunity to offer up the art of the song to literally change history. I feel it is the responsibility of creative artists not just to entertain but also to pull the truth (as we see it) from our experiences and bring it through to our art. I’m a big fan of what Woody Guthrie says…(Paraphrased)..”It’s not how good a song is…it’s what good a song DOES.”.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";">LAURA: What are your hopes for the Laugh-Fest?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";"><span style="color: #38761d;">CELIA: I had such a fantastic time last year at Laugh-Fest. It’s a truly remarkable experience to spend a weekend with adults who are ready and willing to Play! Just thinking about the good times to be had makes me smile! I look forward to staying on site this year and making deeper connections with new and old friends. I hope I get to have as much fun or more than I did last year!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";">LAURA: I can't wait!! Thanks, Celia. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "helvetica";">For more information about Celia or to find out how you can register for the pre-conference workshop with her, please visit her Web site:</span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "helvetica";"> </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.celiaonline.com&source=gmail&ust=1459555848950000&usg=AFQjCNEr_dvrxo5BLwBJC4cDYmzzViBX6g" href="http://www.celiaonline.com/" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Helvetica;" target="_blank">www.celiaonline.com</a>.</div>
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Tomorrow (April Fool's Day) is the last day to get the early bird special for the Laugh-Fest! If you mail your form in (<a href="http://www.laughinglaura.com/laughfest.html">click here for that</a>), just make sure it is postmarked by April 1. Otherwise, sign up online with Paypal at the<a href="http://www.laughinglaura.com/laughfest.html"> LaughFest Page</a>. YAY!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509156777211609256noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7558514424646298801.post-28738414997444160792016-03-29T10:16:00.000-07:002016-03-29T10:17:04.596-07:00LAUGHFEST INTERVIEWS—PART 8<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: purple;">Teddy Widdel was an art educator for 24 years then became a healthcare and wellness coordinator, weight watcher leader and a certified Laughter Yoga Teacher. She is a marketing director for Bickford Assisted Living where their motto is "enriching happiness" through which she is able to spread laughter all over the state. Teddy enthusiastically teaches laughter to ages 9-90 and provides them with the tools of laughter so they can reduce stress, relieve pain, exercise mind and body, and heighten energy! She is a motivational speaker who has a unique program which gives you the "HAPPY TOOLS" you will need to laugh every day and through every circumstance! Here is my interview with her.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">LAURA: Teddy, I’m soooooo elated that you will be back for the Laugh-Fest this year! You were a part of the Laughter Yoga Teacher class, which was held five years ago at Sugar Creek Bible Camp that decided to start the Laugh-Fest. Thanks for the inspiration! It sure was a wonderful time, wasn’t it? Now you are a Laughter Yoga Teacher offering classes of your own. What’s it been like to teach Laughter Yoga and offer professional programs of laughter?</span></div>
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TEDDY: I have trained and certified people in Laughter Yoga and I speak to people from all walks of life. I teach at the YMCA, children and seniors. I laugh with people at Senior Centers. I even made the auditors and accountants at the three major universities in Iowa laugh and “spray” laughter on one another! They reminded me that everyone needs to laugh and can if someone gives them permission! <br />
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<span style="color: blue;">LAURA: That’s awesome! Teddy, you are such a joyful person. Can you tell us about your own personal journey to become the person you are today? How has Laughter Yoga helped, healed and empowered you?</span></div>
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TEDDY: The week I was going to get certified in Laughter Yoga my husband of 26 years asked me for a divorce and I lost my job. Little did I know it, but Laughter Yoga the tool God had for me to get through the next two years of my life! It has not only helped me survive—it has helped me thrive! Now I have a whole new career in Laughter Yoga and I am married to the funniest man ever who actually proposed to me after attending his first Laughter Yoga event. He joined my Parkinson's support group and sprayed laughter on them like an elephant and he was a hit! </div>
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<span style="color: blue;">LAURA: I understand you just got back from California where you trained as a motivational speaker. Can you tell us about that?</span></div>
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TEDDY: Yes! Arvee Robinson is a professional speaker trainer and I went there to be trained after meeting her at an event in Waterloo, Iowa. She gave me direction and guidance to perfect my speaking and I have templates and DVDs to incorporate my speaking to any topic I need to present. I am now a Professional Speaker—a dream I have always wanted! </div>
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<span style="color: blue;">LAURA: And you are such an engaging speaker, Teddy! Congratulations on taking your speaking career to the next level. At the Laugh-Fest you will be sharing your “HAPPY TOOLS” lecture with us. Would you give us a sneak preview of that presentation?</span></div>
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TEDDY: The secret tool I will teach is HAPPY.........that's all I can say for now...shhhhh it is a secret.</div>
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<span style="color: blue;">LAURA: Ha ha! I guess you have to come to the Laugh-Fest to learn the Happy Tools from Teddy. :) But can you give some advise for someone who is out there who might be really struggling—wanting to laugh but not having the motivation or strength to do so? How can you turn the corner and learn to laugh again?</span></div>
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TEDDY: <span style="color: black; font-kerning: none;">Just laugh. It changes everything. </span>Lay in bed each morning and burst out with a “ha” then a “haha” and then a “hahaha”! By laughing intentionally, you are making a choice to get up and be powerful NOT pitiful! No one will join you on the pity pot but they will join you on the party pot! Haha!</div>
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<span style="color: blue;">LAURA: As I’ve said, I’m over-the-moon that you’ll be coming back to the Laugh-Fest this year. What are your hopes for this year’s event?</span></div>
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TEDDY: I expect to eat, drink and be merry with my laughing friends from the past and my new friends I will soon meet! I can't wait to share the laughter and become the best the person I can be. YES!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teddy at the Laugh-Fest two years ago (back row, second from right)</td></tr>
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<span style="color: purple;">Laugh with and learn from Teddy and all the other amazing presenters/leaders at the 4th annual <a href="http://www.laughinglaura.com/laughfest.html">Laugh-Fest of the Midwest</a> May 13-15 in Ferryville, Wisconsin. Register before April 1 and get the early bird discount! <a href="http://www.laughinglaura.com/laughfest.html">Click here to learn more</a>.</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509156777211609256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7558514424646298801.post-82289881562972862282016-03-28T07:43:00.000-07:002016-03-28T07:45:45.438-07:00LAUGHFEST INTERVIEWS—PART 7<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="border: 0px; color: #39729b; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i><a href="http://www.laughteryogalife.com/">Lynda Tourloukis</a> is one of the Certified Laughter Yoga Master Trainers in the world helping to grow the movement of Laughter Yoga for health, happiness and world peace. She engages individuals, groups and organizations as a Life and Laughter Development Specialist helping each to find their own sense of balance and peace with themselves and others. Her belief is that when we take ownership for our individual sense of well being and peace, we create it in the world with better performance, with a better outlook resulting in engaged actions.</i></span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; color: #39729b; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>Lynda's years in leadership and professional coaching invite transformation with ease in a gentle manner that appreciates every individual. Her years as a laughter professional have given her insight into the inner spirit of joy that optimize breathing and put the fun in function. As a result any experience with her makes your performance rock and your potential come alive.</i></span><br />
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<span style="border: 0px; color: #39729b; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>Lynda will be leading the opening ritual of the <a href="http://www.laughinglaura.com/laughfest.html">Laugh-Fest of the Midwest</a> this year with a special labyrinth exercise she has developed called "A Piece of the Peace." We are delighted to welcome her back for her second Laugh-Fest. Let's get to know Lynda better. Her's my exclusive interview with her.</i></span></div>
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LAURA: Lynda, you are all kind of awesomeness! We are so honored that you’ll be returning for your second year the Laugh-Fest. You have long been a YES-WOMAN! You know all about the power of saying yes. Let’s start our conversation with that. What does “YES!” mean to you?</div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(35, 35, 35); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #232323;">LYNDA: Yes reminds me always that I have a choice and while it is change that keeps us in the uncomfortable stages sometimes, choice is the decision to move up or drop down. Yes signals a move up and reminds me that it always opens the door to so much more beyond the sheltered and comfortable, yes says you’ve got so much more to explore. </span></div>
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LAURA: You are one of the early pioneers of Laughter Yoga in the United States. After having been a professional in this field all these years, what have you learned? And moreover, how has the practice of Laughter Yoga transformed you?</div>
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LYNDA: I came into this understanding something about laughter as I had created a whole program about it before I even knew about Laughter Yoga. Through my experiences with Laughter Yoga I’ve found there is always so much more to learn the longer you play with it and it has given me a broad perspective to appreciate. I find when their is a commitment made to practice and develop, in order to share it authentically and purposefully, there never seems to be an end to what we can explore. It is really quite amazing. A few of the things that are remarkable are the fact that I no longer seem to have asthma and where I was plagued by allergy, which would make me sick, it is rare for me to be ill. One thing I think important to share, is that when I began I had a story from my experiences that I would share in the purpose and reasoning for my practice of it. Now while that story still has merit, it has greatly expanded to one of global proportions where I see a much larger implication for lessening aggression, the most plaguing problem of our time. It is a great remember of hope, that we were meant to be joyful. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of Lynda's Laughter Yoga classes</td></tr>
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LAURA: Recently, you have made a number of incredible trips, including one to Laughter University in Bangalore, India. How has this expanded your thinking about Laughter Yoga as an international phenomenon?</div>
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LYNDA: I would call much of what I have traveled in as adversity, and laughter has been a wonderful tool that has expanded my travel and explorations with Laughter Yoga. The trip to India was designed to serve as a contribution as I among others were asked for our experiential knowledge to apply some thought and design around the developing university for Laughter Yoga. They spoke English as their are 29 different languages in India and English is universal, so my lesson among the contributors was to slow down and listen well. It has expanded my appreciation of Laughter Yoga in the world. I think it has touched so many and to see so many happy faces remembering their joy, I am both humbled and appreciative to be a part of something that can make that kind of differences. We are now in 105 countries and 21 years, that is more than half the world influenced. It brings such a hope for humanity to know we can get glad in the same pants we get mad in.</div>
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LAURA: Lynda, you are the Goddess of Play (at least that’s how I think of you). How did play take such a prominent role in your own life and work?</div>
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LYNDA: Ha ha… goddess. I would say it is more the <i>goodness</i> of play that reminds us about how good and right we really are. I love the concept of play because when we learn to be playful in life we can really get clear about what all the tough stuff is about. We stop seeing life as a problem and we get wonderfully curious. We find out so much more than ever before when we are in the midst of play. When my kids were young we played a lot of games and we made up a number of them. One I have to laugh about is the “Secret Asian Man” game I made for my nephew when he was young. He loved to sing the words to “Secret Agent Man” and being Philipino he naturally thought they were singing Secret Asian Man… so for his birthday I made him a special game that had all the things he liked included and that is what it was titled. We still laugh about that today. I also created a sense of play or strategies for it with two of my kids who learned a bit different. I wanted to know how to understand what they were absorbing and in play I could see their strengths come out and learned to help them to use those strengths. Now my focus is on Emotional Education, not the intelligence of emotion because I really think they miss the power of our emotion. In play you can apply what you know in a safe and fun way and then appreciate the message so much more, we aren’t in so much resistance. Saying Yes gets us in touch with that power a bit too. My games and workshops on play are fun, creative and engaging, yet behind it all their is some wonderful learning that goes on that </div>
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LAURA: Why do adults need to play—and even re-learn to play if they have forgotten?</div>
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LYNDA: Einstein was a great proponent of play, calling it the highest form of research. People are stressed, overwhelmed and overworked, life has been handing us a boatload of unfairness and if we can play, we can release some of what’s pent up misunderstanding. Adults do play however, in sports and athletics and they even refer to their big ticket items as “toys”, so it isn’t really all that forgotten. You also have video games, and lets not forget the escape of a life time, Las Vegas. We have put grown up attitudes and titles on our play, though I think we get away from what play is all about. Adult play complicates things, where simple will do. It is often competitive and isolating so it has little of the good natured fun that nurtures curiosity and exploration like we had as a child. Where their is art, music and creativity, their is a sense of purposeful play, exploring and curiously questioning. Like laughter, healthy play creates a new perspective. Playing to escape is a temporary measure. </div>
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LAURA: You have also been a long-time teacher of the labyrinth and proponent of laughing and playing with the labyrinth meditation. Why do laughter and labyrinth belong in the same sentence? And what can we expect from the labyrinth ritual you'll be leading to open the Laugh-Fest?</div>
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LYNDA: The labyrinth was what brought me into laughter. I was in France and got along famously with one of the participants in our 10 day experience together, we laughed a lot. One of the days we were in the sanctuary of the Chartres Cathedral walking the labyrinth and something amused me, as I met the eyes of the other participants they lit up too, yet the one I always had a considerable amount of fun with couldn’t keep it under wraps and each time we passed a little more mirth would spill out until we caught each other off guard in the center and soon everything came out. The other participants joined in and it occurred almost instantly that this was the answer for the over seriousness of our facilitators. It made sense and so I developed a program that helped individuals learn to breathe along the long lengths in more functional ways and to extend their laugh as they extended the exhale. I didn’t know then how on target I was, but found the labyrinth was a wonderful way to shift perspective or purpose at each turn. I have had a lot of enjoyment in creating much in labyrinth design and art over the years and created some marvelous workshops and explorative with the labyrinth and laughter. In the past few years I’ve created a trampoline labyrinth, pudding labyrinths, play doh labyrinths, the bubble wrap labyrinth and of course last year’s toilet paper labyrinth was the quick fix for Laugh Fest. This year I have a labyrinth of puzzle pieces asking how we are the happiness of humanity. It is called “A Piece of the Peace” and while their will be laughter, it largely speaks on the aftermath of the peace that we find when we interrupt the discord of our forgetfulness. It is the liminal space of laughter and a walk that questions and realizes and laughs about it all. And participants get to write their pieces into the puzzle and it is traveling with me everywhere.</div>
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LAURA: What are your hopes for the Laugh-Fest?</div>
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LYNDA: I love anyone that creates a gathering for resource, networking, support and overall learning new and different in the world of laughter, play and joyful well being. I think it is a necessary part of our growth because honestly we are left to linger by ourselves after our training for the most part and it is a great rejoining of purpose. I wish for greater connections, larger purpose to unfold and wonderful insights. I am sharing this from the west coast to the east as I travel because the Laugh Fest of the Midwest just rocks in the feel good of being down home and real with what we do. It’s where you can hang your hat and be welcomed in and I so think the whole of our look at laughter needs this kind of retreat feel to rekindle and rejuvenate. I hope we fill to capacity and discover the more in each other well. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celia, Lynda and me at last year's Laugh-Fest costume party</td></tr>
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Experience the wisdom and fun of Lynda's leadership at this year's <a href="http://www.laughinglaura.com/laughfest.html">Laugh-Fest of the Midwest </a>May 13-15 in Ferryville, Wisconsin. The all-inclusive price for the entire weekend festival is just $225 including housing, meals, snacks and all programming. If you act before April Fool's Day, you can still get the early bird special of only $199. Learn more and <a href="http://www.laughinglaura.com/laughfest.html">register here</a>.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509156777211609256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7558514424646298801.post-3934909195570263062016-03-23T06:54:00.000-07:002016-03-23T07:01:17.589-07:00LAUGHFEST INTERVIEWS—PART 6<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #351c75;">Jeff Abbas—as it turns out—lives in my neck of the woods. I met him last year when we were both presenting at an event called “Women of the Wild” held at our area Girl Scout Camp. Jeff led a workshop on how to identify and prepare edible wild plants. It was absolutely fascinating and identifying wild plants became a new toy for me to play with! I discovered my whole property was teaming with wild foods (and I had previously though were just weeds!). I have gotten really good at making nettle pesto and mustard green pizza as a result. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;">But I’m only just beginning. Jeff, on the other hand, is a guru in this regard. He has such wisdom. Jeff and his wife, Mary, run a Community Sustainable Agriculture (CSA) called The Kitchen Table. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KitchenTableCSA/">Here's the Facebook page for the CSA</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;">Jeff a passionate conservationist and a very engaging teacher. I’m super psyched he’ll be sharing his knowledge with us at this year’s Laugh-Fest. Here is my interview with him.</span></div>
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LAURA: Jeff, I am happy you said YES! to the invitation to present at the Laugh-Fest. Tell me, how did you come to know so much about the natural world—it’s plants and animals?</div>
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<span style="color: blue;">JEFF: I’ve been fascinated by natural science since I was old enough to walk. I can’t explain it. When I was growing up in a little town called Denver near Waverly, Iowa , we’d go outside after a rain and there were these limestone rocks with fossils in them that that would pop up out of the ground. I was just so fascinated by them. From then on, I was hooked. I’d spend most of my time walking around and exploring the woods. I didn't do sports. I preferred time in nature.</span><br />
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LAURA: It is obvious how much you love nature. But how did your love of nature turn into wisdom about it? Who taught you?</div>
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<span style="color: blue;">JEFF: When I moved back to Iowa from California in 2001 I had a job with <a href="http://ionxchange.com/">Ion Exchange</a>, that grows native wildflowers and prairie plants. Howard and Donna Bright were my mentors there. Since I was their webmaster I compiled thousands of pictures and hundreds of pages of research. I learned so much about tall grass prairie edibles and medicinals. It was truly fascinating.</span></div>
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LAURA: This event is all about saying YES! to life and to new experiences. It is about freedom and joy and laughter and play. How do you think learning about wild foods furthers this goal?</div>
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<span style="color: blue;">JEFF: Gathering wild plants is such a joyful experience. It is an adventure! The moment I set food in the woods or on the prairie I look ahead at what’s coming and I say a little prayer: “Thank you, God!” and I smile and I start hunting. When you start finding things, it is really rewarding. That is a “Yes!’ for sure!</span></div>
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LAURA: You’ve have learned a lot about harvesting plants sustainably. How is that done?</div>
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<span style="color: blue;">JEFF: It is kind of difficult to harvest sustainably when you are in a wild situation but we’ve learned how to do it. When we harvest a patch of wild leaks or spring beauties, for example, we leave some behind in strategic places in the patch. This allows the seeds to spread so that next time we come to harvest, there are actually more plants than last time!</span></div>
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LAURA: It sounds like you have had a very interesting life-path. How have you cultivated the joy you exude today? What makes you such a happy person? We want to know your secret.</div>
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<span style="color: blue;">JEFF: Learning. Learning and applying that knowledge. That is what makes me happy. Somebody once called “phasey” because I go through phases in my life, like when I started stamp collecting. It was an intense phase where I went full bore for like six months and built a dramatic collection but then it tapered off. But I never really lost the enthusiasm. Well, after a lifetime of going through so many phases, I have acquired quite a bit of knowledge. I know a lot about history, archeology, botany, prairie botany…I love it! I am a scientist without college!</span></div>
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LAURA: Ha ha! What’s your phase right now?</div>
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<span style="color: blue;">JEFF: Grandkids. We have young grandkids. I’m actually building a nature trail for the grandkids. There are a number of species of plants coming up. I’m restoring the goat prairie. It was originally an oak savana and I am bringing several acres back to its original state. I love teaching the grandkids about the land and what’s on it and about the people who were before us and how they preserved it for us. I want them to understand how to treat the land with reverence and respect because it doesn’t belong to us. It belongs to the future and we have to do our part to preserve it.</span></div>
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LAURA: So at the Laugh-Fest we will get to take short hike with you and learn about the wild plants and harvest some that are in season at the time. Will we actually be eating them?</div>
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<span style="color: blue;">JEFF: Absolutely! We are even going to work with the camp cook to provide some wild foods that will be incorporated into dinner on Saturday night. That way everybody will have the chance to taste some great things like nettle pesto pizza and watercress and wild leak salad.</span></div>
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LAURA: Mmm! That will be delicious. Nettle pesto pizza is my favorite. Most people think it sounds terrible but once you try it, you’ll be convinced!</div>
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<span style="color: blue;">JEFF: Ha ha! That’s right. That’s why Mary and I offer foraging workshops at our farm throughout the spring. People love to learn these things. It’s really exciting.</span></div>
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LAURA: There might even be morel mushrooms in season. Last year at the Laugh-Fest some of the hikers found some.</div>
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<span style="color: blue;">JEFF: Yeah, that’s the time of year for morels but it depends upon the weather.<br />
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LAURA: You’ll be joining us for the whole day of Saturday, along with your wife, Mary, who will be celebrating her birthday that day. What are your hopes for the Laugh-Fest?</div>
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<span style="color: blue;">JEFF: I take so much joy out of an attentive audience and the questions they ask. Sometimes the questions are challenging enough that I have return to the research to get a decent answer for them. It inspires us all and that’s really fun. And I look forward to laughing and celebrating Mary's birthday with all of you!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica";"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">Oh, and by the way, check out Jeff and Mary's blog. I just tried baking a </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">recipe</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> they posted: </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica";"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"><a href="http://ktcsa.blogspot.com/2015/12/little-round-things.html">http://ktcsa.blogspot.com/2015/12/little-round-things.html</a>. The are scones made into cinnamon rolls and they are out of this world!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Learn more about the Laugh-Fest of the Midwest to be held May 13-15, 2016 in Ferryville, Wisconsin by <a href="http://www.laughinglaura.com/laughfest.html">clicking on this link.</a></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509156777211609256noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7558514424646298801.post-66720397217690582462016-03-22T08:48:00.000-07:002016-03-22T08:49:55.513-07:00LAUGHFEST INTERVIEWS—PART 5<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: indigo; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif;">Karen Misseldine has more than 20 years experience as a Master’s level trained Art Therapist. Karen offers a supportive person-centered approach and is passionate about developing innovated ways to strengthen an individual’s ability to navigate through life’s challenges.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: indigo; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif;">Art therapy is a “doing” form of therapy that promotes self-exploration and contributes to cognitive, emotional and physical health, opening doors to new ways of communicating and being in the world. It provides positive outcomes for all different types of people, from children to the elderly. Karen is excited to be offering an Art Therapy "Playshop" at the Laugh-Fest so participants can experience this profound method.</span></div>
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LAURA: Karen, we are completely thrilled that you’ll be joining us for this year’s Laugh-Fest! You’ll be offering our first-ever art therapy workshop at the Laugh-Fest. Tell us, what is art therapy?</div>
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<span style="color: blue;">KAREN: Art Therapy is immersing yourself in the lively creative process! Art Therapy allows you to try new things, go in different directions, view a mistake as an opportunity to try it again…try a different approach…see it in a new light. It is the use of simple art materials to facilitate healing. Through expressive and creative mediums participants are invited to explore strengths, feelings, ideas and challenges. Art therapy is a doing and active form of therapy where the process is the focus, not so much the end product. In Art Therapy participants have the freedom of knowing that there is no right or wrong way to do art and there are no art skills required! Art therapists collaborate with their clients to develop both directive and spontaneous art experiences to fit each person's needs. Art therapist work with individuals, families and groups of all ages in countless settings.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Art Therapy is a master’s level profession that is the marriage of psychotherapy and studio art. The personal experience and first hand understanding of how art materials work are what makes art therapist unique in the therapy field. To think like an artist can bring new light to a problem or challenge--knowing that there is never just one way to <i>paint</i> a cat!</span></div>
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LAURA: Wow, that’s fascinating but how—exactly—does it work? Can you give us some specific examples of how art therapy is helpful for your clients?</div>
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<span style="color: blue;">KAREN: A woman with chronic pain and a long history of mental health challenges was unable to focus, moving from one struggle to the next without pause as she spoke with me in my office recently. After a while, I gently redirected her away from her tangent and invited her to choose a colored pencil, letting the color choose her, and trace a circle on a sheet of paper. Then I invited her to close her eyes as I sounded a chime and asked her to breathe gently and then to slowly open her eyes when the sound of the chime dissipated in the air. Next I invited her to draw something that brings her peace, anything that comes to her mind. She slowly drew a small yellow flower tilting to one direction with two very small leaves growing out of a green zigzag suggesting grass with a thin brown line for soil. She noticed her flower was off center, seeing this as a flaw. When I asked, “what is the flower facing?” She said, "the sun!" and titled her drawing, "Flowers Save Me." Her whole self was noticeably more relaxed and she had a soft smile on her face that radiated through the room. Simple, yes? Therapist and Client come together to form Relationship using the creative process as co-therapist. In this session this woman went beyond the experience of relaxation to the development of a metaphorical statement of herself resulting in increased self-awareness and self-esteem. She also was able to experience the extra benefit of reduction in psychological and physical pain at least for that moment in time. </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">There are so many other examples, but this one has recently particularly touch me.</span></div>
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LAURA: I know you’ve been doing art therapy for a long time and you recently earned an advanced degree in it. Tell us about your educational path to this career?</div>
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<span style="color: blue;">KAREN: Yes. I earned a Master’s of Arts in Art Therapy in 1991 from Vermont College. Since then I served as a Family and Adolescent Therapist doing individual, family and group therapy. I have spent the last 15 years developing and implementing art and expressive therapy in nursing homes. I also offer individual, family and group art therapy through my private practice at Therapy Associates in Decorah, IA. I have developed many therapeutic workshops for grief and bereavement and Mandala workshops to increase self-awareness and to help hone in and nurture a creative practice to help promote healing, wellness and well being.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">I recently received my License as Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) after completing some Counseling Graduate course work to advance my degree and to become a licensed therapist. This license is allowing me to fully practice as an art therapist and mental health counselor in the state of Iowa. I am currently working part-time as a therapist at Northeast Iowa Behavioral Health in Decorah where I use art therapy with individuals, groups and families. I also work one day at Waukon Good Samaritan Society with elderly people and part time at my private practice.</span></div>
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LAURA: A few years ago, you and I both appeared in a book titled How to Be Happy written by Joan Liffring Zug-Bourret (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/How-Be-Happy-Ninety-two-Secrets/dp/193204387X">link to the book at Amazon</a>). In it, you shared your journey through grief and cancer. Can you tell us a little bit about that and how you’ve managed to keep your joy?</div>
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<span style="color: blue;">KAREN: Hmmm….yes, I have had the misfortune of losing two brothers and my mom in a relatively short period of time. The loss of half my family was devastating and is a large part of who I am. Those were some very intense years. Through strong support of my father and sister and friends we keep my brothers’ and mom’s memories alive and pursue our lives in ways that we feel are very meaningful to us. I am blessed to have a career that blends my love of art and creativity with helping others to heal from challenges and pain they have encountered. </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">I am also a potter and am so fortunate to live in a community that embraces the arts. I have been able to make pottery a part of my livelihood and joy. Nary a week goes by without someone saying, “Karen, I think of you every morning when I drink my coffee from the cup you made.” I experience joy when I create the cup and I experience even more joy when I know I have brought joy to someone else. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">LAURA: You also facilitate a breast cancer survivor group called The Comfort Zone. Tell us about that.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">KAREN: Yes. I am a breast cancer survivor of 6 years! When I was diagnosed it seemed like every time I turned around I was told about another woman, healthy like me, has also been diagnosed with breast cancer. It seemed to be my mission to reach out and provide support so a support group happened. We meet monthly to share journeys, lend support, and hold the space for those we have lost.</span></div>
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LAURA: You are also an artist. What mediums do you work in?</div>
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<span style="color: blue;">KAREN: I dabble in lots of stuff like painting, drawing, and collage myself and with my clients, but mostly, I am a pottery artist. My pottery is inspired by nature in color and design. When I had cancer, trees grew on my pottery and I just could not seem to stop them! I am intrigued by the design, movement and form of trees and also their strength, flexibility and ability to withstand change and transition. I am also drawn to how so many others seemed to feel healing in the presence of trees and in the presence of my tree designs. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karen's jewelry designs</td></tr>
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<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>LAURA: Will Laugh-Festers have the opportunity to buy your pottery works at the festival?</div>
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<span style="color: blue;">KAREN: Yes! I will bring a collection of platters, mugs, cups and other items to sell with a variety of tree, leaf, and dragonfly designs and maybe some of my “happy” sangria inspired ware as well. </span><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
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Some of Karen's pottery works are pictured below.</div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">LAURA: This will be your first Laugh-Fest so perhaps you don’t know exactly what to expect (HA HA!) but what are your hopes for the event?</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">KAREN: Well, I hope to laugh a little, for sure! Meet new people and share some healing and inspiring art experiences with those who are interested. And I am quite certain I will bring back some new energy and inspiration from other presenters and participants.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karen with her husband, Tom, and their kids</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: indigo; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif;">How does art therapy have to do with laughter? You may ask. Well, I believe they share the frontier of healing through creativity and somatic experience. This year's Laugh-Fest will be offering a wider array of healing opportunities than ever before and we are thrilled to have seasoned professionals like Karen who are willing to share their compassion and wisdom with us. We are seeking to have something for everyone so that all can go away enriched, renewed and more whole than ever before. I simply can't wait.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: indigo; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">And there is still time to register for the <a href="http://www.laughinglaura.com/laughfest.html">Laugh-Fest of the Midwest</a> at the rock bottom rate of just $199 for the entire weekend including meals and housing! We have done this to make it as affordable as possible so that no one would have to miss out. Please register before April 1 to get this rate. We ask you to share this blog with anyone who might benefit from this opportunity. Thanks for helping spread World Laughter. HA HA HA!</span></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509156777211609256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7558514424646298801.post-39594663561008785982016-03-21T08:31:00.000-07:002016-03-21T14:19:46.973-07:00LAUGHFEST INTERVIEWS—PART 4<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Jill and Dan Johnson—the "laughter couple"</i></td></tr>
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<span style="color: indigo; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Jill and her husband Dan have become affectionately known as the “laughter couple” for their coaching and yoga techniques which incorporate laughter to bring more joy to their clients’ personal and professional lives. They are laughter professors with a mission – to share their passion for joyful, positive living with everyone they meet.</span><br />
<span style="color: indigo; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />Together, they offer laughter workshops, corporate wellness programs, laughter life coaching, laughter therapy, and laughter products. They are dynamic presenters who specialize in uplifting presentations tailored to fit any organization whether it’s corporate executives, church personnel or chronically ill patients. Jill and Dan have helped empower thousands of people better connect with their goals and let go of emotional blocks through laughter. Both Jill and Dan are Certified Laughter Yoga Leaders and Trainers and Laughter Ambassadors.</span></div>
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<span style="color: indigo; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I am thrilled that they will be back for the Laugh-Fest this year. In 2012, they were part of the Laughter Yoga Teacher and Leader training I did at the camp in Ferryville. It was a magical time and so we all wanted a reunion the following year. That's how the Laugh-Fest was born. Before anyone left the camp, we booked the next spring and it snowballed from there. Now we will be throwing the fourth annual Laugh-Fest of the Midwest and Jill and Dan have a lot to do with that! I'm so grateful to them. </span></div>
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<span style="color: indigo; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">For those of you who already know them, you may not be aware of the recent developments in their lives. They have both studied a new healing modality and are going to be sharing it with us. Check out the interview to learn more.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">LAURA: Jill and Dan, I cannot express just how elated I am that you will be back for the Laugh-Fest this year! </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I saw the two of you present an interactive lecture about saying YES! at the national laughter convention in San Diego, California a few years back. I’ve seen many lectures over the course of my life and I gotta say that yours was one of the very best—ever. It was memorable, motivational, and such fun. That’s what sparked our imagination and led the committee to choose YES! as the theme of this year’s Laugh-Fest. Thanks for the inspiration! The two of you will give the opening presentation for the festival so we’ll hear all about it then, but can you give us a little preview of what YES! means to you two and how it has propelled you forward in life?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: #222222;">J</span><span style="color: blue;">ILL & DAN: </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: blue;">Laura, we’re excited to be back at the Laugh-Fest! It’s a beautiful location and a perfect opportunity to laugh with our fellow Midwesterners again! The staff at the retreat center equally make the experience a joyful one, and the home cooked food is always delicious. As Dan’s grandmother would say, ‘If you go hungry it’s your own fault!’ Hahaha!!<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: blue;">Our lives have changed so much since we gave the closing keynote at the National Laughter Conference in San Diego. The effects of our presentation, The Power of YES!, propelled us forward into a deeper awakening. As we continued to say yes to life we continued to open doors not only to experiences and opportunities outside of ourselves, but more importantly, within ourselves. By shining a light within we explored and expanded in ways that cleansed, cleared, and opened us to the biggest yes of all: unconditional love. Our presentation will look at what does saying Yes! look like to you in your physical reality of experiences, and what does YES! look like when you go inward and say yes to your spirit. Life gets more exciting and fun when you peel away the layers and live from the YES! that’s in your heart. </span><span style="color: #1f497d;"><u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">LAURA: Awesome! I can't wait! I know it will offer so much to our Laugh-Festers. Jill, you have been doing yoga for many years and now you are certified in LifeForce Yoga that is designed to alleviate symptoms of depression. I find this so fascinating—and so necessary given the prevalence of depression in our society. You’ll be leading a workshop in this</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1581987276" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204 , 204 , 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Saturday</span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">afternoon. Tell us a bit about this healing modality and why you’ve chosen to be a teacher of it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: blue;">JILL: I have started working with clients one-on-one and noticed that stress and anxiety are the biggest factors in their decision to seek out a yoga therapist. So I started looking around at trainings that would help me understand and offer techniques and principles to alleviate those conditions. LifeForce Yoga is such a multi-layered practice that meets the individual’s mood, then helps to shift the mood thus releasing the constrictions and uncovering one’s true self – that precious being we really are. Through movement, breathing techniques, mantra (sound) and mudra (hand gestures) people get in touch with their bodies and begin to ‘feel’ again. </span><span style="color: #222222;"><u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">LAURA: If someone is new to yoga, would they still be able to attend your workshop? How difficult will it be?<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: blue;">JILL: This will be a level 1 class. Newbies are welcome, but participants will need to be able to get up and down from the floor. If they have a yoga mat they can bring it, but it’s not necessary. <u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">LAURA: Dan, I remember when you went to school for massage therapy and how fired up about it you were. You finally got to fulfill your long-time dream to become a healer! And I can attest to the fact that you are an incredibly talented massage therapist. Now, you’ve gone on to learn another exciting method of healing. Can you tell us about it and how it works?<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">DAN: The MyoKinesthetic System, or MYK, is my latest passion. I love the simplicity and completion of the treatment. </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">MYK is a fresh approach to pain relief. This muscle movement technique corrects and balances the nervous system. One of the main things MYK addresses is posture. By balancing the posture, we balance the nervous system. When the nervous system is balanced, the body begins to work the way it’s supposed to work with range of motion increasing and pain decreasing. There’s no oils or creams, you don’t get undressed, you sit in a chair and a treatment is 15 minutes or less. </span></span><span style="color: #4f81bd; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span><span class="im" style="color: #500050;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br />LAURA: Will Laugh-Festers have the opportunity to receive such a treatment from you at the event? How do they sign up?<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: blue;">DAN: Yes! I’ll be offering chair massages, 10 minutes/$10. And MYK treatments that will balance your upper and lower body for $20. I will be available throughout the weekend for treatments. Contact me to secure your appointment at <a href="tel:605-413-8849" target="_blank" value="+16054138849">605-413-8849</a>, or see me at the event.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">LAURA: You will be coming all the way from South Dakota to join us for the Laugh-Fest and we thank you for your commitment. What are your hopes for the Laugh-Fest?<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: blue;">JILL & DAN: Our hopes are to connect with other laughers and share in the beauty of gathering our community together in this peaceful environment. Sharing our passion of Joyful Living through laughter, yoga, bodywork and friends – it doesn’t get any better than that!!</span><span style="color: #1f497d;"><u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">One of Jill and Dan's CDs which will be for sale at the Laugh-Fest</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="color: indigo; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif;">The Johnsons will be kicking off the Laugh-Fest with their interactive lecture on the power of saying YES! Jill will also be leading a playshop of LifeForce Yoga to alleviate depression and anxiety. We are thrilled to have their energy and expertise guiding us along our weekend journey. Learn more at:</span><span style="color: purple; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://joyfullivingtherapy.com/" style="color: purple; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" target=""> Joyful Living Therapy.</a> </span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Oh, and don't forget to register for <a href="http://www.laughinglaura.com/laughfest.html">the Laugh-Fest at this lin</a>k. Just a few more days until the Early Bird Special expires.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Here I am with the fabulous Johnsons!</span></i></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509156777211609256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7558514424646298801.post-12862907668734968762016-03-20T09:44:00.000-07:002016-03-20T09:46:23.820-07:00LAUGHFEST INTERVIEWS—PART 3<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Tabita Green is an author, speaker, blogger, and community organizer. In 2011, she left her six-digit corporate job to focus on family, health, and community building. After three years of research into mental health and resilience for her book, <a href="http://tabitagreen.com/her-lost-year-book/"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(128, 27, 128); color: #801b80;">Her Lost Year</span></a>, she believes humanity’s future health and happiness depends on the creation of resilient, sustainable communities. Tabita discovered blogs over ten years ago and has been blogging ever since. Her blog at <a href="http://tabitagreen.com/">tabitagreen.com</a> inspires readers to take action for personal wellness, social justice, and a sustainable future. A native of Sweden, Tabita is an engaging speaker and offers presentations on topics ranging from mental health optimization to simple productivity. She has presented at the National Wellness Conference, offers workshops on time management and health, and is a guest lecturer at Luther College on several different subjects, including mindfulness in education. (She also happens to manage<a href="http://www.luther.edu/"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(128, 27, 128); color: #801b80;">luther.edu</span></a>.) At the Laugh-Fest she will share her unique and inspiring vision for optimizing mental health for all. Below is my interview with Tabita.<br />
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LAURA: Tabita, we are so excited to have you join us for the Laugh-Fest this year. Your book <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Her Lost Year</span> was recently published. Can you tell us about what led you to write this and what you’ve learned in the process?</div>
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<span style="color: blue;">TABITA: Thanks Laura. I'm excited too! Wow, yes—big question. In 2010, when my daughter, Rebecka, was in seventh grade, she approached me and my husband about feelings of depression. She also lost a lot of weight that spring, which concerned us, because we knew she had friends who had been diagnosed with anorexia. So we took her to see her doctor and a therapist and before long, they suggested she "kick-start" the treatment process with Zoloft, an antidepressant. Zoloft led to Prozac, and by the end of the summer (before eight grade), Rebecka was hallucinating and feeling suicidal. This led to her first psychiatric hospitalization, where the attending psychiatrist added an antipsychotic medication to the mix. Long story short, she ended up being hospitalized eight times over the course of her eighth grade year and at times, we thought we had lost her. </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Fortunately, a friend lent us the book <i>Anatomy of an Epidemic</i> by Robert Whitaker, which provided a different narrative about psychiatry and the pharmaceutical industry. Armed with this knowledge, we asked Rebecka's psychiatrist to get her off all medication. Within weeks Rebecka's psychotic symptoms abated, as did the suicidal thoughts. We were left with an eating disorder from which Rebecka recovered fully thanks to appropriate care and lots of hard work by the whole family.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Tabita and her daughter, Rebecka</i></td></tr>
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<span style="color: blue;">The main reason I decided to write a book about our ordeal was because I learned so much during the process, and I wanted to share this with other parents and caretakers. Originally, my thesis was that medication should be a last resort for kids. But the more I read and wrote and thought about mental health, the more I realized that mental health is not just an individual issue—it's a social issue. (You might even say it's a social justice issue.) So the last part of my book is all about social change required to optimize mental health. And that's where I'm focusing my efforts now—finding ways to create resilient, sustainable communities. If we're able to do this, I believe health (physical, mental, and spiritual) will follow.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The cover of Tabita's book Her Lost Year</i></td></tr>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(80, 13, 80); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">LAURA: What really inspired me about </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(80, 13, 80); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;">Her Lost Year</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(80, 13, 80); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> is how you imagined and clearly explained what a vibrant, healthy society would look like—one that fostered mental health and wellness for children and their families. Your lecture at the Laugh-Fest will paint that picture for us. Would you give us a preview of that?</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">TABITA: Absolutely! A society optimized for mental health would value nature, humans and the human experience above all—above profits and power. This is a fundamental paradigm shift. When our planet and all the creatures on it become more important than profit and power, we start to do things differently. We focus more resources on helping families be healthy through family-friendly policies such as paid family leave, flexible work, and child-centered learning. We restore nature rather than rape it. We raise children from a standpoint of cooperation rather than competition. We practice slow living. And we value time together: laughing, crying, being. While some of this can be promoted through policy work at the federal and regional level, much of it starts in homes, in schools, in places of worship, in communities. </span></div>
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LAURA: I am always inspired by the ways you seek wellness for yourself, your family and your community. Tell us about some of the practices you engage in to do this and how they’ve been helpful.</div>
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<span style="color: blue;">TABITA: I've been exercising regularly the last 15 years or so, primarily because I have a sedentary job. Moving our bodies is extremely important for mental health—maybe more so than physical health. I try to build in movement wherever I can throughout the day by walking or biking to work, to the grocery store, to church... I have also practiced yoga for a few years—this is a great mindfulness practice that I think can benefit everyone. Speaking of mindfulness, I try to notice my breath a few times every day. Formally, I practice <a href="http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/VDR00112/The-4-7-8-Breath-Benefits-and-Demonstration.html"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(18, 85, 204);">4-7-8 breathing</span></a> twice a day, which helps calm the nervous system and helps me sleep soundly. I also spend time in nature as often as possible—it's good for the soul. Related to food, I try to stay away from overly processed "food" (even though it's oh so convenient). Food and mood go together. Also, by tuning in to my body through mindfulness work, I have noticed what foods make me feel bad, so I can avoid them. Finally, I try to observe a day of rest (as I'm typing these answers up on a Sunday morning—hahaha!). Taking a break from the digital world is key for me, since I work on the computer all day. </span></div>
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LAURA: What are your hopes for the Laugh-Fest?</div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "gill sans";">TABITA: I'm hoping to connect with some fun people, unwind after an exceptionally stressful semester, and laugh my head off!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #4b1782; font-family: "gill sans";"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(75, 23, 130); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">Tabita will </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(75, 23, 130);">join</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(75, 23, 130); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> our amazing group of presenters for the Laugh-Fest. We hope you'll be there, too! The Early Bird Special is still on so you can save money! Register and see the full schedule at: <a href="http://www.laughinglaura.com/laughfest.html">Laugh-Fest of the Midwest.</a></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509156777211609256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7558514424646298801.post-71751356869515207452016-03-15T14:17:00.004-07:002016-03-15T14:24:51.083-07:00LAUGHFEST INTERVIEWS—PART 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A few years ago, I met the most AMAZING pastor! Like me, she is dedicated to seeing the comedy of the Bible and of life. She's not afraid to push the envelope so people make new and profound discoveries about the Divine and about themselves. Not only that, she's talented beyond belief and hysterically funny. That pastor is Jane Voigts and she's become a dear, dear friend. For the past two years, she has helped lead the Laugh-Fest of the Midwest and we are delighted to welcome her back! </div>
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<span style="font-family: "open sans"; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Nobody can bring out the comedy—and spiritual potential—of polyester pant suits...and inspire others to do the same....than Jane Voigts! Comedian, writer and Methodist Minister, Jane is one of the great hopes for modern religious life. She graduated from the Claremont School of Theology in 1996. There she created an improv troupe of seminarians called Angelic Residue; they played improv games with scripture and were a huge hit everywhere we went.. She even created a full-fledged Comedy Church in Toluca Lake, California. She's presently working on a book about the biblical account of the birth of Isaac (ie "laughter") as well as an evening of entertainment entitled, The Bible Cabaret: A Comedy and Music Review Starring the Old and New Testaments. In her spare time, she collects polyester pant suits and figures out how to get out of the splits. At the Laugh-Fest, Jane will be leading us in hilarious improvisation exercises as well as offering a comedic performance at a Lutheran church nearby. Check out her website: </span><a href="http://janevoigts.com/" style="font-family: 'open sans'; font-size: inherit !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" target=""><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">janevoigts.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "open sans"; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">LAURA: Jane, this will be your THIRD Laugh-Fest and I couldn’t be more elated that you will be back! You bring such joy and amazement to the festival. People are still talking about your God costume that you wore at the talent show. Tee hee! So tell me, Jane, what do you love about this event?</span></div>
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JANE: First of all, I love being with people who are so joyful and so happy and willing to laugh! Being surrounded with all that positive energy makes me feel great regardless of what the program might be. It’s also so interesting and enriching to witness how many different and really creative ways presenters use laughter to heal and create beloved community. Last but not least, it’s a great place to meet new, wonderful friends! </div>
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LAURA: You’ll be sharing an improvisational exercise with us and I understand saying “yes” means something specific in the context of improvisational theater. Can you tell us more about that?</div>
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JANE: One of the most important “rules” of improv is what they call, “Yes, and…” That’s what you always want to do when you’re making up a scene with a partner. You agree with the reality presented so far, and you add something new. If your partner says, “Good morning, darling! Please sit down and drink your orange juice,” you might say, “Okay! And afterwards, let’s visit the Louvre!” What you’ve done is add information to move the scene forward. Now we know this couple is in Paris. Even if you don’t agree with the impulse of what’s been offered – for example, if you respond, “Why would I drink my orange juice? You know I’ve given up Vitamin C for Lent!” – you’re still agreeing with the reality that’s been set up. That’s fine – it still moves the scene forward. What you don’t want to do is say, “What are you talking about? It’s not morning, it’s 6pm in the evening and there’s no chair anywhere to sit on!” </div>
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I think this is a really important rule to follow in the relationships you have or are forming in “real life” – not just on the improv stage. If we’re going to move forward and together, we have to accept where the other person is coming from, regardless of whether we agree with it or not. That is the beginning of empathy. The beginning of peace.</div>
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LAURA: YES! That’s beautiful. And this event is all about connection, empathy and peace! What can we expect from the experience of improvising you’ll be bringing?</div>
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JANE: I’m not sure what people can expect! I hope participants will be able to dramatically (and comically!) stretch their imaginations and capacities to say yes. We’ll play some fun “yes, and” games. We’ll also have a lot of fun playing a “No, But” game where participants make a ridiculously huge deal about denying and road-blocking one-another. This game will, of course, make everyone laugh really hard because it’s so silly and fanciful! (Even as it might otherwise appear to be a documentary of Congress…..!!!)</div>
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LAURA: The congregation I pastor, Our Savior’s Lutheran in Lansing, Iowa, will be welcoming you to lead worship the Sunday of Laugh-Fest. They are really looking forward to having you back as you’ve been a highlight for the last two years when you shared pieces from your Bible Cabaret. What do you plan to offer this year?</div>
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JANE: I think I might share about how difficult it is for us to “Yes, And” with God. In the Bible it’s almost always, “Yes, But” when God calls us on some incredible adventure of faith. It’s funny not only what excuses comprise our “buts,” but also what we tentatively forfeit in our hesitancies. Thankfully, God doesn’t let “Yes, But” be our final answer – or at least tries His/Her best to get us to reconsider! </div>
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Also, we’ll be having some fun “Yes, And-ing” with the congregation….</div>
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LAURA: A wonderful part of each Laugh-Fest is the talent show, which is now called the Laughter Winners competition in which everyone wins an honorary title. It is hilarious. You’ve been our emcee the past 2 years and this year Celia will be joining you in this task. What should Laugh-Festers consider sharing at the talent show?</div>
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JANE: All talents are welcome! Sometimes people bring fun, silly sketches or songs or talents to share. Sometimes people bring more serious offerings. Really, everything goes. It all brings joy!</div>
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LAURA: Jane, you really inspire me! And I think you inspire many people with your performances around the country. But tell me, what inspires YOU?</div>
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JANE: One of the things that never ceases to inspire me is the Bible…especially when I get new insight as to how this sacred document functions (as I believe was always intended) as a comedy. </div>
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Another thing that never ceases to inspire me are trips to the thrift store. I’m always amazed not only at the amazing stuff being sold at amazing prices, but more than that, the stuff that you find there that for whatever reason amazingly one day was made! There is so much weird, wonderful stuff to be found at thrift stores. If there was one closer to the Laugh Fest Campground, I would definitely encourage a field trip as a Saturday afternoon option!</div>
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Perhaps the thing that inspires me more than anything else, though, is discovering the person who I, for whatever reason, had assumed didn’t like me or had nothing to teach me is the next person I find myself loving and learning from. I think this is the ultimate message of the Bible, and the ultimate gift of “Yes, And-ing.”</div>
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LAURA: YES! So, Jane, what are your hopes for this upcoming Laugh-Fest?</div>
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JANE: One of my hopes is that lots of fresh faces will be in attendance. Both those who are huge fans of Laughter Yoga and related disciplines and those who have never been part of any “laughter” event (except watching Mel Brooks’ movies, of course!) </div>
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I hope the afternoon playshops will provide a rich diversity of opportunities to discover and share joy.</div>
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And I guess I also really hope the folks there will think I’m funny. On purpose!! ☺</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I gave Jane my Bible costume and here she is wearing it at gay pride parade!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: times new roman;">YES! Jane is yet another reason to attend this year's Laugh-Fest! Don't miss out. The fun, the profound learning, and the delight is about to unfold. We want you to be a part of it. Register now by visiting <a href="http://www.laughinglaura.com/laughfest.html">the Laugh-Fest page</a>.</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509156777211609256noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7558514424646298801.post-79138469009980552592016-03-14T15:32:00.000-07:002016-03-14T15:36:20.121-07:00LAUGHFEST INTERVIEWS—PART 1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We are so excited about the plans shaping up for this year’s <a href="http://www.laughinglaura.com/laughfest.html">Laugh-Fest of the Midwest</a>, to be held in Ferryville, Wisconsin May 13-15. To help you get a better perspective of the exciting presentations in store, I’ll be posting blogs with interviews of the presenters. This is the first of that series.</div>
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THE LAUGHING DJs</div>
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Let me introduce you to the dynamos from Salt Lake City (pictured above): Delan Jensen and Julie Pugmire. They have been working together as Laughter Yoga professionals and have come to be known as the “Laughing DJs”. They teach at Salt Lake Community College and since 2013, they have been offering an accredited Certified Laughter Yoga Leader class—the first of its kind in the country. The Laughing DJs founded the Spin-A-Grin Laughter Club, which released its own laughing album. They are also the originators of the Laughter Heartbeat Station LOL.1. <span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;"> </span>Delan and Julie were speakers at the All American Laughter Conference in Los Angeles, California in October, 2014, held by Sebastien Gendry. They presented “Laughter in Higher Ed-THE BREAKTHROUGH” along with a corresponding workshop, and a Round Table Discussion entitled “How to Use Integrative Body Movements to Enhance the Impact of Your Laughter Sessions”. Julie is a twenty year retiree. She has an AAS Degree, is a Certified Meditation Instructor and remains at the college as an adjunct instructor teaching Laughter Yoga and meditation classes. Delan teaches full-time at SLCC. She has her MEd, Instructional Technology and is a certified Spin instructor. She teaches Laughter Yoga, Spin and Computer Science classes at the College. They both just completed their certificate in Positive Psychology this past April.</div>
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I got to know the Laughing DJs last fall at the Laughter conference in Portland and I laugh with them all the time by listening to their hysterical, contagious laughter CD. They are absurdly FUN and I am so honored they accepted my invitation to be presenters at the 2016 Laugh-Fest! I can’t wait for you to get the opportunity to get to know them and benefit from their expertise. So here’s my interview with the Laughing DJs.</div>
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LAURA: Delan and Julie, we are SO EXCITED to have you as first-time presenters at the Laugh-Fest! You will be coming all the way from Utah. What made you decide to come to Wisconsin? </div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">DELAN & JULIE</span>: You, mainly! You are so much fun to be around! We had talked about going to laughter conferences in other places and yours was the one we focused on. The timing of the Laugh-Fest was perfect as our semester ends and all grades would be completed and submitted by then. Besides, we hear Wisconsin is beautiful and has some great people who know how to really laugh so we wanted to check it out ourselves! </div>
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LAURA: Now you have developed an accredited college course of Laughter Yoga. That is great to have made it such “serious” form of study. Tell us, how did you do this? </div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">DELAN: </span>It all started with a workshop presented at Salt Lake Community College. I told Julie, Julie got all excited and took a Laughter Yoga class, then we both took the Laughter Leader class offered at the College. We are the first to graduate from an accredited LY course in a college atmosphere. The many doors of opportunity started opening up for us immediately after we became Certified Leaders. We were asked to start teaching the Laughter Yoga class at the College which was still in the early stages of development. Using the guidelines of what was being taught; we started to develop the class into a more formal program. We were able to bring new life and a renewal of interest back into the Laughter Yoga program making it possible to have more classes available for students. We are now the only instructors teaching the class and through word of mouth and promoting the class we have seen and continue to see a huge jump in our enrollment. Most often, our classes are full before many of the other department classes and we have a waiting list if someone drops out. Every semester, we get to know some of the greatest and happiest students on campus!</div>
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LAURA: That’s amazing! What will you be covering in your presentation at the Laugh-Fest? What can we expect? </div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">DELAN & JULIE: </span>We are planning on holding a sample class where we learn, laugh and enjoy each other’s company. It will be typically what we do in a scheduled Laughter Yoga class session. It will include a mini lecture or presentation of the subject we are discussing and laughter exercises that correspond with the subject matter. You can expect to learn what the effects of laughter and the topic we will be teaching has on your body and why it is good to laugh. </div>
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LAURA: How long have you been practicing Laughter Yoga and what has it done for you in your lives? </div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">DELAN & JULIE: </span>We have been laughing all our lives (hahaha) as we both have a great sense of humor. But we have actually been practicing Laughter Yoga since May of 2012. The difference in our laughter now is that we understand how it helps us. The coping skills we have learned and now teach to others has changed our perspective on how to deal with challenges. It has made it easier to laugh at life, and we all know how sometimes life just gets the best of you. Now we just have to laugh it off.... As you know, laughter is the best medicine!! Ask Dr. Kataria! So, for us, we not only laugh for no reason, but we laugh for our health, happiness and sanity!!! (You need to laugh when you are teachers!!<span style="font-family: "wingdings"; line-height: normal;"></span>) </div>
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LAURA: Delan, you will be flying into the Laugh-Fest from Africa! What will you be doing there? </div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">DELAN: </span>Well, I basically planned the Africa trip around the Laugh-Fest and the end of the semester. The others in the travel group agreed to switch dates around so I could make it to the Laugh-Fest. This a trip of pleasure and it is on my bucket list – visit 100 different countries. So far I have visited 50 - I’m half way there! The itinerary includes Cape Town, Johannesburg, Zambezi River, Kruger Nation Park and the spectacular Victoria Falls. The idea is to see nature at its best. And, of course, we will be doing plenty laughing during this safari adventure. </div>
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LAURA: Wow! You’ll love it! My husband and I went to South Africa on a laughing tour a few years ago. Julie, you’ll be driving all the way out to the Laugh-Fest with your significant other. What are your plans for your road trip? And does he have any corny jokes to share with us? </div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">JULIE: </span>Our plans are to make a road trip before the Laugh-Fest. It is at least a two-day drive so we are going to extend that by a few days. Our usual way of traveling is to stop along the way and see the sights that interest us then move on. We have not decided what our destination sights will be just yet but even just seeing the beautiful country will be enjoyable. Our travel goals are to visit every state in the U.S. by the time we get old. And, old is just a state of mind, so we have a lot of time to reach our goal as we are so young at heart. HaHaHa!!!!! </div>
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Oh, Yes!! Terry will definitely have some corny jokes. </div>
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LAURA: What are your hopes for the Laugh-Fest? </div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">DELAN & JULIE: </span>We are coming with high hopes of feeling and sharing the inner spirit of joy through laughing with others. We are looking forward to having a delightful three days filled with laughter and learning. We are also hoping to meet others, share ideas, make lifelong friends and come home filled with warm and wonderful memories of our Laughter Yoga family. </div>
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LAURA: I’m looking forward to that, too! I can’t wait to see you both again!</div>
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Let me just say how much this annual festival makes my heart sing. It is a beautiful group of souls from all over the country converging in a quiet Wisconsin valley just coming to life with the green of spring. Together, they will laugh, play, sing and experience pure-heart joy! </div>
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Couldn’t you use a joy-boosting retreat like that? I bet you can. This event is majorly affordable thanks to the volunteer work of many, many people dedicated to world laughter. It is so easy to register and make this dream a reality. Just click this link to go to the <a href="http://www.laughinglaura.com/laughfest.html">Laugh-Fest page </a>and register by mail or on-line. Remember, you can save on your tuition if you register by April Fool’s Day. Tee hee!</div>
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<a href="http://www.laughinglaura.com/laughfest.html">LAUGH-FEST OF THE MIDWEST</a></div>
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