http://ellejauffret.com/The official website of Elle Jauffret, authorVivitiCMS2023-10-29T22:23:00-07:00The official website of Elle Jauffret, authortag:ellejauffret.com,2023-10-30:/entries/0de26610-eafb-4115-8814-3606989cfe88Halloween is in the air2023-10-29T22:23:00-07:002023-10-31T00:16:23-07:00<span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:georgia,serif">October has been a month of enchantment, and it's not just because of the falling leaves and cool breezes. From wandering through pumpkin patches (Southern California style), searching for the perfect gourd to carve into a grinning jack-o'-lantern, to the celestial drama of a solar eclipse casting its spell in the sky, this month has offered a unique blend of natural and playful wonders. And let's not forget the delight of planning that perfect couple's costume , a chance to get creative and step into a new world together as SpongeBob and Mr. Krabs. In these fleeting moments of autumn, October's magic is alive and well. So seize the season, get all things pumpkin spice, watch scary movies, or embrace your inner child. Have a safe and happy Halloween!</span></span><br>
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<img alt="" class="lazyload" data-src="http://ellejauffret.com/files/resized/939b59ca-e9c1-4ab1-bb79-d75563b93db1/495;495;c7d940291d320f412948c2fd0c5e175cb5aeb611.jpg" src="http://ellejauffret.com/files/resized/939b59ca-e9c1-4ab1-bb79-d75563b93db1/495;495;c7d940291d320f412948c2fd0c5e175cb5aeb611.jpg" style="border-radius:0px; border:0px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); height:auto; width:285px"> <img alt="" class="lazyload" data-src="http://ellejauffret.com/files/resized/534ee0e5-c69a-4fc0-8880-b714a43bd6f5/486;486;96a23728317cd762fd3f9e157e6189d9b13bc815.jpg" src="http://ellejauffret.com/files/resized/534ee0e5-c69a-4fc0-8880-b714a43bd6f5/486;486;96a23728317cd762fd3f9e157e6189d9b13bc815.jpg" style="border-radius:0px; border:0px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); height:auto; width:285px"> <img alt="" class="lazyload" data-src="http://ellejauffret.com/files/resized/3c80dfb9-9c43-49ab-b5c0-fcc2acb92b2a/348;435;ec424e9efe4cac9a8e8a15bda80dffba22c2e2b3.jpg" src="http://ellejauffret.com/files/resized/3c80dfb9-9c43-49ab-b5c0-fcc2acb92b2a/348;435;ec424e9efe4cac9a8e8a15bda80dffba22c2e2b3.jpg" style="border-radius:0px; border:0px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); height:auto; width:227px"> <img alt="" class="lazyload" data-src="http://ellejauffret.com/files/resized/244b1537-7301-48f3-aebf-bc0feaf46f67/548;548;d24babb147a046111685991131e42a063d9d6faf.jpg" src="http://ellejauffret.com/files/resized/244b1537-7301-48f3-aebf-bc0feaf46f67/548;548;d24babb147a046111685991131e42a063d9d6faf.jpg" style="border-radius:0px; border:0px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); height:auto; width:285px">tag:ellejauffret.com,2023-07-25:/entries/3d8c348c-ad61-44a7-82ab-b677bb3ee65fThe Curious Case of the Voynich Manuscript2023-09-14T21:38:00-07:002023-11-19T20:38:00-08:00<span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:georgia,serif">Greetings, fellow history enthusiasts and puzzle solvers! Today, let's delve into the enigmatic and perplexing world of the Voynich Manuscript, one of the most captivating unsolved mysteries in the realm of ancient manuscripts.<br>
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The Manuscript’s Origins — The Voynich Manuscript is an ancient codex believed to have been written in the early 15th century, during the European Renaissance period. Named after Wilfrid Voynich, a rare book dealer who discovered it in 1912, the manuscript is written in an unknown script and adorned with intricate, mysterious illustrations. The text appears to be divided into different sections, each with its own thematic focus.<br>
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Unraveling the Enigma — Throughout the years, countless cryptographers, linguists, and historians have attempted to decipher the Voynich Manuscript's secrets, yet none have succeeded. The text has defied all attempts at translation, leading some to speculate that it may be an elaborate hoax. However, recent carbon dating has verified its ancient origins, making the case even more perplexing.<br>
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Bizarre Illustrations — One of the most intriguing aspects of the Voynich Manuscript lies in its illustrations. The pages are adorned with depictions of unidentified plants, astronomical diagrams, mysterious female figures, and interconnected tubes that resemble a network of pipelines. Some believe the drawings could be representations of medicinal herbs, astrological phenomena, or even an otherworldly language.<br>
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Theories as to its Purpose/Content — Numerous theories abound regarding the purpose and content of the Voynich Manuscript. Some speculate it might hold hidden knowledge of alchemy, ancient medicine, or even extraterrestrial communication. Others propose it to be the work of an eccentric scholar's private thoughts, locked away in a complex cipher. Various researchers have proposed fascinating theories about the Voynich Manuscript's origins. Some believe it to be the creation of a brilliant mind, using an invented script to protect their groundbreaking ideas from prying eyes. Others suggest it could be a lost language from an unknown civilization, hidden away for centuries.<br>
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The Quest Continues — The Voynich Manuscript remains an alluring enigma, drawing historians, cryptographers, and amateur sleuths into its captivating web. Its unsolved mysteries remind us of the boundless wonders that history can offer and the thrill of exploration and discovery. With modern technology and new approaches to cryptanalysis, the hunt for its true meaning has gained fresh momentum. Will the secrets of this mysterious manuscript ever be unlocked? Only time will tell.<br>
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To learn more about the Voynich Manuscript,<a href="https://beinecke.library.yale.edu/collections/highlights/voynich-manuscript"> check the Yale University Library website</a>.</span></span><br>
tag:ellejauffret.com,2023-10-30:/entries/ac436dbd-b27e-45bb-9153-8ede70d28ce5Bouchercon2023-08-30T23:04:00-07:002023-10-31T00:16:23-07:00<span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:georgia,serif">Attending my first Bouchercon, the renowned convention for crime writers, has been an absolute thrill. Surrounded by the sharpest minds in the genre, I'm relishing every moment of the event. Engaging in fascinating discussions about intricate plots, mysterious characters, and the art of crafting the perfect crime, I've found myself in my element. The camaraderie amongst attendees is infectious, and I've already made new friends who share my passion for all things mysterious and suspenseful. Whether in riveting panel discussions or casual conversations over coffee, the sense of community here is truly exceptional. Bouchercon has exceeded my expectations, and I can't wait to dive even deeper into this world of mystery and crime writing!</span></span>tag:ellejauffret.com,2023-07-19:/entries/4e982c6f-74c1-41ab-8147-e7b54ae78a68San Diego ComicCon2023-07-25T02:00:00-07:002023-10-31T00:16:23-07:00<span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"> Summer brought with it the much-awaited Comic Con, and I couldn't be more thrilled to be part of the action! My husband and I took the plunge into the world of cosplaying for the first time. It was my husband’s first time at Comic Con (he is more of the serious scientific type, so watching him mingle in a crowd of creatives was wholesome.) We went as Leeloo and Korben Dallas from the movie The Fifth Element. Cosplaying was surprisingly liberating and we enjoyed posing for photos and chatting with people.<br>
For people who might not know, Comic Con is not just a fan event, it is also a writers' conference of epic proportions. Amongst the vibrant cosplays and colorful exhibits, attendees can attend panels and discussions, soaking up knowledge and wisdom from seasoned writers and esteemed creators. It's a hub of artistic exchange and a platform where creative minds meet and flourish. <br>
ComicCon is also a welcoming, inclusive place where I haven't met one grumpy person (so far) and where strangers become friends, bonding over creativity or fandom. I'm looking forward to next year (I have already a cosplay idea in mind).</span></span>tag:ellejauffret.com,2020-06-22:/entries/e0269f65-5dfe-4b9e-a087-6ef698095203It's Shark Week!2023-07-18T22:17:00-07:002023-10-31T00:16:23-07:00<table border="0" cellspacing="2" style="width:100%">
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<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="display:inline-block; line-height:1.4">The rugged shores of Southern California hold a captivating secret beneath the waves—the realm of sharks. As a resident of this coastal wonderland, the mere mention of sharks sparks a thrill of mystery and adventure. These elusive and powerful creatures roam the ocean depths, leaving us in awe of their prowess as apex predators. From the graceful gliding of the majestic Great White Sharks to the elusive movements of Hammerheads and the mesmerizing patterns of Leopard Sharks, each species adds its own mystique to our waters.<br>
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Shark Week, the annual celebration of all things shark-related (July 23-30) is the perfect opportunity to delve into the awe-inspiring world of these apex predators. From thrilling documentaries to jaw-dropping footage, this week-long event allows us to gain a deeper appreciation for these enigmatic beings that share our ocean waters. <br>
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Did you know that some species of sharks lay eggs, while others give birth to live young? Sharks are fascinating creatures with a diverse range of reproductive strategies. The majority of shark species exhibit one of two main methods of reproduction: laying eggs (oviparous) or giving live birth (viviparous).<br>
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Oviparous Sharks (Egg-laying): Oviparous sharks lay eggs, which are often referred to as "mermaid's purses" or egg cases. These egg cases provide protection and nourishment to the developing shark embryos. The female shark produces these eggs internally, and then they are deposited in various habitats, such as rocky crevices, coral reefs, or sandy ocean bottoms. Once the eggs are laid, they are left to develop on their own. The embryo inside the egg receives nutrients from the yolk contained within the egg case until it hatches into a fully formed juvenile shark. This process is similar to how birds lay eggs and the young ones hatch after a period of incubation.<br>
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Viviparous Sharks (Live Birth): Viviparous sharks give live birth, which means the female shark carries the developing embryos internally until they are fully developed and ready to be born. In viviparous species, the embryos receive nutrients and oxygen directly from the mother through a specialized structure called the placenta. The placenta facilitates the exchange of gases and nutrients between the mother and the developing embryos, allowing them to grow and develop within the safety of the mother's body.<br>
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If you never saw a shark egg, here’s one (probably from a bullhead shark) I spotted on the La Jolla shores this past weekend.<br>
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Happy Shark Week!</span></span></span></p>
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tag:ellejauffret.com,2023-10-30:/entries/436c44ca-208e-4403-aef5-21352ca5e42f"25 Million Stitches" exhibit at the Mingei Museum2023-06-14T23:25:00-07:002023-10-31T00:16:23-07:00<span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:georgia,serif">"25 Million Stitches" was initiated and conceived in May 2019 by Jennifer Kim Sohn, a multimedia artist and activist, in Sacramento, CA (https://www.jenniferkimsohn.com) to create a community of art activists, to visually document the enormity of the number of refugees in the world and to sustain the concern for the refugees in the minds of global citizens.<br>
In this exhibition are more than 2,000 individual embroidered panels from over 2,300 stitchers across the globe. Together they contain more than 25 million stitches—one stitch for each refugee; 25 million for the number of refugees worldwide.</span></span><br>
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<img alt="" class="lazyload" data-src="http://ellejauffret.com/files/resized/7255aa31-a284-4073-8121-97f879cee05d/393;393;91db80dfad4a9ee2c8c05588229439fd8b7eb462.jpg" src="http://ellejauffret.com/files/resized/7255aa31-a284-4073-8121-97f879cee05d/393;393;91db80dfad4a9ee2c8c05588229439fd8b7eb462.jpg" style="border-radius:0px; border:0px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); height:auto; width:388px"> <img alt="" class="lazyload" data-src="http://ellejauffret.com/files/resized/fe3a869f-5825-4144-af45-9f1b8c399563/388;388;3636461b92e148c75646d86fe8c58ef928d84042.jpg" src="http://ellejauffret.com/files/resized/fe3a869f-5825-4144-af45-9f1b8c399563/388;388;3636461b92e148c75646d86fe8c58ef928d84042.jpg" style="border-radius:0px; border:0 solid #000000"> tag:ellejauffret.com,2023-10-30:/entries/0db308a6-8f93-4dca-a594-7bdb76f65760blog post2023-04-15T22:45:00-07:002023-10-31T00:16:23-07:00<br>
Morning stroll on the beach capturing the beauty of Velella. Also known as "by-the-wind sailors," Velella are fascinating and mysterious marine creatures that sometimes invade the beaches of Southern California. These small, jellyfish-like organisms are often seen washed up on the shores in large numbers, creating a striking and otherworldly spectacle.<br>
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Velella's beach invasions are largely driven by the wind and ocean currents. When strong winds blow from the west, they push these delicate creatures closer to the shore. Unable to control their direction, Velella end up on the beaches, forming mesmerizing blue mats along the tideline.<br>
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These invasions are not harmful to humans; in fact, they're a reminder of the intricate interactions between nature and the environment. Velella's presence serves as a testament to the fragile balance of our coastal ecosystems and a chance for beachgoers to witness the wonders of the ocean up close. So, next time you're in Southern California and you spot these by-the-wind sailors, take a moment to appreciate the beauty and complexity of the natural world that surrounds us.<br>
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<img alt="" class="lazyload" data-src="http://ellejauffret.com/files/resized/a90d74df-0af2-45bb-8572-98c799eac7b4/383;383;53b21b2cfb830f003f21cf9d4b689dec5588db08.jpg" src="http://ellejauffret.com/files/resized/a90d74df-0af2-45bb-8572-98c799eac7b4/383;383;53b21b2cfb830f003f21cf9d4b689dec5588db08.jpg" style="border-radius:0px; border:0px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); height:auto; width:360px"> <img alt="" class="lazyload" data-src="http://ellejauffret.com/files/resized/29714233-96ec-4a12-a4ac-b7e4ed5295c4/388;388;5e190db127505461732e5acd0b0c576c78bd75f3.jpg" src="http://ellejauffret.com/files/resized/29714233-96ec-4a12-a4ac-b7e4ed5295c4/388;388;5e190db127505461732e5acd0b0c576c78bd75f3.jpg" style="border-radius:0px; border:0px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); height:auto; width:360px"> <img alt="" class="lazyload" data-src="http://ellejauffret.com/files/resized/24d52c7f-0309-46fb-a856-b27160904367/409;412;2277cc4b21afbcc87f7a08a9e34b579ec0d3d6e2.jpg" src="http://ellejauffret.com/files/resized/24d52c7f-0309-46fb-a856-b27160904367/409;412;2277cc4b21afbcc87f7a08a9e34b579ec0d3d6e2.jpg" style="border-radius:0px; border:0px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); height:auto; width:360px">tag:ellejauffret.com,2023-10-30:/entries/293d8421-5999-43a3-9a3c-a4288a11654bCamp Nanowrimo2023-03-14T23:37:00-07:002023-10-31T00:16:23-07:00<span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:georgia,serif">Prepping for next week/#campnanowrimo and disappearing for a month.<br>
Cheers to all Camp Nanowrimo writers out there. May the 30 days of April get you closer to your goals!<br>
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Camp NaNoWriMo is a unique and creative twist on the traditional National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) challenge. Taking place in April and July, it offers writers a flexible and supportive environment to set their own word count goals and work on any writing project, be it a novel, a script, or even poetry. Participants, known as "campers," can join virtual cabins with fellow writers, providing a sense of community and accountability as they embark on their literary journeys. Camp NaNoWriMo encourages writers to explore their creativity, meet personal writing goals, and foster a sense of camaraderie within the global writing community.</span></span>tag:ellejauffret.com,2023-10-30:/entries/3c8dd7e4-2a80-474a-833c-c601ba4ba4aeLa Jolla's most famous Sea Cave: Sunny Jim2023-02-14T21:57:00-08:002023-10-31T00:16:23-07:00<span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:georgia,serif">Nestled along the picturesque coastline of La Jolla, California, lies the enchanting Sunny Jim Sea Cave. This natural wonder, accessible only by sea, captivates visitors with its intriguing name and breathtaking beauty. A visit to Sunny Jim promises a unique adventure, as you venture into the dark, mystical depths of the cave. With the sun's rays casting a golden glow upon the waters inside, it's no wonder that this cave has become a must-see attraction for those exploring the stunning shores of Southern California. Discover the magic of Sunny Jim, where nature's wonders meet the allure of La Jolla's coastal charm.<br>
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<img alt="" class="lazyload" data-src="http://ellejauffret.com/files/resized/f35d6b0e-0a44-4c98-b7e1-09c7f25c8c18/563;563;9d8e4b093641eae679f3519d25843a84cfe64fce.jpg" src="http://ellejauffret.com/files/resized/f35d6b0e-0a44-4c98-b7e1-09c7f25c8c18/563;563;9d8e4b093641eae679f3519d25843a84cfe64fce.jpg" style="border-radius:0px; border:0 solid #000000"></span></span>tag:ellejauffret.com,2023-10-30:/entries/e27a6f22-7543-4f21-a55e-56c73aa94fd2The Girl Without Shadow2023-01-14T22:49:00-08:002023-10-31T00:16:23-07:00<span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:georgia,serif">I am thrilled to have my short story, THE GIRL WITHOUT SHADOW, included in this beautiful literary journal for children.<br>
To read the story, <a href="https://www.balloons-lit-journal.com/issue-14.html?fbclid=IwAR0eQMR97uVMTAE54H7ysCqMwsm_fqbmdOhssl245gDo_mqfTzW-L22jSqM">click here</a> and go to page 23 of the online magazine.</span></span><br>
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