QUOTE OF THE MONTH

"Life is a shipwreck, but we must not forget to sing in the
lifeboats." -- Voltaire

ARRR*! PIRATE JOHN THROWS A PARTY

John was an anomaly. In the group of conservative engineers, he
was a playful extrovert. His favorite holiday was one most
people have never heard of - September 19, International Talk
Like a Pirate Day.

For years, John encouraged his co-workers to play along. Last
year, they did. He works at a military installation where they
make "Official" announcements frequently. He convinced the crew,
military types who make the announcements, to deliver the
announcements as if they were pirates. Even the Commanding
Officer played along. It was contagious. Eventually the rest
of the office started speaking like pirates, too.

Why talk like a pirate? The Talk Like a Pirate website
(www.TalkLikeAPirate.com) says it gives your conversations a
certain swagger often denied to landlubbers. Besides that,
it's fun. They promise.

When John's 59th birthday rolled around, his wife Cathy knew
There was only one way to celebrate. She planned a surprise
party with a pirate theme. The invitations, a treasure map to
their house, were rolled up and slipped inside empty coke
bottles. Party goers were asked to dress like pirates. Cathy
bought decorations to turn their house into a pirate ship.

Four days before the party, they received word that John's
mother was rushed to the hospital. Cathy slipped away to call
the friends to let them know the party was postponed. John and
Cathy left town to be with his mom and the family.

When they returned two weeks later, the last thing on John's
mind was his forgotten birthday. Once again, Cathy slipped away
to make some phone calls. With John's recent family crisis so
fresh on everyone's mind, they wanted to show their love and
support in the way he would best understand.

Aye! They were ready to talk like pirates.

Arrr! They were ready to sing in the lifeboats.

(*"Arrr" - sometimes written as "Yarr"-- is a word often used
by pirates whenever they experience a loss or pain, or when they
simply want to remind the listener that the speaker is a pirate.
Paraphrased from the Urban Dictionary.)

The party was a success. Cathy provided eye patches and
bandanas for everyone who didn't wear a costume. There was
plenty of "GROG" and other pirate food, pieces of eight and
"Loot Bags" for everyone. They served barbequed parrot (teriyaki
chicken skewers), gold coins (sliced carrots in butter), and
drunken pig (beer brats). John enjoyed the party and was
grateful to his family, friends and neighbors who came to
support him.

If you're curious about the history of Talk Like A Pirate Day,
the best place to find out about it is in Dave Barry's column in
the Miami Herald. Avast! This is one column that will make you
laugh out loud. 

Start your year with laughter and a confident swagger.

ART OF THE SPARK WORKSHOPS

CALVARY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, Colorado Springs, CO
4210 Austin Bluffs Parkway
Saturday, February 9, 1:00 to 4:00
$10 per person non-refundable registration fee, plus offering
($20 registration fee after Feb 3)
Required text: The Art of the Spark
Child care provided at no charge (MUST sign up by Feb 3 to
receive child care)
Open to the public, singles and couples invited
Call 719 481-0207 to register

BOOK SIGNING

NICE 'N' NAUGHTY, Colorado Springs
2504 W. Colorado Ave.
Sunday, February 10, 1:00 to 400
Come play Romance Bingo! Prizes include a gift certificate and
other fabulous treasures from Nice 'n Naughty. Come by yourself,
with friends or your sweetheart. It's the perfect prelude to
Valentine's Day.

SPEAKING SCHEDULE

COLORADO SPRINGS PARENTS OF MULTIPLES, Colorado Springs, CO
Thursday, January 10

TRI-LAKES WOMENS CLUB, Monument, CO
Friday, January 18

NETWORKING GROUP, Denver, CO
Friday, February 1

IN-HOME WORKSHOPS

You can host an ART OF THE SPARK workshop in your home. If at
least 5 couples attend, the cost is $30 per couple, which
includes 1 copy of THE ART OF THE SPARK, a $16.95 value. The
hosting couple attends at no cost and receives a free book.
Scheduling is a mutually agreed upon time. Please plan for
2 ? hours.

Additional sessions can be scheduled at $20 per couple for 5
couples if you decide you want more time. Session One covers
the basics. In the second session we plan a customized
adventure. My husband often comes with me so we can break into
two groups and plan surprises for our partners.

UNTIL NEXT TIME

If you enjoyed this free e-zine, please forward it to friends.

I care about people and how they celebrate. If you have any
stories you'd like to share with others, please send them to me
at mary@adventuresoftheheart.com. We can all learn from each
other.

Wishing you a life of romantic adventure,
Mary Zalmanek

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