Take a look at our June newsletter!
A New Outlook ANYTHING WORTH DOING IS WORTH DOING TWICE
It’s incredible how timing and perspective influence every experience we have. Sometimes, even a few months can make a difference. The Bruce family got a firsthand lesson in that fact over spring break. You may remember we hiked the Delicate Arch Trail in Utah last summer. It wasn’t easy, but we persevered, and we learned a little about ourselves along the way. It was so rewarding we wanted to try it again in a different season. We knew the scenery would look different, and perhaps, without the sun bearing down, we might have an easier journey. But things didn’t go as expected. On the positive side, the hike was a lot less physically grueling. We don’t think we’re in better shape, so maybe knowing what to expect from the trail the second time helped. There also wasn’t any unbearable heat to slow us down this time. In fact, we had the opposite problem.
We anticipated mild temperatures, but the path was cold and windy, with snow still on the ground. It only worsened as we
climbed higher. So, while we got to see the landscape from a new perspective — the weather was miserable! We spent about an hour at the summit over the summer, we barely lasted a minute this spring. The gusts and freezing temperatures were unbearable, and we had to hold the kids tightly to ensure they didn’t fly off the mountain. Trying things more than once is a good practice because you never know what else you might find. Sometimes, it might be a far more enjoyable experience the second time. Or, you may appreciate the first experience in a whole new light. Though it wasn’t what we expected, our second journey to the Delicate Arch proves that point. We couldn’t help but wonder later how we’d feel if our latest trip was our first time on the trail. After the rain and wind, would we have wanted to try it again? We’re not sure. But if we’d never returned, we would have missed an incredible, life-affirming experience.
We all know that we should try new things — but too often, we tend to think that once is enough. When something isn’t what we hoped, we might decide it isn’t for us and move on. Of course, no one enjoys everything and one bad experience could prevent you from finding something you love. It’s worth trying again at another time of year or with a different group. A few small changes could give you a whole new perspective. Meanwhile, we can get stuck in ruts and stop noticing the world around us. But there’s always something different to admire. Say you take a daily walk or bike ride. Pay attention to how the experience differs based on the temperature or time of day. Ask yourself what’s new and what you didn’t notice before. Whether the changes are good or bad, you’ll have a richer outlook and a fuller life. –Ashley and Chris Bruce
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How Disses Became Poetry Long before diss tracks, rap battles, and “yo mama” jokes, there was medieval “flyting.” Defined as quick exchanges of witty insults, these poetic slights were popular in England and Scotland from the 5th to 16th century. Insulting someone in verse took immense effort and quick wits, and they were undoubtedly a performance you didn’t want to miss. The Original Rap Battles
Back Away From the Keyboard
Social Media Can Hurt You During Divorce
Our phones are with us everywhere we go, and so is social media. Sharing the details of our lives online is so normalized now that there’s a National Selfie Day on June 21. But while most social media posts are all in good fun, the attorneys at Bruce Law know those daily updates can land you in hot water during a legal battle. Social media posts have been used in family law cases for years. They’re often considered critical pieces of evidence during a dispute. For example, one side might argue that someone who regularly posts vacation photos doesn’t need alimony. An attorney could use an offensive online comment to argue one spouse has poor moral character. And trashing your ex online can be construed as evidence that you’re creating a hostile parenting relationship. These matters have impacted and will continue to impact the outcomes of alimony, child support, and custody decisions. An attorney could try to turn your post about grabbing drinks with friends into evidence of a substance abuse problem. Or they might argue that a new purchase indicates a better financial situation than you’ve previously disclosed. Everything you post will be under the microscope. Worse, the internet is forever. Deleting a photograph or post doesn’t make it “gone.” There are ways for savvy technology users to access much of this information, and every minute something is live on the web is an opportunity for someone to create a screen capture. Further, you should avoid deleting content during litigation, even if the original post was ill-advised. A judge might consider it evidence of deceit. For the above reasons, we encourage our clients to refrain from posting on social media throughout the litigation process. Sharing photos, videos, and online comments should ideally be placed on hold. If clients insist on using social media, they should change their passwords and set their privacy settings as strictly as possible. But remember, you never know who might secretly share information with your spouse or co-parent. Above all, do not comment on pending legal issues, and never post anything online you wouldn’t want a judge to see. Finally, as tempting as it may be, do not comment negatively about your ex. Save your venting for therapy sessions and in-person friend meet-ups, where they won’t come back to haunt you.
Despite crude language and below-the-belt potshots, flyting became entertainment for royals and was dubbed “court flyting.” While these jests are not well-documented, one flyting event made history. The iconic exchange known as “The Flyting of Dunbar and Kennedie” occurred in the early 16th century between William Dunbar and Walter Kennedie. The two were performing their court flyting for the Scottish King James IV. Both men were known for their intellect and clever nature, and their flyting did not disappoint. This famous dialogue featured two firsts: using fecal matter as an insult and dropping the F-bomb. Low-brow and crass, these speedy insults were simply too entertaining for even kings and queens to ignore. If you’re wondering what exactly these two “gentlemen” were saying, we’d have to admit that it would be difficult to quote without including expletives and curses. However, one tame section can be shared here. Dunbar reportedly insulted Kennedie by saying:
Maggoty mutton, gorged glutton, scurrilous certain heir to Hillhouse, Rank beggar, oyster-dredger, dismal debtor on the lawn, Lily-livered, soul-shivered, cheap as slivers in the millhouse, Bard baiter, thief of nature, false traitor, devil’s spawn.
Is your friend or client married to a controlling, manipulative, narcissistic husband?
While these amusing fights were a form of entertainment, men also used them to influence the courts and improve their social profile while lowering others. So, as you can imagine, flyting could get intense (similar to rap battles and heated diss tracks).
OUR BOOKS CAN HELP!
The book can be downloaded for FREE at DivorceInformationBooks.com.
Centuries have passed, yet some things never really change!
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–Ashley and Chris Bruce
Don’t Let Summer Pass You By A Family Bucket List Can Save the Season
Everyone knows that kids love summer vacation. Most parents also enjoy having their children home — but they frequently dread the inevitable cry of, “Mom, Dad, I’m bored!” If you want to have a ready solution to draw upon, consider making a family summer bucket list.
You should try to include a mixture of solo and family options. It’s the best way to ensure you get time together and teach your kids how to entertain themselves.
Include big outings that sound appealing, like a trip to the zoo or a day on the water in a rented boat. But be careful to be realistic. If you know you’re not going to Hawaii this year, don’t include it. Every item on the list should be attainable — it will give you all the more reason to cross off every item.
A family summer bucket list will detail everything you want to accomplish before the season ends — but fun stuff only. Ideally, everyone in your household should create it together, listing everything the family wants to do over the summer. Place it somewhere prominent, and you’ll have a ready-made activity list anytime your children whine that they have nothing to do (or have been spending far too much time indoors on their devices).
Small pleasures should also have a prominent place on the list. Include activities like getting a cone from the ice cream truck, eating lunch outside,
or reading under a tree. Kids might want to play in the sprinkler, climb a tree, or build a fort. And don’t forget old favorites like flying a kite, drawing with sidewalk chalk, blowing bubbles, and jumping rope. If you need
more ideas, you can find plenty online.
Bucket lists do more than keep kids busy and parents de-stressed. We’ve all reached the end of summer and wondered where the time went. A summer bucket list can remind you that the summer is precious and help motivate you to do everything you’ve waited for all year. Plus, you’ll probably spend more quality time with your kids doing things everyone enjoys.
So, how do you start? First, brainstorm together! Every item on the list doesn’t have
to be a group activity, but it should be something at least one family member genuinely wants to do.
Cherry Chia Greek Yogurt Bowls
Inspired by HungryHobby.net
Ingredients Chia Seed Jam •
Greek Yogurt Bowl •
2 cups Chelan fresh sweet cherries, pitted
1 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
• • •
3 tbsp chia seeds
• • •
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp honey 1/4 cup water
1 tsp hemp seeds
1 tbsp granola
Directions Chia Seed Jam 1.
for 10 minutes, stirring constantly. Allow jam to cool before using or refrigerate.
We suggest making the chia seed jam in advance and storing it in the refrigerator so you can quickly assemble these yogurt bowls all week. Using a potato masher, mash down the cherries. Place a small pot on high heat and add the cherries, chia seeds, honey, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then turn down the heat and let simmer
BLF Team Members Bonding in Between Seminar Sessions
Greek Yogurt Bowls 3.
In a small serving bowl, mix the Greek yogurt with vanilla extract. Top the Greek yogurt with 2 tbsp cherry chia seed jam, hemp seeds, granola, and a few additional Chelan fresh sweet cherries, if desired.
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Each Experience Produces New Perspective page 1 The Colorful History of Medieval Smack Talk Social Media Can Affect Your Case page 2 Make the Most of Your Summer Cherry Chia Greek Yogurt Bowls page 3
How to Sound More Financially Savvy page 4 Learn the Secret Language of Finance
3. Bear Market: A “bad” market, when the prices of stocks and other securities fall 20% or more 4. Blockchain: A shared, decentralized ledger of transactions that makes it possible to track assets like cryptocurrency 5. Bull Market: A “good” market, when the prices of stocks and other securities rise 20% or more 6. Cryptocurrency: Digital currency that is not backed by a government or bank 7. Dividend: A portion of company profits regularly paid out to shareholders 8. ESG Investing: Environmental, Social, and Governance Investing, a framework investors use to evaluate how eco-friendly, socially responsible, and well-run potential investments are 9. Fannie and Freddie: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the U.S. government-created home mortgage investment companies 10. Fixed Income: Investments that pay a guaranteed return, like government and corporate bonds 11. Liquidity: How easy it is to convert an asset like a home, car, or bank account into cash 12. Venture Capital: Money or expertise loaned to a start-up company or entrepreneur to fund their business Still have questions or want to learn about a term not on this list? Check out Investopedia’s Financial Term Dictionary by visiting Investopedia.com and clicking “Dictionary” at the bottom of the page.
STARTING WITH THESE MUST- KNOW TERMS
The world is changing rapidly — and that includes how people spend, save, and invest money. If you’re not a professional in the financial industry, the pace of these changes can seem daunting. One day, cryptocurrency is all the rage and the “smartest” investment around. The next, crypto entrepreneur Sam Bankman-Fried is buried in lawsuits, and banks are collapsing! It’s a crazy world out there, but you can start demystifying it by learning core business and financial terms. Brushing up on these buzzwords will help you develop your financial skills, make it easier to understand the news, and give you more confidence when making money decisions and talking to financial advisors. Here are several finance jargon terms everyone should know beyond the basics. 1. Adjusted Gross Income: Your annual income minus your tax deductions 2. Annual Percentage Rate (APR): The amount banks charge you for your loan (or you earn from an investment) each year
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