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	<title>Jennifer N. Shannon</title>
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	<link>http://jennifernshannon.com/site</link>
	<description>Author of For the Love... &#38; Silent Teardrops</description>
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		<title>Let&#8217;s Lay&#8230;</title>
		<link>http://jennifernshannon.com/site/2012/05/23/lets-lay/</link>
		<comments>http://jennifernshannon.com/site/2012/05/23/lets-lay/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 23 May 2012 03:13:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>jennifer</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[For the Reader]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Just think, when Sade sang so beautifully, “You’re ruling the way that I move, And I breathe your air,” she was talking about a closeness that everyone longs for…an intimacy that’s indescribable...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I found myself in the mindset of wanting to talk about intimacy in a different way…And while writing <em>Let’s Lay</em> (which is split into two pieces) I realized that sex and intimacy are such taboo subjects…we seem to be scared to have opinions or acknowledge that we are sexual beings. And I think it’s ONE of the reasons so many adults and children (yes children) are having sex prematurely, for the wrong reasons and confuse what should be intimacy with what is just a physical act. </p>
<p>Just think, when Sade sang so beautifully, “You’re ruling the way that I move, And I breathe your air,” she was talking about a closeness that everyone longs for…an intimacy that’s indescribable. It’s the most special type of relationship possible because it’s defined through genuine feelings, emotions and love.</p>
<p>The first part of <em>Let’s Lay</em> is below. To read the rest, you must visit <a href="http://www.writerjns.blogspot.com">www.writerjns.blogspot.com</a>. Hopefully this provides a shortened, clear picture of intimacy, in a unique format for all you grown folks in the building. <img src='http://jennifernshannon.com/site/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />   </p>
<p>Peace,<br />
<em>JNS</em></p>
<p><strong>Let’s Lay</strong></p>
<p>I want to lay with you.<br />
Trace your lips with my fingertips<br />
Hold your hand<br />
Cuddle<br />
Fall asleep<br />
Talk<br />
Wrap myself deep inside your arms<br />
Sleep some more<br />
Rest my head on your chest<br />
Be silent,<br />
Allowing the absence of words to live in the air<br />
Eyes closed<br />
Enjoying each other’s presence<br />
Wallowing in quiet<br />
Desirable<br />
Comfort,<br />
Right before we…</p>
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		<title>To vote or not vote?</title>
		<link>http://jennifernshannon.com/site/2012/05/15/to-vote-or-not-vote/</link>
		<comments>http://jennifernshannon.com/site/2012/05/15/to-vote-or-not-vote/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 15 May 2012 10:44:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>jennifer</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[For the Reader]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[I heard a black preacher on the news yesterday say that he would NOT vote at all in the 2012 presidential election because President Obama agrees with same sex marriages. That was truly an interesting comment especially when it seems to be the sentiments of so many religious leaders… While I “understand” how some people [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I heard a black preacher on the news yesterday say that he would NOT vote <strong>at all</strong> in the 2012 presidential election because President Obama agrees with same sex marriages. </p>
<p>That was truly an interesting comment especially when it seems to be the sentiments of so many religious leaders…</p>
<p>While I “understand” how some people in the church have an issue with gay marriage, I believe that we focus on one thing that we perceive to be right or wrong and fight tooth and nail for or against it. In this case church leaders are condemning same sex marriage, when in fact there are gay preachers perpetrating a fraud, molestation by leaders, embezzlement of funds, adultery, etc, etc, etc all going on in the church right now. Is one sin [or perception of sin], greater than another? </p>
<p>And why is it important for the black church to take a stand and do the same thing that has been done to black people since the beginning of time? The bible has definitely been used as a base for supremacy over others and here we are in 2012 doing the same thing.</p>
<p>Personally I’m a little disappointed with the outrage…especially when someone is closed-minded and says I won’t vote <strong>at all</strong> because I disagree with one opinion. I really think that if you don’t vote in this IMPORTANT presidential election because you don’t agree on this one topic, then you need to reevaluate why you were voting in the first place. Obviously you don’t care about or understand these candidates’ platforms. Whether you accept it or not, this world is evolving. And the interpretation of the bible is <strong>always</strong> going to be up for discussion and perceived differently by everyone who reads it. If you don’t vote or vote for one candidate over another, I hope it’s for the right reasons… </p>
<p>I won’t harp on this but this subject goes beyond just the bible, religious leaders and right VS wrong…this challenges our perceptions about how we feel about the lifestyles our children (and theirs) will be exposed too, how we perceive people we “consider” to be different from ourselves, looks at how open and comfortable we are in our own skin, it tampers with religious teachings and where we draw the line [so to speak] and adds fear about how this world is changing and progressing. Regardless of what you’ve been taught or you’ve read, in this country, where so many have fought for freedom and equality, is it only for a select few or should it be extended to everyone? </p>
<p><em>JNS</em></p>
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		<title>Can men and women just be friends?</title>
		<link>http://jennifernshannon.com/site/2012/05/04/can-men-and-women-just-be-friends/</link>
		<comments>http://jennifernshannon.com/site/2012/05/04/can-men-and-women-just-be-friends/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 04 May 2012 06:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>jennifer</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[For the Reader]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[....you can tell from a distance if you like what you see. Getting to know more, stems from that first thought. ]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Can men and women <em>just</em> be friends? Simple answer: HELL NAW! <img src='http://jennifernshannon.com/site/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />  More complex answer is yes but there is a caveat…there has to be an understanding of what that friendship entails. In other words, boundaries must be established.</p>
<p>It’s been a long time since I passed along my number to a guy who looked at me from across the room or street or wherever and said I <em>just</em> want to be her friend. Why? Because you can’t look at me and know my heart or what’s going to come out of my mouth…but you can tell from a distance if you like what you see. Getting to know more, stems from that first thought. </p>
<p>In college, school and on the job, it’s easy to develop friendships because you’re in a setting that calls for interaction. You get to know people beyond the physical attraction, under circumstances that sometimes force closeness. But there is something very simple that can be surmised from all encounters and friendships…the word LIKE. </p>
<p>When you become friends with someone, there is something you <em>like</em> about that person – even in the most innocent aspect of the word “like” you still like them. For example you like their personality, beliefs, similarities to your own life, differences, which are complimentary, etc…like then transforms into trust. You divulge personal feelings and experiences. You become comfortable. Take a moment to think of your one or two closest friends (same sex or not)…aren’t they people you genuinely like? </p>
<p>Let’s add another very important variable…<em>time</em>. Yes time. Time definitely contributes to the dynamics of friendships. Time builds upon all those things I’ve mentioned above. All the things you find attractive in someone are only enhanced by time. Time contributes to frequency of interactions and intensifies the personal nature of conversations. Yes time can alter the way friendships grow and how they turn out. </p>
<p>I’m not saying men and women can’t <em>just</em> be friends but I am saying that it’s hard to keep someone you’re attracted to in the “friend” box. And once one person has those feelings that are beyond friendship, it&#8217;s hard to revert back. </p>
<p>Let’s just be honest, most people, especially in my age bracket (even much younger and older), aren’t looking for any more friends. I’m not saying that it won’t happen because it will, men and women will end up in the dreaded “friend zone” but if by chance you&#8217;re teetering about how you feel about your friend, be honest with yourself. Is it worth risking a friendship or is the attraction worth it all? </p>
<p>SN: there is so much more to this topic…but it’s 3am so I think I’ll end for now. <img src='http://jennifernshannon.com/site/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p>Good night people!<br />
<em>JNS</em></p>
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