Each time I come across a poem, essay or quote by Maya Angelou, I always end up feeling like I need to get out into the world and make a difference. (Don't even get me started on the ethos and pathos appeals found in 'And Still I Rise'. If you haven't read it, take 5 minutes to look it up and read it. It's ife changing!) I truly believe her messages of equality, truth, love and empowerment will continue to speak to the souls of those who read her works ten, twenty, even fifty years from now. I stand by the title of a recently published article by Thu-Huong Ha: "MAYA ANGELOU CHANGED AMERICANS' IDEA OF WHOSE STORIES ARE WORTH TELLING @outofprint Happy Birthday Maya Angelou, who would have turned 90 today. #wordnerd

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When your baby brother (@greenbai_packers) casually hands you the newest scarf for @realsaltlake and @utahroyalsfc and says "I thought about you when I saw this and knew you'd love it", you throw your arms around him. He, of course, replies with a "It's no big deal. I got one for me too," and then walks away because, for him, it isn't a big deal. If I could count the times he has helped me with all things electrical, fixed my dumb technology problems, sends me a funny meme, calls to see how I'm doing or gives me a gift just because, it would easily be in the 1,000 s. His has the biggest heart of anyone I know and I am fully aware that he is a big part of the reason I'm still here. He'll hate this text because he doesn't want glory or recognition; I just hope he knows that he is making a difference, especially because I know I'm not the only recipient of his unconditional love. One more thing .... I've called him Bai since he was little. The whole BAE (before all else) crap stole my nickname and, despite the fact that some random person may hear me call him "Bai"and assume I mean "BAE", I am not changing a thing. Thieves!

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🐰 Happy Easter! I am truly grateful for the sacrifices made by our brother and Savior. He understands me. He knows me. He loves me. And that is what gets me out of bed every morning. To know He understands my broken heart and my severely broken brain is a faith and hope I hold dear to my heart. I pray everyone finds peace in their lives. "Because Jesus rose again, we can rise again—not just from physical death someday, but now. Because of Him, we can rise from grief, from heartbreak, from mistakes, from challenges that seem too hard to bear. We can look to Him now, get help from Him now, rejoice in Him now, because He lives now and will be with us now, today, and forever." #Repost @ldschurch with @insta.save.repost • • •

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Word. ‪Remembering Virginia Woolf, who died on this day in 1941. ❤️‬ #Repost @outofprint with @insta.save.repost • • •

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One more post for the history books. @utahroyalsfc

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Beckerman's first #pupachino was a hit. Sometimes you just need a slow afternoon car ride, a treat, and the warmth of the sun by the ducks on the docks by the lake. I love my Beckerman. #beckermanmojibailey

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It's official, people. Tomorrow's match kicks off the 2018 NWSL season. I would've loved to have seen the Utah Royals FC Inaugural match played at home, but I won't complain, especially since their first home game is less than a month away. "This is what we’ve all been waiting for. The players are ready and feeling confident, and the supporters are eager to see what this new team can accomplish. Make way for the Royals!" - SB Nation - Match details When: Saturday, March 24, 5:30PM MT Where: Orlando City Stadium — Orlando, FL Broadcast: KMYU, KSLTV, 100.7 FM, go90

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"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." - Anatole France * I didn't understand unconditional love until I was in charge of caring for another soul. If I was married and/or had children of my own, it may not have felt so significant- but in bringing Mia home I also brought home a feeling that was new to me. I didn't want to fail her and I wanted to make sure she knew she was loved. She became my world. I adore my niece and nephews, but know they are not my full responsibility. They have amazing parents and, to be honest, my job as their aunt is easy. I love and spoil them and then give them back. I've been blessed to watch them grow and am delighted by every soccer goal, LAX goal, Eagle Scout project, creative stories written in fun notebooks, rollercoaster rides, pictures of a beautifully dressed young woman and her dance dates, Ronald McDonald races for Gavin, piano recitals, hip hop dance recitals, and carefully crafted potions made by the mischievous caboose of my lucky 7. I'm a lucky lady. I guess it all comes down to family. I consider Mia and Beckerman family. Some of my closest friends fit the mold. All I know is my soul felt important when Mia became family and the feeling came back when we brought Beckerman home. To be surrounded by family, both human and furry, awakens my soul and makes my heart smile.

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Well played, @ussoccer_wnt! Well played! Happy Birthday to my Mia's namesake; Mia Hamm's talent and love for the game were apparent in every match she played. The respect she showed to players on both her team and opposing teams garnered admiration for who she was on and off the field. She put women's soccer on the map and is o poo piece l o.o oi the woman whothe greatpest of all time. #g.o.a.t. ,PmossingmyMi

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I'm not sure we need a day set aside to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievement of women. Nonetheless, I'll jump on the bandwagon and give a shout out to the women who have shaped my world. They may not be famous but they were part of the village that raised me. My mom, grandmothers, aunts, cousins, teachers, church leaders as well as those who have stood beside me as a missionary, educator and friend have achieved a greatness of their own. Their love, loyalty and compassion makes them rock stars, the greatest one being the woman who raised me. I love you mom. Thank you for teaching me about compassion, equality, love and humility. You'll always be my hero. #internationalwomensday

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When your best friend calls to wish you Happy Birthday and listens to you talk her ear off for over 2 1/2 hours, you have a big smile on your face when you hang up because you know you are loved. Thank you B for always being there for me. I'm eternally grateful for your friendship and will always treasure the memories we have made. #bbop #SUU

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I find the greatest of joys in my family and have significant gratitude for all of them. When it comes to my niece and nephews, I'm butter. My heart has a special place for each one of them, so when this cutie pie entered the world 4 years ago, this aunt received the best birthday gift of all time. I love you Graham. Happy Birthday! #mwbgjog

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I miss teaching. I LOVED my time at CHHS and will always be grateful to the students I taught and the memories I made. I know that grammar and literature may not seem like life changing materials, but if the students I taught can have the courage of Atticus Finch, the resiliency of Viktor Frankl, the determination of Hester Prynn, and can view Jim, a runaway slave, as his equal just like Huckleberry Finn did after their journey down the river, then I think it's safe to say that our future lies in good hands. Happy Birthday, W.E.B. Du Bois, who was born on this day in 1868. ‬#quoteoftheday #webdubois #education #Repost @outofprint with @insta.save.repost • • •

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It's here . . . . . finally! With pre-season training underway and the release of the much anticipated schedule, it's time for the Royals and Real (MLS training has begun as well) to lace up their boots and hit the pitch. 🦁

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I will miss seeing the name Wingert on the back of the RSL jersey. Thank you @wingert17 for making soccer history in Utah! #Repost @realsaltlake Thank you for everything, @wingert17! An absolute class act on & off the field. #RSLfamily

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It's coming together . . . #Repost @utahroyalsfc (@get_repost) ・・・

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When I asked Beckerman if he'd be my valentine, he gave me a big kiss that included his tongue up my nose. It doesn't get more obvious than a nose cleansing by tongue to know you are loved. Happy Valentine's Day! #beckermanmojibailey #hesaidyes #mynosehasneverbeencleaner

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A child's greatest teacher is a parent. Teachers help students with important and essential tools to help them navigate the world. Start educating your kiddos at home and I promise it will make a world 🌎 of difference! Happy 80th Birthday, Judy Blume! She is the author of: -Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret, -Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, -Deenie, and -Blubber. #Repost @outofprint with @insta.save.repost • • •

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Dear Alexa- Thank you for making me feel totally awesome. As I was listening to Maria, Maria by Santana (with G&B) last night, the following event occurred: Me: "Alexa, add this song to the 'Old School rap' playlist." Alexa: "Maria, Maria by Carlos Santana (featuring G&B) has been added to the 'You're so old-school rap' playlist." Yes, this means Alexa thinks I'm so old-school, meaning I am so old-school, meaning I am like way cool and super awesome because I am so old school. My gente, "You're so old school" came out of her mouth (speaker), recognizing me as being legit and so old school. This is not a negative connotation. If you think it means I'm old or out of style, you need to refer to the Urban Dictionary, which is a horrible academic research source but I'm going to let it slide in celebration of this occasion. Also, if you don't believe this significantly awesome experience happened, you can ask the FBI, CIA, KGB, NSA, NATO, DOD, AARP, IRS, PTA, MLA, APA, and other acronym-esque agencies listening in to my amazing and, obviously, so old school rap skills. #suchagoodsong #stopthelooting #iamsooldschool #anditfeelsgood #wivicforthewin

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