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This weekend, my son, Nicholas, and I will be traveling to Charleston, W.Va. for his violin audition for a chance to attend the Governor's School for the Arts (GSA), July 5-25, 2015, at West Virginia Wesleyan College. The Governor's School for the Arts (GSA) is an opportunity for current sophomores who live in and who attend public and private schools, as well as those who are home-schooled in West Virginia, to experience a summer for young artists to develop their talents and expand on their passion for music. This exciting opportunity will become a reality for 108 current West Virginia high school sophomores. GSA is an intense three-week course of study that aspires to be a transformative experience for all through rigorous classroom experiences under the guidance of master teachers. GSA students will refine their skills in pursuit of mastering their disciplines. By interacting with their peers from different areas of expertise, they will have their artistic and aesthetic horizons broadened in truly meaningful ways. The programs are small so that each student receives individual attention not only from the primary teacher, but other adjunct staff members as well. They stress the artist community concept and immerse the students in experiences that push them to the point that they are truly changed during their three weeks in the camp, only to return as more mature leaders as well as musicians and productive young adults. Best of luck to my son, Nick, his friends and all those students auditioning!

Admittedly, I am not a winter person and quite frankly, it seems every year that I get a little older, I become a tad bit less tolerant of the frigid weather. But as long as I live in Wheeling, W.Va., I am going to see the cold winters that sometimes can seem pretty long. So, what do I do? I do my best to embrace it. I look forward to the snow days -- the really, really, nice snowfall kind of days. You know, the kind that when you were a kid and you spent all day out there building forts, sledding, making snow angels and hurling a snowball at your siblings and neighbors? Even shoveling didn't seem like a chore back in those days. Sure, I may no longer be a kid, but I can still ride a sled and hurl a snowball. Just a couple years ago, I think my children had something like three weeks in a row off of school and each day they had all this energy so much unlike an actual get up and go to school day. But we had a lot of fun and made some great memories. For the most part, we have a general idea of what the forecast will bring, so we always plan a trip to the store. Not for the necessities, but for the hot chocolate and baking needs because we seem to like to bake sweets on those days. We sled and make snowmen. Sometimes it's in the day and sometimes we are out there in the evening walking the road. That is such a peaceful time, just taking in the beauty of Mother Nature. We even all had to sleep in the living room together in front of the fireplace before when the electric was out because the weight of the ice froze the lines. Those times still come with some not so pleasant ramifications though. Like all the washing and drying over and over again of the snow clothes. The beauty of the freshly fallen snow isn't quite as picturesque after a few days. Shoveling doesn't seem like it will ever end after several times of trying to find your driveway and let's not forget the cinders. But, at the end of the day, you can't beat curling up under the warm blankets to watch a movie or maybe pull out our old home videos while sipping that hot chocolate. All and all, it's what you make of it. If you're not interested in exploring the outside world during these times, find a good book or begin that project you've been putting off and I assure you it will help ease the nip of those frigid and snowy days.   Admittedly, I am not a winter person and quite frankly, it seems every year that I get a little older, I become a tad bit less tolerant of the frigid weather. But as long as I live in Wheeling, W.Va., I am going to see the cold winters that sometimes can seem pretty long. So, what do I do? I do my best to embrace it. I look forward to the snow days -- the really, really, nice snowfall kind of days. You know, the kind that when you were a kid and you spent all day out there building forts, sledding, making snow angels and hurling a snowball at your siblings and neighbors? Even shoveling didn't seem like a chore back in those days. Sure, I may no longer be a kid, but I can still ride a sled and hurl a snowball.

On October 24, 2014, my husband and I celebrated our 50 th wedding anniversary. He particularly was excited about it and asked me if we could have a reception or party. I planned on having a reception in our church's Fellowship Hall, but our friend, Marie Bennington, told me that she wanted to have a party for us. Since the 24 th was a Friday, Marie planned the party for Saturday, October 25. She had help from two of our other dear friends, Helen Tarbet and Betty Nicely. It was wonderful and my husband was so happy he couldn't quit smiling. We have a picture of us framed and sitting in our living room, his smile as big as I've ever seen it. I tell you all of this to emphasize how quickly life and circumstances can change. On November 9, 2014 at 4:00 a.m., I was awakened by a loud scream. In the past when Clayton felt bad and thought he needed me or a doctor, he would come to the steps and call my name, so this loud scream scared me half to death. I raced downstairs and found him lying on the floor between the living room and the dining area. He couldn't talk and he couldn't stand up. It was terrifying to me and to him. I quickly ran and called 911. The EMTs arrived and unlike other times, they did not take vitals, ask questions, or hook him up to anything. They quickly ran back to the truck, brought in the gurney and loaded him up. They sat outside the house for a while, talking to the hospital and doing whatever they do in such an emergency. My life has forever changed. While he is improving, I don't believe he will ever come completely back from the stroke. For the most part, his speech is back. In the morning when he wakes up, he is still a little confused and has a hard time expressing himself. His right side was affected and since that is his dominant side, that has presented a few problems. He has learned to eat with his left hand. (On a lighter note, maybe I should try eating with my right hand - not so much would get down - a unique way of dieting!) When I transfer him from bed to wheel chair to recliner I have to get on his injured side so he can help me by using his good leg. The problem with that is I have a very painful left shoulder (I am left dominant!) but I have only let him go down once! He said he couldn't get back up and I said, "Yes, you can! Get your good leg under you." Up he came, with me for the most part, lifting him. Our Church family has been phenomenal! Food and food gift cards and calls and offers of help have been such a blessing. We feel so blessed to call First Baptist of Wheeling our church home. We have two phenomenal pastors and wonderful giving and kind friends. We both agree that for the first time in our married life and all of his illnesses, we are not going through this alone. Of course, God is always with us and we lean on Him for day-to-day strength to keep going. I must confess I have had some "talks" with Him about why this happened to my husband and realize that being a Christian does not mean we are immune from troubles, sickness and even death. It means that we will not go through this alone - He is with us even when we find it hard to feel His presence. The "good" part is we have become closer. He is very grateful and is so sweet to me, it almost makes me cry. We have had issues. When I have to run to the store or Wal-Mart or anywhere, I can practically guarantee in 15 to 20 minutes he will call me on my cell and ask, "Where are you?" I finally told him to watch the clock and give me time to get wherever I was going, get whatever I needed and get back home. It is helping but he still gets anxious if I am gone too long. We have hired a wonderful caretaker for him since I have gone back to work. She is literally a godsend. She helps him with therapy, gets him lunch, does laundry and straightens the house while I am at work. At first, he didn't want anyone but me doing personal things for him, but Terri said for me to be patient, that he would get used to her and so it is. We are making it work. It is not easy, mainly because he gets so anxious when I am not there. But he is adjusting to Terri and I am adjusting to life being different. Anyone who knows me knows that I am a Mall person. I love the Mall at Christmas time, particularly. But, I got through it. No Christmas shopping was done except what I had done prior to his stroke (which was very little). No one dumped me because they didn't get a gift. My pet project at Church, The Awana Christmas Store for the kids went as scheduled with lots of help from church members. I am not bowling on Tuesday nights, but I am now pre-bowling over the weekend. As a matter of fact, my team might not let me bowl during League play, since I've done so much better pre-bowling. We are still adjusting to our new life, but I am so glad my husband is still here, knows me, can communicate well and is improving. As a matter of fact, his memory is better than mine! I am so fortunate to work for Bordas & Bordas. I have had to miss work entirely or work shorter days and admittedly, my mind is not always on my work. Jamie, who is the managing partner, always tells me to do what I need to do to help Clayton. I do not take that for granted. I wouldn't want anyone to go through this, but it has had its bittersweet times, like when he says he loves me and says, "Goodnight sweetheart."   On October 24, 2014, my husband and I celebrated our 50 th wedding anniversary. He particularly was excited about it and asked me if we could have a reception or party. I planned on having a reception in our church's Fellowship Hall, but our friend, Marie Bennington, told me that she wanted to have a party for us. Since the 24 th was a Friday, Marie planned the party for Saturday, October 25. She had help from two of our other dear friends, Helen Tarbet and Betty Nicely. It was wonderful and my husband was so happy he couldn't quit smiling. We have a picture of us framed and sitting in our living room, his smile as big as I've ever seen it. I tell you all of this to emphasize how quickly life and circumstances can change.

After taking a large amount of credit hours last semester and having no time for any fun, I was finally able to have some downtime over my Christmas break. Due to the large amount of assignments, projects and tests that I knew I would have to complete, I made the decision to cancel my Netflix account in August. I thought this was a very wise choice and that I was keeping myself away from any distractions. I renewed my account in December and did not know what to watch first, I wanted to start a good series that I could watch once or twice a day. For years, I had heard my friends talk non-stop about how "Great," "Awesome," "Funny," and "Addicting" the show Friends was. No matter how entertaining the show was, I refused to start watching for many reasons. One being that if any 90s show was going to be my favorite it would be obviously be Full House. No matter how much they would beg me to watch it, I would refuse. I recently read an article at the beginning of January that featured all the new TV series and movies coming to Netflix in 2015, and it just so happened that Friends was at the top of the list. After trying to ignore it, my willpower broke and I decided that I would give the famous sitcom a shot. After watching the first episode, I decided to watch a second, and a third, and well, I think you Friends lovers know what happened next; I couldn't stop! I would like to apologize to all my friends for bashing the show and not giving it a chance sooner. I absolutely love the cast and have laughed through each episode that I have watched. To avoid the couch potato/Netflix junkie label, I downloaded the Netflix app on my iPad and I watch it while working out on the elliptical. It makes my workouts more enjoyable and watching three, 22 minute episodes balances out to a little over an hour of cardio. I am almost done with Season 1 and I love how each episode incorporates a life lesson. The titles of each episode are also extremely simple and clever; for example, each title has "The One With" and then has a description of the episode. Although I was only about 2 years old when the first season was filmed, the reruns have captured my heart. The show has left me wishing that I would've been a teenager in the 90s. I'm also patiently waiting for some of the awesome fashion trends to come back into style. Except jelly shoes...I think we can all agree that those need to stay in the 90s. Watching the show has also made me appreciate the friendship with my awesome neighbors in my apartment. If you haven't watched Friends, my advice to you is to not be the stubborn one who won't give in. With a total of 10 seasons and 236 episodes, I think it is safe to say I will be entertained for some time to come.   After taking a large amount of credit hours last semester and having no time for any fun, I was finally able to have some downtime over my Christmas break. Due to the large amount of assignments, projects and tests that I knew I would have to complete, I made the decision to cancel my Netflix account in August. I thought this was a very wise choice and that I was keeping myself away from any distractions. I renewed my account in December and did not know what to watch first, I wanted to start a good series that I could watch once or twice a day.

I was recently introduced to a book entitled "Hand to Mouth, Living in Bootstrap America" by Linda Tirado, and it reminded me of my own experiences with being poor. So much of what I read in this book reminded me in some part of the way that I lived the last two years of high school and my first year of college. Obviously it wasn't as bad as what many people had because I was not homeless, but I can tell you that I remember being embarrassed of where I lived, not answering the door at times when I thought it was high school classmates because we didn't have the utilities on at our house, not giving people my telephone number because I wasn't sure that the telephone would be in service when they called, having only one pair of shoes and not many clothes and knowing how important it was to make sure that the clothes were not torn and the shoes were taken care of, what it was like to go to bed cold because the window in my bedroom was broken and we didn't have the money to fix it. I remember what it was like getting up early in the morning so I could pass my 4:30 a.m. paper route, then finding a way to my high school classes, attending classes so sleepy I could hardly stay awake, then attending football practice, and hitchhiking a ride down to the next city where I was a janitor at a church and school, then hitchhiking back at almost midnight, and starting the day all over so that my family could have enough money to try to pay the basic necessities for a family of eleven. I recall what it was like living in very tough neighborhoods and seeing that my family, as poor as we were, were not as poor as many others. I remember very well pulling up cushions on the couches and the chairs trying to find nickels and dimes so that we could have enough money to buy a gallon of milk or a loaf of bread when we barely had enough money to pay the rent. I knew what it was like to not be able to get to my college classes my first year when I was living at home and the college was about 10 miles away, and I was dependent upon others to pick me up to take me to class. Sometimes they would forget or be late. I remember what it was like hitchhiking to class sometimes in the pouring down rain, only to get to my college class just in time for the class to be letting out. I remember what it was like having the top grade in the class, only to receive a C because I missed five classes, none of them really my fault, and being deducted a letter grade for each class missed after three. Fortunately for me, the poverty that I saw firsthand and experienced to a much lesser degree only lasted for about two years. And fortunately for me, it provided perhaps a little better insight as to what it's like to be poor in this country and how so many things are beyond poor people's control. That is, the inability to sometimes get to work or class on time, the inability to study like other children because there are no lights, it's too cold, or you're working. Fortunately for me, all this helped me to better appreciate, understand, and have compassion for people that have issues brought about in many cases through no fault of their own. I know there are many people that believe that poor people are poor because of poor choices that they have made, and certainly that can be the case at times, however, unfortunately, often times poor people are poor because they've got mental or physical illness, they are sometimes not blessed with a God-given intellect that enables them to obtain jobs that provide them with a decent living, they are knocked off their feet with the problems that many of us feel are somewhat minor inconveniences - a dead battery, failed engine starter, a medical bill, a traffic ticket, or any number of items can set a person with very limited resources back so much that they often times aren't able to recover. They then find themselves at payday lenders and loan sharks who charge exorbitant amounts of interest for very little money, and the person may then find himself or herself in a hole they simply can't dig themselves out. The change in my life has gone full circle. My life has gone from one extreme to the other. I've been somewhat close to the bottom economically, and now I'm somewhat close to the top economically. I've been rich and I've been poor and I've been in between. In my case, those two years without much provided me with a basis that has enabled me throughout my life to fully appreciate what I have, to not take things for granted, to appreciate people for who they are, and to have the ability to understand and care for those less fortunate. I still am nowhere close to where I'd like to be in my compassion and caring and providing, but I'm hoping to someday be there. I also feel so blessed to be a lawyer and to be able to stand up for people in all walks of life who through no fault of their own have been injured and damaged. It's also been a great and comforting feeling to know that I work with so many people that feel the same love and compassion that I do for the less fortunate and who look for ways to offer assistance and hope for those less fortunate than all of us.   I was recently introduced to a book entitled "Hand to Mouth, Living in Bootstrap America" by Linda Tirado, and it reminded me of my own experiences with being poor. So much of what I read in this book reminded me in some part of the way that I lived the last two years of high school and my first year of college. Obviously it wasn't as bad as what many people had because I was not homeless, but I can tell you that I remember being embarrassed of where I lived, not answering the door at times when I thought it was high school classmates because we didn't have the utilities on at our house, not giving people my telephone number because I wasn't sure that the telephone would be in service when they called, having only one pair of shoes and not many clothes and knowing how important it was to make sure that the clothes were not torn and the shoes were taken care of, what it was like to go to bed cold because the window in my bedroom was broken and we didn't have the money to fix it.

The anticipation of the beginning of a new year leaves many with high hopes and dreams that may finally be fulfilled. Whether it is a personal or professional goal to meet, this can be a very exciting time for so many. But, what about the person who has had a horrible year? Can they be so optimistic or do they even dare to dream? I've had years that I could not wait to see what the next year would bring and I've had some that I didn't care too much to recall at all. For everyone, that is a personal situation. Whether it's a matter of a illness, the loss of a loved one, the loss of a job or a divorce as just some examples that can produce a fog over the days that turn into months that make up a year effecting ones outlook. How does one try to begin a New Year with a positive attitude? How does one maintain faith that this too will pass? While most of us know the answer to that is by faith, it generally is much easier said than done. As we start a new year, keep in mind that special someone. It may be a neighbor. It may be a co-worker or a relative, casual friend or the man who just passed you in the grocery aisle. Whomever that person is who may be struggling with the days of this past year, help them through to see not all is lost. Although the pages of our books aren't always written the way we prefer, there are lessons and much greater things to come from those experiences. My highest hopes for all of our readers and do not delay waiting for things to change, start this very moment by saying I'm worth it. I can work this through with a positive attitude and I will keep getting up when I have fallen. In an ideal world everyone's dreams would come true and all expectations would be met, but the world is not ideal. Let's join together and hold each other up through those times. When you sit down at your New Year's Day feast remember the struggling family or person you may know. Everyone deserves to feel love and happiness especially this time of year. Have a very Happy New Year, friends.

A month ago, I was in Ferguson, Missouri to depose the St. Louis County chief medical examiner in the place where Michael Brown's autopsy occurred. I was concerned about safety, which primarily stemmed from what information I was receiving through the media. During my trip, I had the opportunity to speak about these tragic events with a diverse number of interesting and kind individuals native to Ferguson, all of which had significantly different socio-economic backgrounds. Everyone with whom I spoke had their own perspective of current affairs based upon how they see the world, but they all shared a common wish for peace...now and going forward. They all had the common sense to know that violence is not the answer; and, they all shared concern about what was being done by our private and public leaders to solve the problem. I do not purport to know what is happening in Ferguson; why it is happening; or, what is going to happen. But, I do think about it...a lot. When you think of Ferguson what comes to mind? Why does that come to mind? What is the source of your information that is making you think that way? How much time, money and effort have been spent to try to make you think that way? Are the resources (if I were betting I would think in the millions) being spent examining and correcting the root of the problem in Ferguson and other similarly situated parts of the country? If not, why not? Are these events running simultaneously with constitutionally questioned executive actions? If I recall correctly, the hot topic for the 2008 and 2012 elections were jobs. What happened? Why is no one on either side of the partisan table talking about jobs, let alone quality jobs? Idle hands? The framers of our constitution handed us a republic...Ben Franklin queried, "Can we keep it?" Aside from praying for peace in Ferguson and all over the world, three thoughts come to mind: 1. We the people of the United States...; 2. United we stand divided we fall; and, 3. The pen is mightier than the sword. When discussing these matters thoughtfully with your neighbor focus on peaceful means and ways, including proper leadership, be wary of divisional tactics, and examine everything. Happy Holidays! May everyone's New Year be filled with peace and the warmth and love of family, friends and community.   A month ago, I was in Ferguson, Missouri to depose the St. Louis County chief medical examiner in the place where Michael Brown's autopsy occurred. I was concerned about safety, which primarily stemmed from what information I was receiving through the media. During my trip, I had the opportunity to speak about these tragic events with a diverse number of interesting and kind individuals native to Ferguson, all of which had significantly different socio-economic backgrounds. Everyone with whom I spoke had their own perspective of current affairs based upon how they see the world, but they all shared a common wish for peace...now and going forward. They all had the common sense to know that violence is not the answer; and, they all shared concern about what was being done by our private and public leaders to solve the problem.

" I will pray for you." I recently heard these words spoken to me more than once. " I will pray for you." When first spoken, my eyes opened just a fraction. I could feel the blood rushing through my body and hear a kind of whooshing sound in my ears. I felt alarmed. I thought what do you know that I don't? What are you seeing on that screen that I have not been informed about? I had these questions pop into my head in a split second but I was not going to ask them. I sat there silent for just a moment then I said, "Thank you." I looked at the woman who spoke them. A young physician's assistant who had a skull cap on. When I first saw her, I thought that she must be receiving treatment that causes hair loss. I did not see any hair-just this gray winter cap on her head. She was very friendly. She was very efficient. She was very nice. She then left the cubicle after telling me what would happen next. But, before I heard that statement-" I will pray for you" -the nurse who had taken my vitals and asked me those endless questions they ask confirming who you say you are, also asked one that already had me alarmed. " They found this on a mammogram?" I was at a local hospital. I have a lot of memories being at this hospital. I was born in this hospital, as was my mother. My mother walked to this hospital to have all of her children. My sisters became nurses here. I had surgery at this hospital as a child. Both my parents died in this hospital. And now I was being told, " I will pray for you." I was taken to that place that women don't want to go to-at least my thoughts are that I would like to be anywhere else but there. You just want to turn around and go back out the door and keep walking, but you reluctantly tag along trying to make small conversation when each step takes you to that place. That place is the women's part of the hospital as I refer to it as. It's always quiet there. It has always struck me how quiet it is. Generally, there are no more than two other people around that area where they do mammograms. I had just been there two weeks prior. This time, it was for something different; something that I had not had done before, so I really was walking into the unknown. I had been told what to expect, but until you experience it, it is the unknown. I am usually calm when it comes to stuff like this. I try to act appropriately. I am not going to cry and have hysterics or not be nice to these people who are only trying to help. And they are wonderful people who are kind, caring, and compassionate who truly don't want you to be there either. We all talk about mundane things while waiting for the doctor to appear. For those moments, you are the sole focus of people you don't know. People you may never see again. Some, by telling you they have gone through the exact procedure. You share stories of your beloved pets. They are women-you have a bond. A couple hours later-the nurse is finishing up making sure nothing else is needed before I leave. Changing my bandage again, giving me paperwork, explaining what to do and what not to do and trying to give me assurances that this may not come out bad and then I hear those words again. " I will pray for you." My heart stopped a beat. I looked at her. She was looking at me. But this time, I wanted to cry. I didn't have that startled-get me out of here feeling-as I did the first time I heard it that morning. This time, I accepted it for the reason it was said. Comfort. She didn't just say those words-she truly meant them. Because these girls-nurses, physician's assistant, ultrasound and radiographic technologists-are truly hopeful that all will be well with you. They take time to make you comfortable and help you to prepare for what could potentially be a life-changing outcome. I am pretty sure someone has said these words to me before. When my mother died comes to mind. And you are grateful that someone takes the time to let you know they care. This time the words really held a far deeper meaning for me. These girls-these women-do this all day, every day. This stuff they do is not just a job, it's a calling. They could just be all business and want to get this over with and on to the next one. Not at all. They truly made me feel they wanted the outcome not to be a bad one. " I will pray for you." These are five words that are truly powerful. I did not know what the outcome would be, and neither did they, but I was given confidence, that whatever it was going to be, all would be well. When I left, I felt much better than when I arrived. And, as they so graciously prayed for, all is well.   " I will pray for you." I recently heard these words spoken to me more than once. " I will pray for you." When first spoken, my eyes opened just a fraction. I could feel the blood rushing through my body and hear a kind of whooshing sound in my ears. I felt alarmed. I thought what do you know that I don't? What are you seeing on that screen that I have not been informed about? I had these questions pop into my head in a split second but I was not going to ask them. I sat there silent for just a moment then I said, "Thank you." I looked at the woman who spoke them. A young physician's assistant who had a skull cap on. When I first saw her, I thought that she must be receiving treatment that causes hair loss. I did not see any hair-just this gray winter cap on her head. She was very friendly. She was very efficient. She was very nice. She then left the cubicle after telling me what would happen next. But, before I heard that statement-" I will pray for you" -the nurse who had taken my vitals and asked me those endless questions they ask confirming who you say you are, also asked one that already had me alarmed. " They found this on a mammogram?"

What do Tom Cruise, Will Smith, Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Robert Downey, Jr., Channing Tatum, Steve Carell, 50 Cent, Matt Damon, Jake Gyllenhaal and Vin Diesel all have in common? Of course they are all accomplished actors, but they all have also recently filmed movies in Pittsburgh. A quick Google search showed that at least 48 movies have been shot in Pittsburgh since 2010. While many people have always known that Pittsburgh has a lot to offer, I could not help but wonder why major motion pictures have recently flocked to the area. After doing some research, one reason, as with most businesses, is the price of production. Since 2004, Pennsylvania has offered a 25 percent tax credit to films that spend at least 60 percent of their total production budget in Pennsylvania. Moreover, many of the additional costs that go into making a movie, such as security, labor, etc., are also cheaper in Western Pennsylvania. Additionally, Pittsburgh's diverse landscape allows for a wide variety of scenes to be filmed in the same region. The best thing about the recent influx of film production is that many steps are being taken to keep money and jobs in the region. While award winning actors will always be flown in for big movies, the film industry brought in over $300 million to the region's economy from 2009 to 2012. Furthermore, the money brought into the region has not only gone to the local film industry, but local business owners stated that restaurants, coffee shops, hotels and many other industries have seen more business when movies are being filmed. Companies, like 31st Street Studios, are doing everything they can to ensure the industry is here to stay. 31st Street Studios is a sound stage and production company located at a former steel mill in the Strip District. According to CNN, the Pittsburgh facility is currently 300,000 square feet, which is the largest production facility outside of New York or Los Angeles. 31st Street Studios has not only provided the resources needed to make movies in Pittsburgh, but also has partnerships with national entertainment companies looking to film in the region. If any of our readers are interested in making their movie debut, Will Smith's new movie, Concussion, has recently been looking for extras and websites such as Pittsburgh Film Office consistently post casting notices.   What do Tom Cruise, Will Smith, Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Robert Downey, Jr., Channing Tatum, Steve Carell, 50 Cent, Matt Damon, Jake Gyllenhaal and Vin Diesel all have in common? Of course they are all accomplished actors, but they all have also recently filmed movies in Pittsburgh. A quick Google search showed that at least 48 movies have been shot in Pittsburgh since 2010. While many people have always known that Pittsburgh has a lot to offer, I could not help but wonder why major motion pictures have recently flocked to the area.

"Silent Night, Holy Night..." Every Christmas we sing the words of this beloved carol. But have you ever wondered: just how "silent" was it on that first Christmas? With Mary ready to deliver, the holy couple is led quickly to a stable behind a busy inn. You can hear the sound of Joseph's frantic preparations, making a suitable place in the hay for his wife to lie down and give birth. Then the night air is filled with Mary's labored breathing. When the baby finally arrives, he greets the world in the usual way: with an ear-splitting cry! Believe me, it's anything but silent in the stable. Meanwhile, there are shepherds in the hill country outside of the city guarding their flocks. The quiet of the evening is interrupted by a host of angels appearing in the sky overhead. The angelic visitors direct the shepherds to the newborn child. Then they sing out praises to God that echo throughout the neighboring hills and valleys. There's no silence here either. The shepherds hurry to the stable to see the baby for themselves. The gospel writer, Luke, tells us that the shepherds are amazed and can't help sharing everything they've seen and heard. In the streets of Bethlehem, the silence is broken as the shepherds stop and share their exciting story with every passerby. It wasn't quite a silent night, was it? But the sounds of the first Christmas must have blessed the Father's heart. The baby's cry confirmed that the old prophecy had been fulfilled: "To us a child is born, to us a son is given." The savior, Jesus, had come just as He promised. The angels' announcement to the shepherds was the very first proclamation of the gospel. And the ragtag shepherds who visited the Christ child were actually the world's first missionaries--sharing with everyone the good news they had heard with their own ears and witnessed with their own eyes. I love "Silent Night." We sing it as part of a candlelight service at our church every Christmas Eve. But I'm thankful that the first Christmas wasn't too silent. The sounds of the first Christmas are reminders to us of God's amazing and boundless love. Merry Christmas from all of us at Bordas & Bordas!

Behind every great man, stands an even greater woman. Right? Well, what do we really know about Mrs. Claus? I envision her always baking cookies and I kind of imagined the elves as her "children." I have no doubt she hums Christmas tunes all day long and smells like sugar. I imagine I could lick the walls of her house because I believe they are coated with icing. And, I believe there are little lace doilies all throughout her home with pillows so fluffy that when you lay your head upon them, the feathers puff right out. She seems like she has the answer to anything and could wrap a present in a jiffy. I believe she has special communication powers with animals and they gather around her because they know she always has a treat for them in that apron pocket. I don't think she ever gets upset from all the social media I have seen. And, I do not believe she ever strays from her standard clothing color pallet. Whoever she really is up the in the North Pole, I like her a lot. Not just because she is married to an important man, but also because I can never picture her without putting a smile on my face. Therefore, Mrs. Claus brings me lots of happiness and I hope she gets the credit she so deserves. MERRY CHRISTMAS!

We could never understand when family and friends would come to our home for Christmas and ask our mom, "Why don't your trees have a lot of ornaments around the bottom?" Our mom would say to them, "I've dog proofed the trees and our home," some would look at her like she was crazy, others would just say, "Oh that's interesting." Well I'm here to tell you that our mom makes sure we don't get hurt over the Christmas holiday. Both of us boys love to play ball and man, oh man, some of those ornaments look just like a beautiful ball to run with and play keep away from one another. Mom tries to keep what she calls "Dog proof" ornaments at the bottom of the trees, but sometimes my brother and I just can't help ourselves, we grab it off the tree to run, play and chew the heck out of it. Stuffed ornaments are the best. Mom always puts anything that she feels would cause us harm up and out of the way, but what can we say, we love the good stuff that we are not allowed to have. She does this all year long, but especially at Christmas. Sometimes my brother leaves evidence of this (that would be Guinness because he's the ornery one) and we get a very stern talking to. Mom says it's because she loves us and doesn't want us to get hurt or have upset tummy's, we know that, but sometime we just can't help ourselves. We are her four legged kids, and kids cause mischief a lot of time. I guess what we're trying to ask of all our pet owner families out there is to please remember to pet proof your homes, just like you would child proof your homes. Please remember that we are part of your family too. We protect you; please protect us at Christmas time and always. We know our mom does. Remember "Adopt, Don't Shop." If you see animal abuse of any kind, please call the authorities to help out our four legged friends. No animal should be abused verbally or physically. Also remember dog fighting is not a sport, it is the worst case of abuse out there for our four legged friends. Help stop this madness, spread the word about dog fighting. Merry Christmas, Barley & Guinness Bark on Bordas Dog Nation Bark on   We could never understand when family and friends would come to our home for Christmas and ask our mom, "Why don't your trees have a lot of ornaments around the bottom?" Our mom would say to them, "I've dog proofed the trees and our home," some would look at her like she was crazy, others would just say, "Oh that's interesting." Well I'm here to tell you that our mom makes sure we don't get hurt over the Christmas holiday. Both of us boys love to play ball and man, oh man, some of those ornaments look just like a beautiful ball to run with and play keep away from one another. Mom tries to keep what she calls "Dog proof" ornaments at the bottom of the trees, but sometimes my brother and I just can't help ourselves, we grab it off the tree to run, play and chew the heck out of it. Stuffed ornaments are the best.