How can I create a Gaussian blur that doesn't effect the edges? Adobe Fireworks

Question

I'm trying to use a Gaussian blur on an image, but I don't want it to effect the edges of the image. How can I do this? I'm using Adobe Fireworks.

Here's the image I am using:

And here's what I did:

See how the Gaussian blur effects the edges? I don't want that.

I'm trying to create an effect like this:

Answer 1

Create a selection before applying the blur...

Answer 2

If you want to avoid editing the source image itself but create the same effect, add a grayscale mask by grouping the image with a vector object (using rectangle tool) that is filled white and placed on top.