Chartreuse Ova

Moderation No More Update

2010-07-12T07:50:00.003-05:00

Just an update on my "Moderation No More" lifestyle makeover. There is no workbook or video for the program...I'm making it up as I go along.

Some things are going well...purging the house of unneeded items and junk. It has helped that Little Sprout has decided to part with toys she outgrew years ago. And Hubby is finally onboard with decluttering his "treasures" because he wants to move the rest of the way across the country in a few years. (We both lived on the East Coast before we met and married in the Midwest.

Chance is helping by staying out of the way most of the time and making sure to wake me early so I can go for a long walk for my exercise.

And some things are not going as well...my eating habits. Won't go into all the gruesome details but I'm not eating things that are good for me and instead eating those foods (some would question if they are real foods or just chemical experiments) that are definitely not helpful to my body. Some days are better than others and I am not giving up.

Spiritually, my life is a roller coaster. Actually this is an improvement. A few weeks ago things had bottomed out and stayed there. So at least now there is interest. There are some high points of gratitude and hope. And I no longer feel like I want to throw my hands in the air and walk away from church, the Church, and God.

So this morning finds me very grateful for a home, body, and spirit in transition.

Hello, Again

2010-06-18T07:49:00.013-05:00

I blog.

Days pass.

Weeks pass.

Months pass.

I blog.

So here I am again:

“Moderation? It’s mediocrity, fear, and confusion in disguise. It’s the devil’s reasonable deception. It’s the wobbling compromise that makes no one happy. Moderation is for the bland, the apologetic, for the fence sitters of the world afraid to take a stand to live or die. Moderation is lukewarm tea, the devil’s own brew!” --Dan Millman, The Way of the Peaceful Warrior

This quote was listed in a book I was reading yesterday afternoon…it struck a nerve. The same nerve that was struck the night before and started me on a mini-rant about news reporting and the institution of medicine. The same nerve struck yesterday morning when I checked the voicemail from my pharmacy notifying me my doctor’s office declined to renew my prescription for insulin because I hadn’t been in for “a long time”.

It’s a nerve that’s been struck thousands of times and usually I flinch or wince. Or reflexively kick. All moderate responses.

Moderation No More!

Today I am starting a program to completely overhaul my lifestyle as well as my spiritual life. Hopefully I’ll get a chance to blog about it more as part of my journaling, but part of the plan is to eliminate TV and severely limit computer/internet use.

On another subject, my personal trainer is settling in well…we’ve lost a few books and other small items and he can get bossy and pushy but at least 23 hours out of each day he is a wonderful dog.

I just remind myself that even the best of us carries some baggage and has some kind of issues. I’m working on his…and mine.

Graphic courtesy of Little Sprout

New Personal Trainer

2010-03-29T09:54:00.004-05:00

Meet Chance, my new personal trainer. A Retriever (supposedly Golden???) Keeshond (just look at the tail!) mix; he is just one and a half years old and full of energy.

A Mystery

2010-03-25T18:06:00.004-05:00

Last month I was browsing photos on the internet. Tuesday I saw a handsome guy on the early morning news. Tuesday night I was playing this song

for my hubby, Kievas. Wednesday, I was all atwitter with excitement over the anticipated date. This afternoon, I gazed into brown eyes and starting falling in love. His name is Chance...

Saying Goodbye

2009-12-29T19:33:00.001-06:00

I have few words today, only tears. But Kievas has written a lovely tribute here.

Half of a Century?

2009-10-24T21:47:00.002-05:00

How can that be?

October 25, 1959...it was a very good day I suspect, although I have no recollection of it.

My birthday gift arrived a few days ago. Just what I wanted (and had been talking about for months). A Needak Rebounder.

Looking forward to bouncing into my fifties and onward.

Cookies That Make You Smile

2009-07-28T13:08:00.005-05:00

Little Sprout and I just watched this YouTube video and now we're giggling AND hungry.

Not So Much News

2009-06-09T19:46:00.002-05:00

Thought it was about time to post something.

I've been depressed (and so, so tired).

I am depressed, only less.

Better news soon.

My Valentine's Day Gift

2009-02-12T14:50:00.002-06:00

A few days early, but Little Sprout made this for me:

Make your own Glitters

A mesmerizing trick, but I already loved her bunches and bunches!

Hmmm, Not sure what is going to happen when she discovers boys.

Super Bowl XLIII

2009-01-29T18:43:00.002-06:00

That time of year again.

No Packers. No Brett Favre. Little Sprout is elated on both those counts as she is anti-spectator sports. She'll play a bit, just don't ask her to watch. The rest of us lean more toward indifference when it comes to football, even when the Packers play.

But the Grapevine Faith Christian School football coach in this news story has been invited to be there. And that excites me.

I saw him on ESPN this morning...yes, I watch ESPN frequently. Then I had to find out more about the story...

Can't Stop Smiling

2009-01-20T10:39:00.001-06:00

Watching television...

Exciting!

Nothing more I can say.

He Started It

2009-01-07T12:58:00.003-06:00

I remember those words well from childhood squabbles with my younger brother.

This post started when Kievas posted his weekly music video.

Then Little Sprout, who has developed an obsession with robots and all things requiring batteries...many batteries, decided to take advantage of a half-price sale and add to her collection.

It culminated here when we found this video.

That is not me. Sounds like me. Not me.

To All Our Blogging Friends

2008-12-25T00:04:00.001-06:00

Advent Simplicity, light and beauty-Friday Five

2008-12-05T07:00:00.004-06:00

This week's RevGalBlogPals' Friday Five comes from Sally. She writes:

"Imagine a complex, multi-cultural society that annually holds an elaborate winter festival, one that lasts not simply a few days, but several weeks. This great festival celebrates the birth of the Lord and Saviour of the world, the prince of peace, a man who is divine. People mark the festival with great abundance- feasting, drinking and gift giving....." (Richard Horsley- The Liberation of Christmas)

The passage goes on, recounting the decorations that are hung, and the songs and dances that accompany the festival, how the economy booms and philanthropic acts abound....

But this is not Christmas- this is a Roman festival in celebration of the Emperor....This is the world that Jesus was born into! The world where the early Christians would ask "Who is your Saviour the Emperor or Christ?"

And yet our shops and stores and often our lives are caught up in a world that looks very much like the one of ancient Rome, where we worship at the shrine of consumerism....

Advent on the other hand calls us into the darkness, a time of quiet preparation, a time of waiting, and re-discovering the wonder of the knowledge that God is with us. Advent's call is to simplicity and not abundance, a time when we wait for glorious light of God to come again...

Christ is with us at this time of advent, in the darkness, and Christ is coming with his light- not the light of the shopping centre, but the light of love and truth and beauty.

What do you long for this advent? What are your hopes and dreams for the future? What is your prayer today?
In the vein of simplicity I ask you to list five advent longings....

The picture came from One Exposure and the thoughts were inspired by a sermon in Iona's book Candles and Conifers

Here are five of my longings this Advent:

1. Simplicity of faith. Faith that is void of shoulds, coulds, woulds...just is.

2. Moments for memories. We do not remember hours of preparation or days of waiting. We remember the single moment. Watch for the moment(s). Let the rest go by.

3. Openness. When it is so easy to find ugliness, let me see beauty in others. Open my mind and my life to more.

4. Connectedness. I feel like I have become more disconnected. From God, my family, my church family, the world in general. I want to find ways to reach out and connect.

5. Quiet healing. For me. For others. For the world.

Gray Saturday

2008-11-29T09:49:00.004-06:00

When I heard of the terrorist attacks in Mumbai my initial selfish reaction was to thank God that my sister-in-law and mother-in-law were "safely" in the U.S. Then the reality of everyone else's families hit...brothers, sisters, friends, in-laws and friends that I don't know but I realize it could as easily be my grief and personal horror.

But life goes on, Thursday we celebrated Thanksgiving much like most families. Maybe most didn't enjoy our nutloaf and kale salad...but other special treats like our sweet potatoes and gravy were found everywhere.

Friday we stayed in. Moving furniture and cleaning the carpet was the highlight. You might call it pre-Advent preparations. Little Sprout calls it, "Can we get out the tree and decorations yet?"

Now it is Saturday, a bare tree is present in the living room, awaiting permission to be decorated. We've got weeks, but I suspect the pleading will continue until every last ornament is placed perfectly...probably sometime later today.

I sit here at my computer reading about the Black Friday death of a Walmart employee. It's not the death so much that disturbs me as the callous reactions by people who stepped over his body and angrily refused to quit shopping.

My sister-in-law "safely" in the U.S. had to work Black Friday. Not in Walmart. Not in New York. But a very popular, very large department store in Boston. My initial selfish reaction is to thank God that she is fine.

Other than my initial selfish reaction, does anyone else see similarities in what happened in these two cities half way round the world from each other?

Prayers Please

2008-09-17T13:07:00.004-05:00

Fenway, our aging furry boy, is at the vet. This morning I noticed a major swelling along one side of his muzzle from the eye to his nose. Hubby took him in to the vet's office and we were expecting a quick diagnosis of a sinus infection. But hubby returned without him since the vet isn't sure and wanted to x-ray. He said tumors can grow unnoticed for some time then seem to suddenly erupt. So this could be something as simple as an infection that might be easily treated to something life threatening...

Hubby is at work trying to think and I'm at home cleaning and trying not to think.

And we're both waiting.

Update:
Based on the X-ray results, the tentative diagnosis is osteosarcoma (tumor is in the sinus cavity). We have to take him to the local university hospital for possible biopsy/CT to see how treatable the condition is.

A Bit of Nostalgia

2008-09-13T22:30:00.002-05:00

Last week after marveling at all the accomplishments of Sarah Palin, I commented to UDH that I was hearing the theme song from Davy Crockett in my head for some reason. I guess the lyrics might need updating.

Then tonight I saw the "Original Mavericks".

Can someone please tell me what year this is...I seem to be in a time warp.

Chartreuse Ova and Little Sprout Incognito

2008-08-04T15:27:00.003-05:00

Saturday, August 2
Mount Horeb, WI

Can you think of a better disguise to avoid the paparazzi while enjoying National Mustard Day? We were obviously recognized when we wandered too near the Weinermobile. As word quickly spread through the crowd, we narrowly escaped down a side street clutching a green & gold balloon dragon, a book about mustard and a couple of nearby garage sale treasures.

The Friday Five: What's in a name?

2008-07-18T07:29:00.005-05:00

RevHRod writes:

If you are a regular reader of Songbird's blog, you know that "The Princess" has requested a new name. Her older brother changed his "secret identity" a while back and now this lovely young lady is searching for a new name on her mother's blog. This got me to thinking. How do we come up with all of these names? There must be at least a few good stories out there.

In honor of the Princess I have posted a picture of one of my favorite members of fictional royalty, Robert Munch's "Paperback Princess." She is a brave young woman who doesn't need anyone else to fight her battles. And she knows that what is most important isn't tiaras and finery but what's on the inside. If you haven't read this little fairy tale, I highly recommend it. But I digress.

So how did you come up with your blogging name? And/or the name of your blog?
It started with trying to find an email identity to join a couple of online birth related groups. I took my paternal grandmother's first name and my maternal step-grandfather's middle name and combined them to make my relatively common pseudonym for the account. That made my last name Green. A seemingly unrelated fact is that I am a big Dr. Seuss fan. I searched for green synonyms, did a Google search to make sure there were no unsavory connections to chartreuse. There is alcohol, but I think the monks offset that. Of course Ova equals eggs, a nice reference to fertility/birth or to honor Dr. Seuss.
Are there any code names or secret identities in your blog? Any stories there?
The nicknames on my blog don't follow a single theme although I guess I could have come up with the Little Green Goddess for my daughter or the Eggless Wonder for my husband. My daughter is small for her age, just a tiny Little Sprout that we are watching grow. I asked her when she turned 7 if she wanted me to change it to something else. Her only suggestion was Pistachio (the green nut???) so for now she is still Little Sprout.

I struggled with my hubby's identity and finally went for a default. DH usually means dear or darling (unless he's done something stupid or insensitive) husband when writing online. I added the U at the beginning to come up with UDH or Usually Darling Hubby...it sounds really funny if you say it outloud as a single word. Udddddhhhhh!

And of course there is my "doggie boy". He's the only one I sometimes identify by his real name, Fenway.
What are some blog titles that you just love? For their cleverness, drama, or sheer, crazy fun?
This was such a difficult question there are so many. Awhile back I noted on the RGBP blog list Chartreuse Ova was listed alphabetically with Cheaper Than Chocolate, Cheesehead in Paradise, and Chelley's Teapot. Individually they may not be crazy, but together they do make me hungry.
What three blogs are you devoted to? Other than the RevGalBlogPals of course!
Bitterroot and Bergamot, (if you only check out one link, this is the one to see!)
Elemental Mom, and
Vegan Lunch Box
Who introduced you to the world of blogging and why?
I guess it was Kievas of Sharing A Journey. AKA UDH. Not everyone has figured that out yet...

Bonus question: Have you ever met any of your blogging friends? Where are some of the places you've met these fun folks?
Nope, not yet.

My 100th Post

2008-06-09T11:44:00.002-05:00

It's been a long time coming. The 100th post.

I could write about the weather. It's certainly been blog-worthy.
But I won't say more about it than Saturday was oppressive.

Saturday, I was doing a 5 mile walk for charity. This walk/run was the dream of a young woman with lung cancer who wanted to raise money to support research. She did not live to be part of the race; but over 300 people who knew her, loved her, or like me had just heard of her goal were there to honor her dream and remember her life.

The heat was oppressive, the atmosphere however was invigorating.

She would have turned 37 today...

So I offer this 100th post as a prayer for her husband and 3 year old daughter and a "Happy Birthday, Jodi Lou."

Still Alive--the quick update

2008-04-16T14:22:00.004-05:00

And well...relatively speaking.

My head is still firmly upon my shoulders, with quite a bit less hair but more gray. Must post photo later.

I've been reading rather than blogging.
Marathon Woman by Kathrine Switzer
The Courage to Start: A Guide to Running For Your Life by John Bingham
Running Within by Jerry Lynch
Do you see a pattern here? I can't decide if I'm running from or towards something. Probably both.

Above sporadic behavior has not significantly impacted my weight, perhaps that has something to do with the afternoon and late night snacking.

Finally (after rescheduling due to snow storms at least three times this winter) had my eyes checked today. I'm relieved there are no signs of diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, or glaucoma. And my Rx still hasn't changed...dodged the bifocal bullet one more time.

Fenway just arrived home from his teeth cleaning. He had one extraction. Ouch. I was a nervous wreck the whole time he was at the vet's.

I am beginning to believe Spring has arrived in Wisconsin. It is warm and windy.

The Book Meme

2008-02-11T09:20:00.001-06:00

Kievas tagged me for this book meme that's been around and around. But I don't think I've done it before. Here are the rules:

Pick up the nearest book of 123 pages or more. (No cheating!)
Find Page 123.
Find the first 5 sentences.
Post the next 3 sentences.
Tag 5 people.

This wasn't as simple as I expected.

First I glanced at the desk shelf behind my computer monitor. Then I realized that The Hallelujah Diet by George Malkmus was much closer to my knee. Before I reached for it, I remembered the bag of books from the library in my chair (I tend to sit forward on my chair. This makes the spot behind me a perfect drop spot for books, sweaters, or stuffed animals.

So I was literally sitting on this book & you probably can't get much closer than that.

I want to add the disclaimer that this is definitely not my book:

Odyssey by Jack McDevitt

"Doesn't it seem to you," MacAllister continued, "that if there's a potential for a catastrophe on that scale, we should stay clear of the experiment, no matter what?"

"Mac." She looked up at him. "Don't lose any sleep over it."

I won't tag anyone. Well, because everyone I know has already been tagged at least once.

Don't Count Your Wins and Rings...

2008-02-04T07:09:00.000-06:00

Until They're Won.

I wrote awhile back about seeing the movie Facing the Giants. At the time I joked that it was almost half way through the movie before I recognized the storyline of David & Goliath. And even the kicker's name was David. Duh! So yeah I'm slow sometimes.

And then other times I'm ahead of the game.

Before THE game started yesterday, I was thinking about that movie. The Giants. But here they were the underdogs.

Then the game started. Despite repeatedly referring to this as the World Series, I was actually enjoying the game. Usually Darling Hubby was rooting quietly for the Patriots.

Then they scored to take the lead at 14-10 with about 3 minutes (2:42?) left to play. There was what seemed to be a major celebration by the Patriots.

I turned to UDH who was sitting on the other side of the sleeping dog and said, "I don't think they should be doing that. They're acting like they've won the World Series. I know it isn't likely that the Giants will score again so quickly but there is time. I don't think they should be doing that. " (I really do repeat myself like that)

I don't know why I said it . I know there are touchdown celebrations. I know this was a big game. And I really was not invested in the outcome of the game. Still those words spilled out.

After he corrected me on my Super Bowl/World Series flub for the third time, we returned to watching the game and trying to explain to Little Sprout that the minutes on the game clock didn't really mean the game would be over in that many minutes...stopping the clock is a difficult concept to explain to one who has decided that time always moves forward.

Things were looking good for the silent fan and the Patriots. And the Patriots always win, at least in this season it seemed they do.

Then, as Eli Manning escaped the clutches of those who were defending that anticipated win with the fervor of true patriots, I couldn't believe my eyes. Then the catch, I guess you could call it a catch.

All I said was, "Divine Intervention."

Quiet fan said nothing.

And of course, David and the Giants went on to win the World Series...err, the Super Bowl.

Friday Five--Options, Options

2008-02-01T07:02:00.000-06:00

Sally writes:
There is so much going on this weekend that I thought I'd provide an options Friday 5!!!!.
First Superbowl ( someone explain to this Brit the significance)- love it or hate it?

5 reasons please!!!!!.

Second Candlemas/ Imbloc/ Groundhog day/ St Brigid's day- all of these fall on either the 1st or 2nd February.
.
1. Do you celebrate one or more of these?
2. How?
3. Is this a bit of fun or deeply significant?
4. Are festivals/ Saints days important to you?
5.Name your favourite Saints day/ celebration.
.
Bonus- 2nd Feburary is also my Birthday- I will donate £1.00 for every comment on my Friday Five Post to the Methodist Relief and Development Fund.

I always have trouble with decisions so here's the strange multi-option selection.

The Superbowl:
I'm somewhat indifferent, but don't tell the native Packer-Backers. They are already upset enough that Brett and the Pack isn't in the SuperBowl.

Another reason to eat brats (shh, another secret, in our house they're vegetarian brats) and drink beer.
If your team is playing, you often get to goof off at work the week before, wear sweatshirts & cool color combos.
When your team wins, you have something to talk about. For weeks and weeks.
If your team loses, it is a bonding experience of grief with complete strangers. For weeks and weeks. Everywhere. Workplace. School. Church. Bank. Bus. Grocery Store.
But the greatest significance of the Super Bowl in our household is that it is the end of Football Season...no games to run long and interfere with the start of one of our favorite shows.

Option 2:
(Unnumbered bits and pieces)
I'm unfamiliar with all those celebrations except Groundhog's Day.

I remember living on the East Coast as a child, I was eager to hear if Puxatawny Phil would see his shadow. Phil has now been replaced by Jimmy at Groundhog Central.

I live much closer to Jimmy that I did Phil, so some year I hope Little Sprout and I might actually attend the festivities. Here's some info from the Groundhog Central website:

Come celebrate Groundhog Day in Sun Prairie! Jimmy the Groundhog will arrive at St. Albert’s at just before dawn (7:00 a.m.) followed by a birthday celebration for those born on February 2 at 8:30 a.m. Enjoy games for the kids, entertainment, booths selling Groundhog merchandise, and a community breakfast. Please join us for this Sun Prairie tradition!

Jimmy the 9th is now 5 years old! Jimmy's been a little nervous this winter... not sure if he's thinking about the Super Bowl or what people will say if he declares more winter is on the way. He's not sleeping that well, and has lost a bit of hair on his chin and tail... Sources say Jimmy did sleep like a baby after the Packers won on Sat (01/12) and the Cowboys lost on Sunday (01/13)!

Happy Birthday Sally! Maybe next year you can come celebrate with Jimmy in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin.

Let It Snow, Let It Snow!

2008-01-23T08:45:00.000-06:00

I'm not sure what the spiritual lesson in this story is, but I'm sure there is one.

Living in Wisconsin means snow. Some years it is just a dusting now and then. Other years a few inches almost every other day. It is usually enough that Usually Darling Hubby didn't have to argue too long to convince me that a snow blower is a "need" rather than a "want" or even a luxury. Especially since UDH was the one clearing the driveway, we weighed his opinion of "need" more heavily.

We have had that snow blower (not quite as fancy as the one pictured) for several years. Still I'd never used it. Even this winter as the snows came regularly and UDH was heading off to an official office regularly instead of working from home and I more often became the designated driveway clearer, I would reach for the shovel rather than the key.

"Shoveling snow is great exercise."

"Shovels are better for the environment."

"And the pocketbook."

That was before the temperature plummeted and the wind chills became the main topic of daily discussion.

I think it was last week, I finally gave up. Fortunately much earlier in the month, UDH had provided a quick lesson on starting the monster sitting in the garage. Ya know, just in case we got too much snow to shovel efficiently.

There's the key slot that is not visible unless you stand with the machine to your right. Bend over at the waist. Dip the left hip. Keep your neck parallel to the garage floor. Then simply reach out with the key in the left hand. Easy! When you don't see the key slot, feel around for it, grumble, and eventually the key will find it's home. I haven't read the booklet that came with it, but I'm sure those are the exact instructions.

And then there is the choke setting dial and priming button and the electric outlet that must be plugged into the power cord that plugs into the extension cord. Oh and don't forget the crank to aim the snow chute. And the little lever with the cute rabbit picture at the top and turtle & "STOP" at the bottom. Oh, and a few other features that probably aren't all that important.

First Day:

"I can do this."

Step one is to get key from the drawer.

"Hmmm, key is not in drawer. UDH must have left it in the key slot."

Plug in cord to snow blower and into extension cord, turn choke dial, move engine speed towards the little bunny, push the prime button, push the ignition button...

Lots of loud noise but it never starts.

I feel like a failure and grab the shovel.

UDH comes home and I explain...we go out to the garage for a debriefing.

"There's no key in the key slot," he says.

"There was no key in the key holder in the drawer," I respond.

About five minutes later I find key in the pocket of the coat he used the last time he cleared the driveway...

Day Two:

Find key easily enough. Eventually locate key slot and insert key until it snaps into place. Go through the choke, electrical cords, and little bunny routines. Push ignition button. Loud noise.

It starts. Sorta. Smoke is coming from exhaust. The engine is sputtering. I try adjusting the choke a bit and then move the lever slowly away from the bunny. Nothing seems to even out the engine and eventually I push the lever to STOP.

Another failure. Another debriefing.

Day Three:

I'm quickly becoming "proficient" at this. The key, the choke dial, the cords, the little bunny, the ignition. Everything goes smoothly. Loud noise. It starts. I adjust dials and levers as needed.

I can't believe I've reached this step.

Crank the snow chute to aim snow out of driveway and into yard. Next engage the power to move forward. Right hand on hand grip. Left hand on hand grip.

I'm moving!

I'm moving way too fast!

Zip down driveway. Release hand grips before blower and I end up in middle of road. Fight to turn, reposition the snow chute. Engage power and hang on as I'm dragged back up the driveway. Release before being thrown into garage or shrubbery. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.

Success?

UDH arrives home to clear driveway.

"I don't think I want to use the snow blower any more. It's too hard to control and it goes so fast I have trouble keeping up with it."

"May it was still in transport (fastest) gear from the last time I moved it into the garage," says UDH.

"What? You never said anything about gears and especially transport gear."

Another trip to the garage.

"This lever here, shifts the gears " he points to the back of the blower between the handles, " and controls how fast it pulls through the snow."

Day Four:

Hasn't arrived yet.

Pray for me.

What I've been doing...

2008-01-07T07:15:00.000-06:00

because I've obviously not been blogging. I'd forgotten the answer until last night.

Last night was Family Production Night at church. Families get together to do a craft, watch a puppet show, sing & act out songs, and share in discussion of the Sunday School topic of the month. Then we join together for dinner.

It was our first time at FPN even though we've been attending the church regularly since Summer.

After the very funny puppet show that included the words hibernation and hyperventilation in the script, one of the leaders asked, "Does anyone know what hibernation means"?

It was quiet for a few seconds as everyone thought of how best to answer.

Then I heard a familiar voice in my left ear saying, "Sleeping."

The leader acknowledged that Little Sprout had answered well.

Then he asked, "What kind of animals hibernate"?

I knew it was coming. I just knew it.

"Mommy!"

Fortunately he didn't ask about hyperventilating.

On a more serious note, please pray for those involved in the deadly crashes on Wisconsin I-90 in the fog yesterday afternoon. While we were enjoying a joyful time with family and friends oblivious to what had happened, many other families were being treated in area hospitals; waiting for their loved ones to return from their rescue duties; or stranded on the interstate.

Friday Five: 3 Days, 15 hours and 34 minutes

2007-12-21T08:02:00.001-06:00

RevHRod writes:
I have debated with myself for weeks about today's Friday Five.

* Self 1: It should be deep and theological.
* Self 2: But it's almost Christmas, it should be fun and warm and sweet.
* Self 1: But your last Friday Five was sort of silly. You should show your more serious side.
* Self 2: You worry WAY too much!

So after consulting with my fourteen year old daughter, we're going playful, pals o' mine! I love stories, so I hope you'll tell some about your favorite Christmas memories.

1. What was one of your favorite childhood gifts that you gave?

An electric coffee pot for my mom. I must have been 8 or 9 and saved an entire year for the purchase. I think it cost $ 9.99 (you can buy them cheaper now). It was an avocado Regal Poly Perk 8 cup percolator with a flower design on the side. It was quite "modern" looking compared to the stainless or aluminum ones of the time. I loved seeing that pot steaming (with hot water only as we mostly used instant coffee or teabags) in our kitchen every morning for several years...until planned obsolescence arrived.

You can still buy these on eBay, but I only saw beige and gold, no avocado green.

I had to laugh when I remembered that coffee pot. You see, I have a drip coffee maker in my kitchen...with steaming water only. Since hubby gave up coffee a full pot is too much for just me, so it's back to instant and tea bags most mornings.

2. What is one of your favorite Christmas recipes? Bonus points if you share the recipe with us.

I don't think I have a special recipe...we keep experimenting each year with vegetarian/vegan and raw dishes. This year's menu has not been finalized so I'll be spending lots of time on one of my favorite recipe sites VegWeb and searching through my raw food cookbooks.

3. What is a tradition that your family can't do without? (And by family, I mean family of origin, family of adulthood, or that bunch of cool people that just feel like family.)

There is a tradition I wish we could still do. As a child it was a Christmas morning visit from "Grum" (my maternal grandmother) to see what Santa brought. Her 5 children convinced her it was easier to move 1 grandmother to 5 houses for a few minutes each than move the ever growing number of grandchildren to 1 house. Still we usually all gathered at her house or one of my aunt's for Christmas dinner. I wish my Little Sprout could experience the extended family traditions at Christmas time.

Now we've adopted my husband's childhood tradition of attending church on Christmas Eve and opening one present when we return home.

4. Pastors and other church folk often have very strange traditions dictated by the "work" of the holidays. What happens at your place?

Pass...ask me again in about 10 years.

5. If you could just ditch all the traditions and do something unexpected... what would it be?

Maybe a Christmas vacation in Puerto Rico or the Bahamas. Not gonna happen since I don't like airports or waiting on runways, especially during heavy travel times.

Art for Advent: Just a Little Ruff

2007-12-09T15:10:00.000-06:00

Christine at Abbey of the Arts has committed to Art for Advent. I've linked to one of her most recent creations, but be sure to go back through her blog to enjoy some earlier works.

She is using prints of some older family photos as the centerpiece for many of her works. I thought I'd do something similar. Reconnect with family roots, move beyond boundaries in the creative process, grow spiritually during this season. I envisioned photos and canvas, maybe some paint. Real Art.

Ahhh, yeah. That was the plan.

During photo sorting with Little Sprout, the project veered off in a new direction when we found my stash of fabrics. It's still about family, exploring new creative outlets, and growing spiritually. But it's just a little rough around the edges...or I should say Ruff!

We had lots of laughs creating this little guy in a somewhat folk art style and the only rule was that we would only use supplies we already had.

I'm not sure what's next for Art for Advent...there's still that box of photos.

What Would Chartreuse Ova See?

2007-11-30T15:25:00.000-06:00

Although we check out many movies from the library, I almost never see a movie at the theater. The last one was Facing the Giants in 2006 and before that was Cars at the cheapie theater with Little Sprout. So today I was looking at an online listing of local events for this weekend. I saw a review for For the Bible Tells Me So.

It sounds interesting so I decided to check out the local showings. This led me to a small theater known for artsy works, documentaries and movies you just won't see anywhere else. And then I saw the listing for What Would Jesus Buy?

There just may be a movie in my future...

Step One

2007-11-26T16:58:00.000-06:00

Cathy is walking towards the light.

I've decided to join her.

Little Sprout helped designed my ticker...now I just need to get up from the desk and move.

I Succumbed

2007-11-24T08:14:00.000-06:00

I am so ashamed.

Too many sales flyers. Too many temptations.

I was out at 4:30 yesterday.

Buying! Made in China! With a credit card!

In my defense...it was 4:30 p.m., the store was Walgreens, I used the credit card because I forgot to take cash, and I didn't elbow anyone to get to any coveted door busters...because, well there was no one to elbow, and no door busters.

And now with those 4 purchases, my Christmas shopping is almost complete.

Friday Five: Extravagant Unbusyness....

2007-11-09T06:23:00.000-06:00

From RevGal Sally:

I am writing in my official capacity of grump!!! No seriously, with the shops and stores around us filling with Christmas gifts and decorations, the holiday season moving up on us quickly for many the time from Thanksgiving onwards will be spent in a headlong rush towards Christmas with hardly a time to breathe.... I am looking at the possibility of finding little gaps in the day or the week to spend in extravagant unbusyness ( a wonderful phrase coined by a fellow revgal)...

So given those little gaps, name 5 things you would do to;

1.to care for your body

I actually have two for this...my body needs two!

Develop a schedule and routine (especially for bedtime) and stick with it. Our house is transitioning to UDH (Usually Darling Hubby) going off to work at an office, rather than at home. Little Sprout began self-schooling at home this year. To make it even more complicated we only have one car. Yesterday I dropped UDH off at work with Little Sprout still in her jammies. She and I headed back home to prepare for a whirlwind day. I was exhausted by dinner time, but still didn't get to bed earlier or even on time.

Mindful eating. Enjoying fresh raw fruit and vegetables every day, even it's not local...hey, I live in Wisconsin.

2. to care for your spirit

Turn off the TV. Instead, turn up the music. And sing. And dance. And read. And pray. And write. And most importantly, hug those I love.

3. to care for your mind

Lists. Short Lists. I resolve to keep time for stimulating the mind beyond calculating which brand of toilet paper is cheaper, remembering the laundry in the dryer, and dropping off overdue library books. I want to learn about something new. Just not sure what that is yet.

4. to bring a sparkle to your eye

Fly with FlyLady. A clean sink (and desk, and floor) reflects the sparkle within....

5. to place a spring in your step

Exercise. Dust off the treadmill (FlyLady would approve) and enjoy some quiet meditation to the hum of the motor.

Enjoy the time to indulge and dream.... and then for a bonus which one on the list are you determined to put into action?

I guess the winner is FlyLady, because that probably provides the key to all the others...

Invitation to Poetry: Hidden Rooms

2007-11-06T20:22:00.000-06:00

Another poetry party is going on at Abbey of the Arts. Go join the fun!

Hidden Rooms

The worn keyhole invites with faith’s bright promise,
But keyless hands have soiled the ancient door.
No admission, despite my pleading words.
Entry denied, against my angry fists.

Then submission bows and the door opens wide,
As boundless grace reveals the warm refuge.
Love’s obedience guides to calm communion
With God, my brothers and sisters, and self.

More hidden rooms whisper, “My child, come inside”.
As unlocked doors illuminate my soul.

Working Girls and Guys

2007-11-05T06:20:00.000-06:00

It's the first day of Kievas' re-entry into the world of corporate employment and his usual Musical Monday posting reflects the day...

Although I love his choice, when I think of working songs and especially those used in movies the first one that comes to mind is quite different.

Kievas, maybe you'll want to wait to watch this until after you've finished having a wonderful, inspiring day at work.

Have a great day!

Success!

2007-10-14T15:41:00.000-05:00

The Start.

Last Sunday, Little Sprout participated in the local DuRunRun (Run/Bike/Run duathlon) to raise funds for Special Olympics. Her goal wasn't to be first, it was to finish. And to have fun getting to the finish line.

The Finish.

Perhaps those are goals we all could embrace.

Won't Be The Last

2007-10-08T12:12:00.000-05:00

And certainly isn't the first of these I've read.

Almost home.

Too young.

Too soon.

Too much.

Friday Five: Thankfulness List

2007-10-05T08:13:00.000-05:00

For the RevGalsBlogPals, MaryBeth writes
Welcome to the Friday Five!

This one is going to be veeeery simple: List at least five things (people, places, graces, miracles...) for which you are thankful. You may elaborate as you wish, or keep it simple.

Hat tip to Princess Mindy for the idea. Oh...and if you know The Veggie Tales' hit "Thankfulness Song," please hum it as you post.

Poker. I like to watch it on TV, especially the World Series of Poker.
Poker Chips. They make a great reward system, that actually seems to be working. After you collect a few, you exchange them for a reward activity. Little Sprout gets Red and Blue ones for doing things. She gives me white ones for exercising.
Exercise. I really do enjoy it. Didn't exercise all through summer, but I'm looking forward to Autumn walks as the new season begins.
New beginnings at a new church.
Church friends, new & old. And those we have yet to meet.
Meetings. No.

Another Reason to Avoid Fast Food

2007-10-03T14:07:00.000-05:00

First some background info about me:

I have a six year old daughter.
I do not wear makeup.
I do not color my hair. It has enough gray sprinkled in to be noticeable but you can definitely tell the original color.
I haven't been sleeping well this week so I may look tired. Still I don't have any noticeable wrinkles.
I have another birthday coming up in about 3 weeks. But I won't be fifty for two more years!

Today included a trip to the park to practice for Little Sprout's first DuRunRun, a bike/run event to raise money for Special Olympics. After that we were headed to the library, but I decided to stop for one of those cheery kids meals to replace some of the calories Little Sprout had expended on the loop around the park. I ordered from the dollar menu. A small soft drink.

She ate most of her meal. I snitched a few fries. I looked down at the receipt.
I still can barely believe what I read:

SNR soft drink $ .49

I'm pretty sure that does not stand for Sexy Neighborhood Resident...

So I saved 51 cents and lost all the self-esteem I had been able to collect this morning.

Those Purple Things

2007-10-01T19:56:00.000-05:00

Or beauty is in the eye of the beholder...

The local library has been having a month long Civil War series of displays and events. This past weekend there was a Civil War encampment and battle re-enactment at the nearby park.

I knew Little Sprout wouldn't appreciate the history behind the event, but I thought she might like to see the tents, soldiers and ladies in costume, cannons, horses, campfires, etc. We decided to go early and avoid the actual battle scheduled for the afternoon.

She brought her camera along and we first visited the Confederate camp. Usually Darling Hubby (UDH) and I were pointing out all the photo opportunities. She took photos of a few things but seemed frustrated by our suggestions.

"I wanna take a picture of the purple things!"

"What purple things?" I asked, looking around the camp.

"Over there, across the field."

UDH & I laughed.

We trudged off towards the Union camp. About halfway there, the perfect photo was captured.

Big News

2007-09-17T09:21:00.000-05:00

No! There is no new Little Sprout on the way. Just thought, I'd get that out of the way at the start.

The Background:
Every Saturday, Dad calls me. He lives on the East Coast, I'm in the Midwest. Occasionally, I see his phone number on my caller ID, at other times, but that usually means he's calling to tell me someone died. Not always, but usually.

We talked quite awhile on Saturday afternoon. He gave me an update on his medical appointment, shared about a few community events, filled me in on local news/weather, and told me what he'd been doing with friends. I told him about Little Sprout, home schooling and church visits. The usual stuff. We ended the call the usual way.

"Love you."

"Love you too."

Sunday evening just as we were about to sit down for dinner, the phone rang. It was my dad.

"Guess what I did today?"

Hearing those words and the happy, almost perky tone of his voice, I was relieved that we wouldn't be talking about another death in the family or community.

My mind was a blur. What would cause a soon to be 70 year old widower to be this excited? Marriage? "No, be logical," I told myself. There was no available wife that I knew and as private as my Dad is I think he'd have let that slip sometime. And weddings aren't usually on Sunday, are they?

After I dismissed the marriage idea as improbable, I couldn't think of anything else. I decided to play dumb. No I actually was dumb.

"I have no idea, what did you do today?" I uttered trying to playfully reflect back his joyous tone. Secretly I was praying that the joy would come naturally once he told me the big news. But still I was worried that I might not share his opinion of this "great" event.

"I was baptized today."

And so we talked. My dinner got cold, but I didn't really care.

Another Kind of Labor Day

2007-09-03T11:36:00.000-05:00

Be BOLD ...Birth On Labor Day. (actually it's a whole month)

Unfinished Dream

2007-08-30T08:52:00.000-05:00

Christine of Abbey of the Arts always opens my soul with her words and art. Recently she posted an Invitation to Poetry: Freedom. Go see and enjoy! I read it a few days ago, but I am not a poet. Still the artwork floated in the back of my mind and this morning I awoke to these words:

Unfinished Dream

It's just a bird in a cage.
That's the way things have always been.

It's just a few dogs.
Look away, there is no real crime here.

It's just a woman.
How dare she expect anything more.

It's just one of those people.
They don't belong, why should we care?

It's just a bird.
But I reached out and opened the door.

And then I saw,
It was not just a bird.

If It's Friday

2007-08-17T09:13:00.000-05:00

It's gotta be the RevGalBlogPals Friday Five!

Reverend Mother writes:

This one is patterned off an old Friday Five written by Songbird, our Friday Five Creator Emerita:

Below you will find five words. Tell us the first thing you think of on reading each one. Your response might be simply another word, or it might be a sentence, a poem or a story.

1. Vineyard: Martha Redbone
Also got me to thinking about Neil Diamond and later maybe a glass of ...

2. Root: Tori Amos (Ruby Through The Looking Glass)

3. Rescue: Gotta be Aretha!

4. Perseverance: Talia Applebaum
(Shhhh! Don't tell anyone that David Soul actually popped into my mind first but didn't fit the word as well. )

5. Divided: The Grass Roots (now I'll be singing this all day today)

My Yummy Personality

2007-08-09T08:19:00.000-05:00

Zorra at Red Heeler Ranch shared a fun personality test she found...now I'm searching for a cookie to go with my coffee this morning.

You Are a Black and White Cookie

You're often conflicted in life, and you feel pulled in two opposite directions.

When you're good, you're sweet as sugar. And when you're bad, you're wicked!

What Kind of Cookie Are You?

What I Wish I Could Say

2007-08-04T09:04:00.000-05:00

This is our last week at the community church we are leaving. I hate good-byes but we agreed to attend this week for an official announcement of our departure. What follows is what I wish I could say to the friends we love and leave. But I won't.

It all started with a compass, a map, and a telephone book.

You know the little tool with the pencil that makes circles. I used it to locate all the churches within an area around our house. It was, in one sense, that low tech and spiritually lacking. But God was the one who started the process by calling out to me to find a church for our family. And the map project was enhanced by many hours of discerning prayer over a period of weeks.

As I prayed, I felt led to a little church that I hadn't even known existed for most of the time we had lived in our house. A church community different than any I had ever worshiped with before. I showed up the next Sunday. It was late August and when welcomed I think I blurted out, "God sent me here today." No one seemed shocked by that statement.

God sent me and then I dragged Usually Darling Hubby the next week. Little Sprout came more willingly. And within weeks we had discovered a family church. We thought we'd put down roots and grow here always. And we have grown.

It was through Bible study and an emphasis on prayer and talking about my faith with others that I was challenged with big questions. What do I really believe? What am I to do with this faith? How am I to serve God and the people of God? Where and what does that look like? It was the support and prayers of many of you that helped me look at the questions and dig deeply for the answers. And struggle with the answers as they came. I know God always answers prayers and lights the way if we follow closely.

Sometimes it's easy to see the path and to follow. Sometimes it's so difficult we can only manage to take a single trusting, tentative step forward.

It is one of those steps that I, and we as a family, must take today. It is painful to leave behind people we have grown to love. I am so thankful the people of "That's the Point" Church have been a part of my family's life and the gifts you have given us will continue to touch us. We leave you in love and with our prayers for many blessings.

I have said on occasion that I know God is speaking and the Holy Spirit is leading when the only word I can use is "compelled". Compelled. For me, it means there is no peace until there is obedience. And in obedience there comes peace and often joy.

Almost 5 years ago God sent me here. I was compelled and I obeyed. Today I am feeling compelled and I must continue to obey.

I'd like to end with some profound thought, perhaps a Bible verse, or a call to action but I all I need to say is...

Peace be with you.

A Lauryn Hill Kinda Day

2007-08-03T13:11:00.000-05:00

Lauryn Hill - Def Poetry Jam- Motives and Thoughts

Lauryn Hill - The Passion
Warning: graphic images

I Finished Harry Potter!

2007-07-31T09:01:00.000-05:00

Harry Potter fans have no fear, no spoilers here.

Loved the book, and read it less than 2 days...now I can't figure out why I waited so long.

"So long," you ask?

Yeah, I just finished Book 1, Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone.

How's that for procrastination?

Friday Five: Floods and Droughts

2007-07-27T08:36:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Sally and the RevGalsBlogPals!

1. Have you experienced living through an extreme weather event- what was it and how did you cope?

Not really. I was leaving Puerto Rico and made it out on the last flight before Hurricane Hugo hit in 1989. Experienced a few major, but not extreme weather events.

2. How important is it that we wake up to issues such as global warming?

Extremely. I believe that many of the world's environmental, poverty, health, social & family issues are intertwined. Many of the things that we could do to decrease global warming would impact the others. Even if someone could prove to me that global warming is nonexistent, I think we still need to make many of the same changes in our lifestyles, individually, corporately, nationally, and internationally. This would make the world, our communities, our families, and us as individuals stronger. I doubt I'll ever become "No Impact Chartreuseova", but I'm quickly becoming a fan of No Impact Man.

3. The Christian message needs to include stewardship of the earths resources agree/ disagree?

I think stewardship is of critical importance. Too many times I think we, Christians, just equate stewardship with giving money to the church. God cares about creation. That's us and the earth and all its resources. When we disregard/plunder the gifts of creation, we disregard & dishonor the Giver.

And because it is summer- on a brighter note....

4. What is your favourite season and why?
Summer. [ Chanting C-S-A, C-S-A,...] I love the fresh organic veggies we get each week from the local Community Supported Agriculture farm of which we are members. I like hot weather too, although this year I've been spending more time in the air conditioning.

5. Describe your perfect vacation weather....
Perfect summer days of cool mornings to enjoy the outdoors, hot afternoons to lounge in a pool or escape to a cool place to read or maybe just take a nap, an evening thunderstorm to clear the air.

It's Time

2007-07-24T14:57:00.000-05:00

Kievas posted his all time favorite music video to balance all the heaviness that has been weighing on his mind this week.

In contrast, I woke up this morning at 4 a.m. feeling lighter and more peaceful than I have in weeks. The decision has been made to leave the local church which I attended for several years.

There is so much to say, yet I don't have the words. So here's a video...

Little Sprout (part 3)

2007-06-27T17:42:00.000-05:00

Is almost six!
(June 29th is the big day)

February 2007

Little Sprout (part 2)

2007-06-27T17:35:00.000-05:00

Isn't a baby anymore...

Christmas 2004

July 4, 2006

The Little Sprout

2007-06-27T17:27:00.001-05:00

Has been growing...

6 months old
December 2001

August 2003 with Fenway

Breaking the Silence

2007-06-19T08:33:00.000-05:00

I haven't blogged in over a month.

It isn't writer's block, although I do find it difficult to find words in the month of June and much of July. And sometimes even May.

It isn't that I've been busy, although I should be planning an end-of-the-month 6th birthday party with lots of invitations, balloons and a cake. But I'm not.

The "party" will be only for the three of us and there will be streamers and balloons, gifts, lunch out and a special event. And I will smile, laugh and hug my dear daughter. And when I'm alone (hopefully) I'll cry. Some day there may be a real party just like some day there may no longer be flashbacks, nightmares, hyper-vigilance, and fear.

PTSD.

Please learn more about it, because I am not the only one...

Resources about trauma and birth:

Healing the Trauma by Jennifer Jamison Griebenow

ICAN (International Cesarean Awareness Network)

You Should be Grateful

Seven Things You Don't Want to Know

2007-05-11T06:44:00.000-05:00

Singing Owl has tagged me for a meme.

Here are the rules: Each player starts with 7 random facts/habits about themselves. People who are tagged need to write on their own blog about their seven things, as well as these rules. You need to choose 7 people to get tagged and list their names. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they have been tagged and to read your blog!

"Seven Things You Really Didn't Want To Know About Me and Because Of That You Never Thought To Ask"

1. I had the "starring" role in a jr. high play and still remember all my lines. I was the Ghost of the Christmas Clock written by my 7th grade English teacher. I was on stage the entire play...but the ghost never spoke.

2. I dropped out of nursing school, even though I was getting A's. Let me just say the world is a better place without me as a nurse.

3. I was voted quietest girl in my high school senior class. Quiet is not a word most people would use to describe me now. I'm not only loud, but every once in awhile I cuss. Not quite like a sailor, but I can put quite a sting of expletives together in rapid fire.

4. I use an insulin pump to manage diabetes. This involves inserting a fairly long cannula needle into my abdomen and attaching it to tubing and the pump. I've been asked if I had an MP3 player on my waistband. "Nope." And I gleefully offer to show them how an insulin pump works...as they flee.

5. I wannabe a runner but all I've got is stinky sneakers. I want to complete (I used to say run) a marathon before I die...and considering I can not jog to the end of my street I probably would die if I tried this soon. My short term goal is a 5K walk this year. That I can do.

6. I am not supposed to be married to Usually Darling Hubby. I found him through a personal ad and just expected him to be a rebound guy for a few dates while getting over a long, unhealthy relationship...God had other plans.

7. I require at least a full day to recover whenever I take my daughter to church. I'm not sure if this is more a reflection on my daughter's personality, my physical/mental health, or this church. Probably a mix of all three.

I'm not going to tag anyone, but leave it open for anyone to play...

Friday Five: It's My Party

2007-05-04T09:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Songbird!

Songbird writes:
I hate to say it, but over the years I've been to too many parties where I, or the birthday child, has felt much like the chorus of Lesley Gore's old tune. I am therefore not the biggest fan of birthday parties.

For this Friday (which happens to be my birthday), tell us these five things about parties, birthday or otherwise.

1) Would you rather be the host or the guest?

I'd like to pick neither. If I must choose, let me be a guest who escapes early.

2) When you are hosting, do you clean everything up the minute the guests go home? Will you accept help with the dishes?

No and No. Usually Darling Hubby will start scurrying the minute guests leave. And despite his looks that are intended to make me feel guilty, I must have recovery time before I will even think about cleaning.

3) If you had the wherewithal, and I guess I mean more than money, to throw a great theme party, what would the theme be?

I couldn't come up with a good answer for this. Unless it's the Disappearing Hostess Mystery party. I'd invite people I know, but don't know each other. At the party, I'd welcome everyone and make introductions. Then the good part comes. I leave and everyone can get to know one another and speculate on my new undisclosed location.

Since I've become so bad at parties, I asked Little Sprout for her party idea. She said a "book party". I thought she meant everyone would dress up as their favorite character. Nope, I was wrong. She said, "Everyone would bring a book to read."

What a party animal!

4) What's the worst time you ever had at a party?

It wasn't actually at a party, but party/celebration related. The anniversary of that day still is traumatic, especially because people expect me to celebrate with a party.

5) And to end on a brighter note, what was the best?

My 5th or 6th birthday party. It was a total surprise. And there is a photo somewhere that captured the surprise as I entered the house. It was just the standard party in our family. Cake. The Song. Lots of cousins. Some forgettable gifts. But I still remember the surprise and joy.

Opposing God's Will

2007-04-30T10:43:00.000-05:00

I promised to keep a positive outlook. It doesn't seem to be working today.

I was looking for an article about melamine in the human food supply, but came across this totally unrelated article.

El Sobrante, Calif. - Parents who belong to the Bethel Baptist Church in El Sobrante are told in no uncertain terms: Spank your children or oppose God's will.

The church, which also runs the 200-student Bethel Christian Academy, discourages parents from using their hands and recommends using a "rod" or flexible stick to swat children until their will is broken. But an eight-panel church pamphlet with corporal punishment instructions does caution against using instruments such as hairbrushes, cords or 2-by-4s.

So now I not only worry about toxic substances that my child and dog may have ingested, but it has been confirmed that I oppose God's will. Not surprising. It seems I already "oppose" God's will when it comes to my stance on war, oppression of others, women's roles, and most political issues.

On a positive note, my doggie boy is loving his home cooked food and strong-willed Little Sprout is busy researching weather forecasting. The sun is shining and we are planning a healthy lunch outside on the deck.

As for me and God, we are getting along just fine...despite my "opposition".

This was the Question I Asked

2007-04-23T08:51:00.000-05:00

I've been silent about the VT shootings.

But like just about everyone, I've been asking myself questions.

I didn't ask:
Where was God?
Would better gun control legislation have prevented this?
Who could have done something different?
What makes someone lay down their life for another?
How would I react?
What if it was my child?
How do we heal?
What can I do?

Reading through the news those first few days, one question did pop into my mind. I thought perhaps I was the only person to ask this question.

I guess not.

Friday Five: The Whole Tooth

2007-04-13T08:06:00.000-05:00

And nothing but the tooth!

For the RevGals Friday Five, reverendmother writes:

Cheesehead and I are both laid up this week with various tooth maladies. This one's in honor of us:

1. Are you a regular patron of dentists' offices? Or, do you go
a) faithfully, as long as you have insurance, or
b) every few years or so, whether you need it or not, or
c) dentist? what is this "dentist" thing you speak of?

I was c) until my late twenties. When I finally went to the dentist, he wanted to know why I finally decided to show up. I said, "I figured my luck was going to run out soon." Now I aspire to be b) but I'm probably moving back to c).

2. Whatever became of your wisdom teeth?
Three months after that first dentist appointment, I had my wisdom teeth removed. All three of them. Seems I was low on luck and teeth.

3. Favorite thing to eat that's BAAAAAD for your teeth.
I gave up ice. I don't eat lots of sugary foods. Perhaps it would be tea or coffee that can stain.

4. Ever had oral surgery? Commiserate with me.
Just the wisdom teeth removed under general. It wasn't too bad. But I've had other kinds of surgery that were horrific, so I guess I can still commiserate.

5. "I'd rather have a root canal than _________________."
go to the hospital for anything. I trust dentists just a bit more than medical doctors.

Bonus: Does your dentist recommend Trident?
No, but at my last visit several years ago, she did recommend flossing more often.

How Did It Go Today?

2007-04-12T20:37:00.000-05:00

The meeting.

I'm not sure how it went.
You'd think that after a chat over coffee that lasted almost 5 hours I'd have a better answer than that.

It was good in that we bounced around so many subjects that I needed to discuss.

I was disappointed that a lightening bolt didn't strike to clear up the situation once and for all.
Nah, I knew that wouldn't happen...too easy.

Now I need to digest all the info I took in today. Pray over it. I expect God will awaken me at 2 a.m. sometime in the next week or so for an lightbulb moment. I don't expect that moment will answer all my questions.

After 5 hours, I'm glad I chose decaf...

So This is Spring: A Flurry of Thoughts

2007-04-11T10:41:00.000-05:00

It is a beautiful Spring day. Really!

Usually Darling Hubby (UDH) was the first to notify me. Four to Six. Then David or Bob (the local weather guys) upped the ante to Five to Seven. Later it was Six to Eight and then possibly more. SNOW. It is everywhere. And it is beautiful.

I'm am pondering the dream I had a few nights ago. All I remember is my shoe was coming apart. I live in walking/running shoes and in the dream, the sole was peeling off right from under my foot. When I told UDH, he smiled. I said, "Yeah I know. I'm in danger of losing my sole." Fortunately, I'm confident my soul is secure. Still I feel like some other parts of me are being peeled away. My soul is exposed and I feel vulnerable.

I'm still processing Maundy Thursday communion with the denomination of my childhood. As I was walking out, the pastor put her arm around me and said there would always be a place for me there. Sounded like something my mom said when I moved away from home. I went out to my car and cried. All kinds of tears. Sadness, joy, fear, anger...it all was pouring out.

Tomorrow afternoon, I am scheduled to meet with the pastor of the church I sometimes still attend and where UDH is still very actively involved. I didn't request the meeting, but I hope it will help me clarify a few things. One part of me wants to take a list, a hammer and a nail...but since we'll probably meet at a local coffee shop instead of behind the church's door, it would probably lose all meaning. The other part of me is begging for God to change something within me, or the church, or the pastor...so I can take the easy path of silence and concession. Mostly, I just pray the Holy Spirit will guide me to the place I can best serve. The place I need to be. And I pray that I will follow where God leads...my shoes are ready. Is my soul?

I am happy today.

Friday Five: Rivers in the Desert

2007-03-23T07:46:00.000-05:00

Songbird writes for the RevGals Friday Five:

I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19, NRSV

As we near the end of the long journey toward Easter, a busy time for pastors and layfolk alike, I ponder the words of Isaiah and the relief and refreshment of a river in the desert.

For this Friday Five, name five practices, activities, people or _____ (feel free to fill in something I may be forgetting) that for you are rivers in the desert.

My favorite rivers are people (and one furry critter who thinks he's person).

1. Meeting new people. Some who share my interests and faith beliefs. Some who are very different from me. I think I learn more about myself as I learn more about others.

2. Fun with Little Sprout. Rediscovering joy daily.

3. Sharing a journey. Encouragement, comfort, strength, respect, and love.

4. Fenway. That would be the four-legged one not the baseball stadium. God loves me. Fenway loves me. I smile and in this moment, all is right with the world.

5. Being alone. I like spending time with just me. Or just me and God.

When I was a Child...

2007-03-21T09:22:00.000-05:00

Although there is the Lion Kingish "Circle of Life", I believe we experience this life in a spiral. Surrounded by God, we move inward, outward. We seek and search our selves. We reach out and touch others who are creating their own spirals.

Often we revisit ideas and dreams of the past. But it seems that most of our path continues onward leaving the past behind. It's that old adage about not being able to go home again.

Here are some of the recent & not so recent "spirals" of my life in no particular order:

Last night was the fifth Tuesday in a row that I met with a small group at Church of a Different Denomination, also known as a Church of My Childhood/Early Adult denomination. This group is meeting for 6 weeks to discuss the spiritual journey and explore spiritual practices. In previous weeks we talked about spiritual formation, sharing our faith stories, lectio divina, and breath prayer. This week was about community and holy listening.

I ended up in this group because I was seeking something missing in my spiritual life. Something I wasn't able to provide for myself. Something I wasn't sure God could provide in our relationship. Something my local church wasn't providing or I hadn't figured out how to access it. Something, I couldn't even label.

Last Summer, I shared with Pastor of Church I Currently Attend (or was Regularly Attending then) about the call of my early adulthood. The call I ignored for the most part. The call that came while I was still a member of Childhood Church. The call in that long ago denomination, that I left without animosity. We discussed how my life had changed since then. And how this might impact that calling. I remember saying, "It's not like I can just go back and pick up where I left off." And he agreed.

Two months ago or maybe more, I began what I call the Litany of Common Ground. Or perhaps that would be the Lamentations of Common Ground. Usually Darling Hubby would call it the start of the Age of Annoyance. The daily questions. Repeated often throughout the day. Always on my mind. In my prayers. Almost always on my lips. "I need to find the common ground." "What do you see as the common ground?" "Is there a common ground here?"

I kept encountering the phrase, "common ground". And not just in my prayers and in my unending discussions with UDH.

Last night, I saw it again. On a page. In a small group. About community. "We learn to respect others and celebrate common ground."

Common ground. It is a celebration. Not a sad, desperate struggle to dig up some area of agreement. It is the overwhelming weight that inspires respect for our differences, not something to just balance out the negative.

While the title of this post seems to refer to I Corinthians 13, I think I'll end it differently.

When I was a child I had a spirograph. I enjoyed watching the spirals develop as the pen circled and colors mingled.

And I still do.

Friday Five: Whatcha doin'?

2007-03-16T08:01:00.000-05:00

For the RevGals FridayFive, reverendmother writes:

Well friends, this is one of those weeks when I simply must work today, which is normally my day off. I know, I know. We may tut-tut all we want, but the fact is, some weeks are like that. So, this week's F5 is simple.

Name five things you plan to do today.

Bonus: If today is about "have-to" for you as well, share up to five things you'd like to be doing today.

1. Make homemade tomato soup. Little Sprout found a recipe on VegWeb and asked yesterday if we could make it. I might suggest the recipe from Hallelujah Acres as an alternative.

2. Read. I'm half way through Rich Christians in An Age of Hunger which Usually Darling Hubby has on loan from the pastor. But I think I'll start on one of the 4 library books that will soon be due...just can't decide. Will it be Good Eating (definitely not a cookbook)? Christian Mystics? A New Christianity for a New World? Affirmations of a Dissenter? I'm not sure if those titles reflect my eclectic tastes or denominational confusion. I might just give up and read Curious George. Or have it read to me.

3. Take a walk with Little Sprout.

4. Treasure Hunt. Also known as finding the floor in Little Sprout's room. We'll do this together. It's not safe to go in there alone!

5. Knit a womb. I am serious. I'm making it for a friend for a earthy-birthy kinda thing. Of course, Little Sprout has requested one too. Doesn't every 5 year old little girl want/need one of these?

Spring is in the Air

2007-03-15T07:48:00.000-05:00

The robins have arrived in Wisconsin.

But we're waiting for the arrival of something a bit smaller. Follow the journey here.

Friday Five: Matters of Taste

2007-03-09T10:09:00.000-06:00

For the RevGalBlogPals Friday Five, Songbird writes:

My mother loved figs.

I only like them in a Newton.

It's all a matter of taste.

Name five things you like a lot that some close relative or significant other did/does not like. This could be food, movies, hobbies, music, sports or whatever springs to mind.

1. Peanut Butter and Green Olive Sandwiches...and maybe even add a bit of ketchup. Okay, I've yet to find anyone who shares my delight in these "treats". Little Sprout doesn't like peanut butter but she does enjoy olives and pickles, with mayonnaise not ketchup.

2. Driving. I don't mind driving long distances. In fact I tend to become obsessed with plotting the course (which always subject to change) and tracking progress. My husband would rather fly. I don't mind flying, but I hate navigating airports and being stuck on planes going nowhere, waiting to be cleared for take-off. Little Sprout enjoys traveling with me...although I think it's more about staying in a new motel each night than about the driving.

3. To create words or use nouns as verbs or other inappropriate uses of the English language. Drives Usually Darling Hubby (UDH) crazy. He's given up on correcting me or my grammar, unless consulted. He does share my love of the game Balderdash.

4. Recipe books. Most people don't seem to understand the appeal of reading a recipe book from front to back, if I'm not actually selecting one to prepare.

5. Sweating. I'm not a gym-joiner (see #3) and the last 5K I completed was a walk for charity, nothing competitive. But give me a sidewalk and an hour or two on one of the "coolest" steamy evenings of August in Wisconsin & I'm in heaven. I guess it isn't just limited to exercise. On the first warm/hot (depending on whether you ask me or UDH) day of spring/summer we begin the thermostat wars. He wants to turn on the air conditioner and I want to wait til it gets about 10 degrees warmer. In the fall/winter we switch roles...my fingers are cold and numb as I type this.

Living Green

2007-03-06T08:28:00.000-06:00

The Earth just got another degree warmer as I read this Washington Post article about the National Association of Evangelicals, James Dobson, and Global Warming.

I've spent the last week asking myself & Usually Darling Hubby (who is probably tired of listening) why Christians (at least those that choose to look at sin) like to focus on the 10-15% sins. Why not go after the 90% sins like gluttony & obesity or ignoring many of God's children who are struggling to survive while we lounge in our American Middle-Class luxury, safe inside our warm, well-insulated homes & churches. Even our poverty is relative!

But I realize now it really isn't about the Bible, or sin, or stewardship or compassion...it is something far more "valuable" at stake...

Pink Floyd sang about it. And didn't Jesus warn us about it?

Friday Five: Artsy Crafty

2007-03-02T08:13:00.000-06:00

This week's RevGalsBlogPals FridayFive comes from reverendmother:

During Lent here at Suburban Presbyterian Church, we are exploring the creative and liturgical arts, with classes and speakers dealing with storytelling, iconography, dance, visual art, writing, and so on. The theme is "A Beautiful Thing," inspired by the story of the woman anointing Jesus and his declaration that "She has done a beautiful thing for me." (Mark 14, NIV)

We are working on the notion that everything we do can be considered a beautiful thing--a creative offering to God--whether it's gardening or scrapbooking or accounting or sorting clothes at the clothes closet or child-rearing. And so:

1. Would you call yourself "creative"? Why or why not?

Yes. But as I tried to write why, I'm not sure "creative" is the word. Others have labeled me creative and I usually accept the compliment. But as I am writing here, the word "open" is in my head. I am open when I create...that allows the soul to come through. As God breathed life into us, so we impart a piece of ourselves in our creations.

2. Share a creative or artistic pursuit you currently do that you'd like to develop further.

Actually I'm not currently doing it. But I want to get back into drawing/sketching and develop my skills. In college, I took class called Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain based on the book by the same title. I'd been told for many years (ever since 4th grade when I dared to color a pumpkin green) that I had no artistic talent. But I found during that college class that when I silence those voices of the past, I can create. It is the creative pursuit where I find myself lost to the world and experience a sense of creation and renewal.

3. Share a creative or artistic pursuit you have never done but would like to try.

I'm not sure. Maybe photography. I take photos of people, places, events. It is easy enough to center a shot or not to cut off heads. But to capture essence within a frame, that is art.

4. Complete this sentence: "I am in awe of people who can _____________."

I am in awe of people who can do intricate creative work...whether that is working for hours to finally complete a few inches of art on fabric or canvas, or following elaborate knitting instructions, or writing music, or even making tax forms look like art. My work is free-flowing (when I make a mistake knitting it often becomes part of the design) and I have difficulty reining it in to concentrate on the details.

5. Share about a person who has encouraged your creativity, who has "called you to your best self." (I'm pretty sure that's from the Gospel of Oprah.)

My daughter, Little Sprout. She is creative too. So when I overheard a Sunday School teacher explaining to her "the correct" way to complete a craft project, I bit my tongue. And I've tried to explain that not everyone embraces creativity and at times we may need to focus on other things.

I have encouraged her gift and she has given me permission to rediscover my creative nature. She shares the choreography of a dance she created and wrote down using stick figures or plays a piece of music she created after becoming bored following the notes in her music book, or creates new games, or writes and illustrates cartoon stories. And I feel myself become more open.

Wood and Stones

2007-02-23T09:35:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, LutheranChik had a great post entitled Turn...Turn...Turn. As I reflected on " turning", I thought of wood. I tried to post a comment but either blogger or my brain wasn't cooperating. So the thoughts were left marinating in my mind overnight. This morning I awoke to thoughts of turning and stones.

Turning Wood. As an Occupational Therapy student many years ago, I took a class that prepared students to do basic woodworking in a workshop with lots of power tools. This was important because we might work with clients in this type of setting or need to create or adapt equipment. I have done neither. I never ended up as a practicing OT but I remember fondly my classmates and our projects.

And I remember the lathe. You put a block of wood on it and it spins horizontally. As it rotates the wood, the craftsperson applies a chisel to the surface and trims away the unnecessary wood to reveal the potential of the piece. Most woods merely yield to the hand of the creator. And when more has become less, suddenly the beauty of a spindle emerges, not for it's own glory but to become part of something larger and functional.

Turning Stones. Each morning for the last few, a whirling, grinding noise erupts from our basement. The rock tumbler Little Sprout received for Christmas is set on a timer so that we can sleep through the night. But shortly after breakfast, it begins. The transformation. The turning. The sandy grit grinds away the debris, the ugliness, and the unnecessary. It is a long consuming process. I think there are three stages as first coarse grit is used to chip away large pieces then finer and finally a very fine substance is used to polish.

Each day the turning and grinding continue. The stones resist at first, but gradually the work is completed and a gem emerges...more valued and beautiful than the rough stone with it's hidden potential. Agate, malachite, obsidian, tigers-eye, lapis, hematite, and turquoise become something more as they became less.

Today I feel myself turning.

Will I yield or resist?

What will emerge?

Lunchtime Listening

2007-02-22T12:23:00.000-06:00

Emmanuel: A Musical Celebration of the Life of Christ. My Little Sprout selected this for lunchtime listening. It might be more typical fare during the Christmas season than Lent, but as usual her mature taste in music has inspired me.

Although all the music and words are compelling, I was especially drawn into "Man of Sorrows". Perhaps I need to do lunchtime listening more often.

2For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.
3He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
4Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
5But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
Isaiah 53:2-5 KJV

Reconciliation

2007-02-19T21:11:00.000-06:00

I learned a new word today, metanoia. Obviously I'm not talking about the album by the rock band, but the theological concept.

I am open to grace and God's loving forgiveness.

i am.
GOD IS.
We are.
Together.
Reconciled.

Confessions Part 3

2007-02-19T18:30:00.000-06:00

I confess that some days I have stood at the door and refused to knock.

I confess that I have stood at the open doors that present themselves outside my local church and refused to step through.

I confess that I have meekly accepted responses I interpreted as my interest doesn't fit what the church wants/needs...perhaps I could be doing something else or that my passion doesn't have a place within the structure of our church. I confess that I used it as an opportunity to wrap up my gifts tightly and safely when I should have been standing up and speaking out. This is my sin. These are my gifts, my calling, my responsibility to journey with Christ.

I confess that I've looked to the approval of and validation by others and often ignored the voice of God giving me words of truth.

I confess that I have taken the easy, convenient road even when I felt the leading towards a more challenging path. I confess that I did not trust enough to walk into a dark unknown future but chose the well-lit and more acceptable route.

And as one might expect from the above words and Parts 1 and 2...I confess that I am a woman without a denomination and potentially without a church to call home. Sometimes that feels overwhelming...not having a connection. But in this moment it also is strangely freeing.

Confessions Part 2

2007-02-19T15:12:00.000-06:00

If there is a part one, you know there must be a part two or maybe more.

I confess that the foundation of my faith is very weak. I am immature. I am often lazy in regard to my faith.

I encountered God as a child. I picked up what some would call bits and pieces of scriptural truth through the years. I didn't question much that was presented to me. More recently, I remember discussing several books (I still haven't read) with UDH about scientific evidence that points to the validity of several basic Christian beliefs. He really gets into that sort of thing. Me, I just believe it and don't need the proof. Or so I thought.

But there were the gray areas. The issues where I had accepted that the Bible or Jesus "clearly states" (or so I was told) such and such. Some of those things I accepted without thought because they are probably right, some I felt uncomfortable about but didn't know quite why, and some I didn't know how to handle because the information conflicted with my view of my Savior and God. The last category, I just ignored as not particularly important for my faith. It's about Jesus and God's love for us...do I really need to worry about the details? Well, that question has been answered. Obviously, sometimes I do.

I suppose there are many people like me in the church today, sitting in the pews each Sunday. We pray together. We worship together. We believe our basic beliefs together, without really knowing why. We are seldom challenged or step beyond our comfort level. But just because I know I am not alone does not make it acceptable. We are called to something more than complacent Christianity. And the last few years God has been calling me to build a stronger faith, closer relationship, a greater love for others. And of course that other call, but I can't even go there in my mind today. I have struggled. There was little except a few superficial bricks upon which to build.

And so with a weak foundation, it seems that some divine demolition is needed before the building. Scary!

What started as a Bible study, prayer and research into one issue that led to a stronger long held belief has led me to question almost everything else I thought I believed. I thought I knew what I believed about so many things. Now I wonder is the Bible inerrant? Is it truth, corrupted by human failing? Is it an epic story repeated through the ages? But the answer to those questions is probably less significant than why do I believe that? Because answers like "because that's what I learned in Sunday School" or "Pastor Bill preached it from this view" just isn't an appropriate response.

And now I sit here surrounded by a pile of chipped and crumbling bricks.

Confessions Part 1

2007-02-19T09:44:00.000-06:00

I confess I have been unfaithful to Jesus, to my local church community, the universal Church, and to myself.

I haven't been inside a church since the first Saturday of February for morning prayer. The time before that was an evening prayer meeting and before that a Women's group meeting.

Part of this can be explained away by illness (Little Sprout's and mine). Don't worry it was just a nasty cold. But there is more to it than physical illness. I missed church, but I didn't miss being there. But still I did miss being in a church community. I'm not sure if that makes sense.

I haven't blogged more than a Friday Five for quite awhile, either. Again, it can be explained away by the illness and other priorities. But there is more. There have been lots of thoughts but I couldn't pull them together into a coherent set of words.

Lent is coming. Now, you'd think that Lent wouldn't be a big deal, really. The church I attend, when I attend, doesn't mention the word. They don't talk about Advent either.

During Advent, I experienced a crisis of sorts. I set up the advent candles and made an advent prayer chain with Little Sprout. UDH (Usually Darling Hubby) said "Advent is not Biblical." [He wasn't anti-advent, but trying to explain why it wasn't necessary for others of the local church to join me in a tradition.] My response was, "Neither is having a kid's Christmas program, a July 4th party, or other traditions...some of which I'd like to abolish." So Advent was personal and Christmas was communal. The dichotomy felt wrong.

Lent approaches.

On Ash Wednesday, I will begin the Lenten season with others. On Wednesday, February 21st, UDH will attend a midweek service with others at the local church. But daily in the coming days and weeks, we will pray together for clarity and faith. And perhaps this Sunday we will all be well and join our local church for prayer, worship, song, and study. But I realize that some days during Lent, you will find me somewhere else.

A different solution; a different dichotomy. Still feels wrong.

ISO: Renewal

2007-01-26T10:44:00.000-06:00

I haven't blogged in a week. That reflects my state of the being.

Songbird of the RevGalBlogPals offers this Friday Five:

In this week that looks unlikely to hold a complete day off, I am pondering renewal. List four ways you like to relax or give yourself a break. Then name a fifth, something you've never been able to do, a self-care dream.

1. Taking a really long walk. Without a time limit.

2. Knitting, without Little Sprout. Otherwise it just adds more stress to my life.

3. Silence, once I get beyond the initial discomfort.

4. Laughter with some of my favorite people. That can be snuggling & giggling with Little Sprout and Usually Darling Hubby while watching a silly movie. Or chuckling with friends at the church women's group as we share funnies from our lives. Or joyfully running through the house barking and laughing with the doggie boy. (to clarify, I bark and laugh; he merely barks)

5. My self care dream is to actually go on retreat. Maybe a hermitage retreat. Or more realistically, I've considered going to the Midwest Emerging Women Gathering. That would offer less silence but certainly lots of renewing joy and laughter.

Keepin' It Simple Friday Five

2007-01-19T09:53:00.000-06:00

Here's the RevGalBlogPals F5, short and sweet.
The questions are simple, the answers unlimited. Go!

Who: Ex-boyfriend

What: A blind date and almost a year.

When: 1993

Where: West Lafayette, IN

Why: Because...after bad, good is easy to recognize.

Bonus: How: I'm not sure how, sometimes these things just happen.

Amazing Change

2007-01-17T20:37:00.000-06:00

Amazing Grace. Probably my favorite hymn. But it is also the name of a movie opening in theaters February 23, 2007.

William Wilberforce. I am ashamed to admit I didn't know who this man was but I plan to learn more.

And then what?

A More Perfect Union?

2007-01-17T09:30:00.000-06:00

Little Sprout has been sick and I haven't felt much like blogging. But I have been catching up on a few blogs I read. I just read Threads from Henry's Web and it got me thinking and remembering.

I remember being a teen (many years ago) and being involved in a, ummm, discussion. A debate? An argument?

My brother and I were in the typical rebel phase and telling our dad that within our lifetime Russia would no longer be a communist state and what he thought of as a democracy of the people and for the people with rights and protections would look very different in the future.
He didn't buy it. It wasn't going to happen. Looking back I can envision him sticking his fingers in his ears and singing "La, La, La, I can't hear you". But actually he just got very angry. Even today, he still chooses not to see it happening.

The future has arrived, because too many have been standing around with eyes tightly closed and with fingers in ears, singing "La, La, La, I can't hear you, everything looks fine". And those who are proclaiming that the emperor has no clothes are often silenced by whatever means necessary.

Please Watch Your Step as you exit...there are shards of the Constitution and over 3,000 dead Americian bodies to step over.

Happy Birthday

2007-01-05T08:46:00.000-06:00

to you. Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday reverendmother. Happy Birthday to you.

It's RevGalBlogPals Friday Five time again and reverendmother had a birthday this week, inspiring the following questions:

1. "It's my party and I'll [blank] if I want to..."
Favorite way to celebrate your birthday (dinner with family? party with friends? a day in solitude?)

It's my party and I'll LUNCH if I want to...usually Chinese buffet and only with Little Sprout and Usually Darling Hubby (and he usually is on my birthday).

2. "You say it's your birthday... it's my birthday too, yeah..."
Do you share your birthday with someone famous? (Click here to find out!)

Tracy Nelson, Helen Reddy, Bobby Knight, Billy Barty, Minnie Pearl, Pablo Picasso, Georges Bizet all share my birthday. I share more with Minnie Pearl and Bobby Knight.

3. "Lordy Lordy look who's forty..."
Milestone birthdays:
a) just like any other birthday--they're just numbers, people.
b) a good opportunity to look back/take stock
c) enjoy the black balloons--I'll be hiding under a pile of coats until the day is over
d) some combination of the above, or something else entirely.

Forty was divine, but 25 was tough when I realized I was a quarter of a century old and hadn't done "anything" with my life. Not sure how I'll feel about a half century.

4. "Happy birthday, dear... Customer..."
Have you ever been sung to in a restaurant? Fun or cringe-worthy?

No, never that I remember, but it would have been traumatic so I may just have blocked the memory. I guess I do need to be prepared for this at some point, but Little Sprout is still too shy to instigate something like this.

5. "Take my birthday--please"
Tell me one advantage and one disadvantage about your particular birthday (e.g. birthday in the summer--never had to go to school; birthday near Christmas--the dreaded joint presents)
EDITED TO ADD: This could also simply be something you like/dislike about your birthday (e.g. I like sharing a birthday with my best friend, etc.).

The best thing about it is that I remember it. Seriously. Even after celebrating 14 of Usually Darling Hubby's birthdays, I have been known to say it was 2 days later or the correct day, but 2 months earlier. Even as I write this, there is a battle going on in my brain. 12th? 14th? I think it's the 12th. I'm sure it is the 12th. His college buddy's is the 13th ( I remember that?), it must be the 12th. Or was it after, so the 14th? My aunt...oh yeah that's right it's the same as my aunt's. It's the 12th. I'm sure it's the 12th.

But I always remember mine, even if I have to think really hard when asked my age.

On a related note, we are celebrating Mickey Mouse Day in our house today. According to Little Sprout he gets lots of presents (and she has wrapped many surprises in colorful Sunday comics) but unlike birthdays he doesn't get any older. What a concept! I'm thinking of skipping my next birthday and celebrating Chartreuseova Day instead.

Finding Hidden Treasure

2007-01-03T16:54:00.000-06:00

I've been having a bad start to the new year. Not much to tell, no precipitating event, no specific trauma. Just lots of little things and an emotional roller coaster.

I was looking for a book today and came across my brother's Bible. I brought it home on my last visit with my Dad.

I could have just placed it aside and continued my book search, but I didn't.

I sat on the bed and unzipped the cover. Out of the front fell an invitation to my high school graduation and several remembrance tree lighting programs my mother had placed there in the years between my brother's death (1996) and hers (2004).

I just sat there flipping through the pages remembering when my brother got this Bible in the late 70's as a 15-year old student at a tiny Christian school. I was admiring the large print and thinking perhaps it would honor his memory to use the Bible rather than store it away. Then I saw it.

It was an old yellow newspaper clipping. It was not something my mother tucked away. But it looked older than the age of the Bible. I checked online for the writer's name, Rev. E. W. Rimpo, and found a link to a newspaper archive. It is a paid site so I wasn't able to find out much. The essay was probably from 1955 or there about. E.W. Rimpo was a pastor at First Baptist Church in Fruitland, Maryland. My brother was born in 1966 and lived his entire life in Delaware. So I don't know how he ended up with this clipping in his Bible. Perhaps he found it in our Grandmother's boxes of clippings and mementos and decided to save it. By most standards the article is rather simple and mundane. Why would he save it?

Here is the article:

Have a Good Day
By Rev. E. W. Rimpe

Do you expect to have a good day or do you feel that is out of your hands? If you have felt helpless to do anything about the quality of your day just give it another thought. You have so much to do that you do not know how to crowd it into a day and spend much of your time in needless worry instead of doing some of the things which should be done. The life that began at Bethlehem ended at Calvary thirty-three years afterward. How little time that was in which to do what had to be done yet the world has never been quite the same again.

As we again take a good look at that great life we cannot quite duplicate it but we can continue to learn from Him. In all His busy life He never seemed too hurried to take necessary time. Plan your day so that some time will be given to the things that need to be done and when you do them give yourself wholeheartedly to what you are doing. After you have completed your task move on to the next. If you will follow each task with the next you will find the day's work done before you know it.

Keep in mind the important fact that every hour is made up of precious minutes. Sometimes a task will only take a few minutes and part of the day's work will be done. While what takes only moments to do may not be as important as what takes longer there are times when the moments can count for more so put all of yourself into what you are doing whatever time it takes. Plan your day so that every moment of your day will be made to count.

As you prepare your day's program include a good word or deed for someone else. A good word doesn't cost any more than the exercise of a few facial muscles and that does not cost much but it can do so much good, It can also do good both coming and going. Learn how from the greatest of Teachers and have a good day.

Fifty years ago Rev. Rimpo dedicated a few moments to writing an essay for the local newspaper. While almost all those newspapers ended up at the city dump, someone spent a few moments finding the scissors, cutting out this article and saving it. One day, my brother came across it. Something about it caught his interest, and in a few seconds he tucked it into his Bible. Today I stopped for just a moment to sit and look through a Bible. And just as God knew 50 years ago...the words were there.

Have a Good Day!

Merry Christmas!

2006-12-25T12:38:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas. It is at our house.

Although last night's Christmas Eve program was an inspiring time of reflection (and all the participants did a wonderful job of sharing their gifts), it was the morning fellowship that I will remember today even as I celebrate this newest of Christmas Days.

Yesterday's morning service was lovely, simple, sacred and mostly spontaneous. An opening prayer, music of praise, and an open mike welcoming anyone who would come forward and speak. The Spirit led and the people responded.

What does Christmas mean to me? A special Christmas memory. They came. They spoke from the heart.

Thanksgiving to God for this most precious gift of Jesus. a song of thanksgiving, a few favorite Bible verses, stories of life and joys, healing, and comfort.

Testimonies of old men (he said it, I didn't), our young ones and those somewhere in the middle. Each one was welcomed to declare Jesus and to share their special vision of the manger. There was much faith and love within a tiny, diverse community of Christians.

And the people kept coming and the words flowed freely.

We worshiped.

God watched.

Life at Warp Speed

2006-12-23T12:31:00.000-06:00

Grump, Grump, Grump.

Is Christmas not about Peace, Love, Joy, Light, family, and Jesus any more?

I look around and I see very little of that...just lots of blur of meaningless activity.

I came across this link in my inbox today. It seems to reflect the frenzy.

So if you haven't checked, Watch "It's a Wonderful Life" off your holiday must do list yet, here's your opportunity.

And it only takes 30 seconds...leaving lots more time for the dash to the mall and all that other necessary Christmas stuff.

Perhaps I'm anti-Christmas. I wonder if we wouldn't show more respect for the birth of our Lord if we deleted the Christmas holiday hoopla & show from our secular and church calendars.

I long to simply gaze into the eyes of a newborn child who came to earth just for me...and just for you. If there is time for anything more than that, fine. If not, that is all I need, all I want. And I suspect all that God requests.

Ten Things I Love Meme

2006-12-18T13:59:00.000-06:00

For this meme, you are given a letter and must list 10 things you love that start with that letter. Christine of the Sacred Art of Living assigned me "E" (for Eggs) for the "Things I Love" meme.

Ten things I love beginning with E:

Easter. I love it all. The holy celebration, the welcome of Spring, the chocolates, even the eggs and bunnies.

Early Mornings. Quiet evenings are nice, but I prefer the freshness and potential of a just-born day.

Earth beneath my feet...especially barefoot.

Equality, when it exists and when I realize it doesn't but still have hope.

Endorphins, Exercise, and Energy. The three in one package.

Eccentric people. Interesting, authentic and much more than the label.

The End of a good book or movie even though part of me never wants the final scene to arrive.

Education and life-long learning.

Eagles, painting themselves across a canvas of sky.

Well, that's actually Eleven...um, another E

Facing Our Giants

2006-12-16T09:23:00.000-06:00

Last night, I saw the movie, Facing the Giants.

The movie is about a high school football coach and his team. Even though I'm not a big football fan, I wanted to see this movie. No, I felt like I NEEDED to see this movie.

But I didn't think it would happen. The film wasn't widely distributed, only one theater in WI is currently showing the film. But God knew I NEEDED to see this.

I got an e-mail. Well, actually everyone in our tiny church family got an e-mail.

"I'm going, anyone else want to carpool?"

I called. We went. Just the Lady with the Plan, her two kids and I.

And as I suspected, the movie had its cheesy moments, its corny jokes, and was basically the oft-repeated story of a down in the dumps team that comes together to win big under a coach who develops a strategy for success. It was less about a brilliant coaching plan and players who discover their talents and more about a coach and team who discover God's plan for football and life and young men who commit to giving their all not for their glory, but for God's.

Fairly early in the movie, a short parable is told. One I'm sure I've heard before...but suddenly new.

It is about two farmers who needed rain. One prayed. One prayed and went out and prepared his fields in anticipation of the rain.

That one tiny video clip was playing over in my mind as I awoke this morning. Only seconds within the larger movie, but it evoked powerful questions. For me, for our church.

Are we preparing the fields?

Are we open to hearing the Word of God?

Are we praying and ready to receive whatever God gives or do our prayers float away as idle chatter without true faith?

Is it about God or about winning the football game, attaining more prestige, having more fun, or collecting many trophies and treasures?

Are we ready to step out of the safe locker room, prepared to leave our ALL on the field? And then when "we win, we praise God," and when "we lose, we praise God."

I thought I was going to see a movie about football and winning by a miracle. Half way through the movie I realized it is really the story of David and Goliath. And that is the story of winning for God. And the story of winning by faith in God. And winning by the grace of God. It isn't a miracle, it just is.

And that realization leaves me with one final question.
Are we ready to pick up the smooth stones God has provided?

Morning Thoughts

2006-12-11T07:47:00.000-06:00

I started to write this morning. All negative. All questions and complaints.

DELETE

Start over.

Enjoy a few minutes of grateful solitude.

Check on Little Sprout, still sleeping, still snuggling with one of her stuffed animals. That always brings a smile.

Soon doggie boy will be up to go out. For Real this time. Not just standing at the door while the cold pours in to fight the furnace. The bladder will win. Or the squirrel that taunts him daily...but he'll go.

And I hear the water running in the bathroom. Usually Darling Hubby is up and about.

The quiet solitude is fading away.

May the gratitude for these simple blessings continue on through the day.

Fa-la-la-la-la, La Friday Five

2006-12-08T13:07:00.000-06:00

The RevGals' Friday Five is all about Christmas music.

1. A favorite 'secular' Christmas song.

"Rockin around the Christmas Tree". I also like "Do They Know It's Christmas". Obviously, they evoke different emotions.

2. Christmas song that chokes you up (maybe even in spite of yourself--the cheesier the better)

I always have one long answer. This is the one this week.

"I'll be home for Christmas". No cheese, just tears. Good tears.

My grandma's second husband spent the month before Christmas in the hospital. There were assurances that he'd be home with us for Christmas and then when that didn't happen, that he'd be discharged by New Years. He never came home. He died a few days after Christmas and his funeral was in the afternoon of New Years Eve . I heard the song with Grandma the next Christmas and she said she never wanted to hear it again, that it was just too cruel. I remember she was very upset...more angry than sad. I didn't understand immediately...when I did, it made the song suddenly very sad. Perhaps it is ironic that a few years later. she went Home...as Christmas Day was dawning. Despite missing her, the thought of her being Home for Christmas after a long, difficult journey has always been comforting. It's been a long time, but the song still chokes me up and often brings tears...and a soft smile as I picture her celebrating.

3. Christmas song that makes you want to stuff your ears with chestnuts roasted on an open fire.

I have a few. If shoes, reindeer killing grandmas, and chipmunks are involved; they're on my DO NOT PLAY list.

4. The Twelve Days of Christmas: is there *any* redeeming value to that song? Discuss.
It is fun song. However, I don't understand why the maids are stuck with the milking while the lords get to leap and the ladies are dancing.

5. A favorite Christmas album
I don't think I have one. We tend to listen to much of our Christmas music on the radio, so I enjoy specific songs rather than a whole album.

World AIDS Day

2006-12-01T15:54:00.000-06:00

I remember you. I loved you my funny, caring, high school friend. We lost touch, when we both moved away...you eventually to the big East Coast city with it's tall towers; me to the little midwest college town surrounded by corn fields.

Then I got word of your death and I knew. No one had to tell me. I knew and I didn't want to know and I didn't want to hear.

My blog buddy Kievas' words reflect many of the things I want to say about World AIDS Day...but for now I just need to be silent and remember you.

Advent Adventures

2006-12-01T07:53:00.000-06:00

Thanks to Songbird for the RevGals Friday Five:

1) Do you observe Advent in your church?

No, yes, no, yes....
No, the community church (Assemblies of God) I currently attend does not. But I loved Advent as a child in the United Methodist church and then it disappeared from the calendar when I attended a Congregational Methodist Church with my parents. I rediscovered it in the Roman Catholic church before my marriage & child and again it disappeared when our family found our current church home. I miss it.

2) How about at home?
I am trying to teach Little Sprout about Advent and start the tradition this year. She likes candles...but for her it is still less about Advent and more about how long till presents.

3) Do you have a favorite Advent text or hymn?
No, I can't say I do. Any suggestions?

4) Why is one of the candles in the Advent wreath pink? (You may tell the truth, but I'll like your answer better if it's funny.)
Because a newborn baby is pink. Can I get a collective, "aaaahhhhh, that is so sweet". Now what I can't figure out is why the others are purple? Didn't someone consult an interior decorator before choosing the color scheme?

5) What's the funniest/kitschiest Advent calendar you've ever seen?
Not really funny or kitschy, but it did catch my eye. I found The Tea Advent Calendar, which is not really a calendar at all. It's a box of 24 different teas...I wonder if there is such a thing as the Coffee Advent Calendar?

Asking and Receiving

2006-11-30T19:54:00.000-06:00

So she (Little Sprout) found the hidden turkey.

Yeah, we do tend toward vegetarian meals, but this was an elusive paper turkey that had survived Thanksgiving by hiding out in the local library. Kids spotting the happy turkey would receive a small prize.

You have to report to the reference librarian and tell her where you spied Tom. That's when the problem started.

"No, you do it." was the demand.

" You saw the turkey. You want the prize, you need to tell the librarian. Mommy didn't find it and Mommy doesn't really want the prize. But I'll go to the desk with you."

The discussion ended badly and we left the library.

She is angry. I'm a mean mommy, even though she didn't say it out loud. I'm sure if she had more colorful vocabulary I would be something else.

She didn't get what she wanted and what she knew the librarian would have loved to give her, simply because she wasn't willing to ask. And to ask nicely.

Why am I blogging about this? Because it's more than the story of a wayward turkey, a stubborn little girl, and the mean mommy.

I got the message Lord.

Sleeping Late on Black Friday

2006-11-24T13:33:00.000-06:00

The Black Friday Five from the RevGalsBlogPals

1. Would you ever/have you ever stood in line for something--tickets, good deals on electronics, Tickle Me Elmo?

Never have and probably never will. Otherwise I would likely end up in the group I malign in question #5.

2. Do you enjoy shopping as a recreational activity?

Sometimes when I'm on vacation and there are no "to do" lists to complete, but otherwise no.

3. Your favorite place to browse without necessarily buying anything.

Yard sales & craft fairs. Although not as much fun lately, because my 5 year old yard sale buddy thinks you can not leave without some new treasure in hand.

4. Gift cards: handy gifts for the loved one who has everything, or cold impersonal symbol of all that is wrong in our culture?

Both. Also the potentially perfect gift for those who never like any of the gifts you give them. Now I'm wondering why I beat my head against the gift giving wall for so many years when I could've just given my now-deceased mother a gift card...oh yeah I know why.

5. Discuss the spiritual and theological issues inherent in people coming to blows over a Playstation 3.

"For all have sinned..." came to mind. And some of us just do so with more stupidity than others.

I asked Little Sprout this one. Her response was "They shouldn't do that, it is just a game!"

That leaves me to wonder. What if it's not just a game, but something REALLY important like that very expensive, non-imaginative, techno toy that Little Sprout wants (but won't be getting for a variety of reasons) or the small kitchen appliance usually darling husband has been coveting, or whatever that thing is that I'll decide I can't live without?

That's why I sleep in on Black Friday.

More on the Pink Slips

2006-11-20T09:40:00.000-06:00

Those little "pink slips" of my previous post came back with a strong vote of confidence and greater commitment to the church vision. We still need to face the financial difficulties, but it is good to know we are standing together as a family.

United.

I'm tickled pink.

Pink Slip

2006-11-19T16:58:00.000-06:00

I don't usually blog on Sunday.

But this is a different Sunday.

Almost every Sunday for over the last 3 years has been very similar. Yeah, there were the ones I missed church due to illness, child's illness, or some other good reason or sometimes "good" excuse. I didn't miss church today.

We smiled as we gathered. We sang, some of us mightily off key. We prayed. We read Bible verses. We listened to the pastor's message. We worshiped. All the same stuff.

Today we had a potluck. We do that sometimes, especially for holidays and other special events. It wasn't what made today different.

Then.

The pastor held a special meeting. The church is struggling. Financially, spiritually, and so many ways. What things need to change? What must be done?

Before the meeting two papers were given out. One with a simple visual/key words of the vision. And as the meeting progressed we were asked to write down any areas where we as individuals felt called to increased commitment (prayer, small groups, discipleship, etc).

There was more to discuss. Do we believe he is the one to lead and do we agree with the vision he brought to the church when it first began as a church-plant less than a decade ago?

The second paper was a small pink slip...
For a single, simple Yes or No.

I know it is in God's hands. I know that it will work out as it so often does when we think all may be lost.

Still I can't stop thinking about pink slips, and wondering is there any significance in that choice.

Thankful for the Friday Five

2006-11-17T09:26:00.000-06:00

This RevGal Friday Five is about the 5 things/people we are thankful for this year.

I can actually answer with one word. But being a woman of many words, I won't.

1. Being part of the family of God. I AM the prodigal son (well, daughter) ...turning my back, running away to things that glitter but welcomed back with joy and feasting.

2. My MIL and SILs and BIL...all my ILs. My usually darling hubby comes from a wonderful family. Perhaps it is easy for me to feel that way because they all live so far away and all over the world so we just get to share the best. I think it would be wonderful to have an extended family thanksgiving someday but logistically not likely.

3. My family and memories of large maternal family dinners on Thanksgiving when grandma, all my aunts, uncles and cousins would gather to share for food, fun, napping, and usually more food. And it wasn't just Thanksgiving...I remember the July picnics, Easter & Christmas dinners, graduations, and funeral dinners (and yes, those included fun too as we shared funny stories in remembrance) There's only my Dad, 1 aunt and 1 uncle left of the previous generations. And the cousins are scattered and starting to become grandmas and grandpas overseeing their own dinner traditions.

4. My local church family, with its love, hugs, eccentric uncles, crazy cousins, family squabbles and more love. I am thankful that while we never get to share a Thanksgiving meal with our families of origin, we are looking forward the church Thanksgiving potluck this Sunday...shared real family.

5.Internet families. Like, RevGals that I discovered this year. And ICAN (International Cesarean Awareness Network), where I became a member of the family 5 years ago. And a few others. The support, the cyberhugs (and sometimes real ones too), and words of wisdom make us truly family.

Family.

And although I've already given 5 answers...there is one more answer to my family theme. I am so, so thankful for my Little Sprout, Fenway (doggie-boy), and Usually Darling Hubby. We've shared another year of love, growth, tears, and joy.

When You Mix Red and Blue

2006-11-10T07:43:00.000-06:00

You get purple!

It is Friday again and here's the latest Revgal Friday Five:

Those of us who are in the United States have just been through quite a topsy-turvy election. During the campaign we heard a fair amount about red states and blue states, when in fact most of us live in some shade of purple. And so... a lighter look at those confounding colors:

1. Favorite red food

Must be red bell pepper.

2. Tell us about the bluest body of water you've ever seen in person.

A beach on the island of St. Thomas. I can still envision the blue and feel the fear as I learned to snorkel. I could barely swim. Even wearing a life vest, I was panicked to see the sandy bottom so far below. Maybe it was the adrenaline rush that made it look so blue.

3. It's movie rental time: Blue Planet, The Color Purple, or Crimson Tide?
I never heard of Blue Planet. I don't think I saw Crimson Tide but I did enjoy The Hunt for Red October. I vaguely remember The Color Purple, Oprah and being required to read the book for a college class. So I'd probably save my rental money hit the local library and choose between Rudoph the Red Nosed Reindeer--The Movie, Blues Clues: Blue's Big Musical Movie, or Purple Rain. Yeah, Purple Rain...don't remember it well, but that's probably the one for me.

4. What has you seeing red these days?
Lots of things. Must we go there? Houses buried in clutter, dirt, mold, and decay. People who say, "Well, I don't need to do anything, somebody else will take care of it eventually." I know who the somebody else is!

People who become obsessed with something/someone they can't change and can't let go. That's me in the mirror. So I'll stop here.

5. What or who picks you up when you're feeling blue?

A rousing game of Nocturnal Chicken with Little Sprout. I guess that needs a bit of explanation. The game begins with closing all curtains and turning off all lights in one room to make it as dark as possible. Nocturnal--get it? Then everyone is a chicken. Which means we baw, baw, bawk and walk around the room with wings flapping. But not just any bawking will do. According to the game's creator, you must begin the game bawking to the tune of Beethoven's 5th symphony. After that, a variety of songs are selected. The game continues until all are exhausted from the laughing or mom needs to get the laundry out.

I love this game. It is in direct contrast to elections. Everybody wins. On the other hand, maybe it is like the campaigns many of us have just endured. Or a foreshadowing of the clucking and wing flapping in Washington as all sides try to find their way.

Sunny Afternoon in Wisconsin

2006-11-08T15:00:00.000-06:00

Take this quiz at QuizGalaxy.com

Quiet Morning in Wisconsin

2006-11-08T10:24:00.000-06:00

I sit here this morning, yearning to hear the soulful cooing of the mourning dove. The sound used to evoke soothing feelings of comfort, now a few years after the enactment of dove hunting season it expresses my ever growing grief and dissatisfaction.

I never thought that on the day after the election, I'd be thinking about mourning doves. Even more so, I never thought this day would have me pondering the beauty of Arizona. I've never been there. But now I want to at least visit. I want to find out what makes Arizona different. And probably not so different.

While Wisconsinites were following the trend, Arizona voters were daring to ignore precedent and stand apart.

As half of a heterosexual couple, legally married in the eyes of Wisconsin voters and government, why do I care?

I don't know exactly. Or maybe I do and it is just difficult to explain in words.

Maybe it's because of families. Or about estrangement. I know some of it is because of compassion and love. And at the same time it's about opportunities for judgement and hatred. And while I realize this issue doesn't seem to harm me, the next one may...who will stand up for me?

Yesterday, Wisconsin also voted to reinstate the death penalty.

Statistically, I'm not likely to be or know someone who will be impacted by this. So why do I care? Again the answers that come are the same ones...

Over the river, and through the woods

2006-10-23T08:57:00.000-05:00

To Grandpop's house we go. Last week the insect ("Ant" M.) and Grandma (dh's mom) left after their 2 week visit.

Tomorrow Little Sprout and I set off to travel for a visit with my Dad.

12 nights missing hubby,
11 books for reading,
10 toys boring,
9 family visiting,
8 relatives avoiding,
7 "How far"'s per hour,
6 East Coast nights,
5 Dddddd Vvvvv Ddddddds,
4 suitcases full,
3 days driving (one way!),
2 thousand miles (roundtrip),
and a frazzled mommy in a rental car!

Please pray for our safe and pleasant trip.

The Insect is Gone

2006-10-20T09:43:00.001-05:00

And we are sad.

It has been two weeks since I blogged. Been busy. Grandma and "Ant" M were visiting.

We started referring to M. as the insect after Little Sprout created a check-off calendar to count down the days til their arrival. She didn't know how to spell the relative aunt, so improvised with the crawling one.

It's been a few days since their departure and life is returning to pre-insect invasion, normal and boring.

Unlike most infestations which are to be feared by little sprouts, we are eagerly looking forward to our next visit from the insect...and maybe Grandma will be able to come too.

Lest, anyone thinks we don't like Grandma. Totally not true. It's just the Ant M. is the most wonderful insect there ever was.

Word Association

2006-10-20T09:10:00.001-05:00

Another Friday Five from the RevGals.

Below you will find five words. Tell us the first thing you think of on reading each one. Your response might be simply another word, or it might be a sentence, a poem or a story. (Yes, they're all from Job 38.)

whirlwind: Little Sprout! One seed of good and beauty that grew among the ashes.

foundation: Faith. Without faith, my life would have crumbled to dust many times.

lightning: September 2000 when I was standing in my kitchen & the house seemed to explode around me. It was not a devastating loss, but merely a sign that all hell was about to break loose...and not just figuratively.

den: Pryde. (That word will be meaningless to all but those closest to me) It was Pride, too. And some loss of Faith as I was pushed into the Lion's den. Unlike Daniel I did not walk out unscarred.

prey: Fear. I've known the fear of the hunted and how it feels to look into the eyes of the one about to slash your body and attempt to kill your soul.

By the time I reached the word "den", I realized the words are also all from the book of Chartreuseova 40-42. Difficult chapters to read. Very difficult to have lived.

Vote for Honest Egg!

2006-10-06T09:09:00.000-05:00

It's that season of the year when lawn signs are sprouting as surely as flowers in the spring; elections are just around the corner.

It's Friday Five time.

At first I thought it was neat to see some of the signs have our last name on them. Now I just get annoyed because everywhere I go and need to give my name, I get "the question". NO! A thousand times NO! We are not related. Yes, I'm sure. Do I have to pull out the genealogy forms?

1) How old were you when you voted for the first time?
Well...I don't remember. Really! There seems to be a few missing minutes on the memorex tape.

2) What was the contest at the top of the ballot?
I refuse to answer on the grounds that it may tend to incriminate me. It might have been Carter/Reagan. I see scandal brewing...someone will put together that I can not be 32 AND have voted in that election. OK, I change my story, I was in Alabama and I...oh nevermind.

3) Can you walk to your polling place?
It depends on what the meaning of the word 'walk' is. I could, but maybe I didn't and won't.

4) Have you ever run for public office?
Nope, but based on answers 1,2, & 3; perhaps I should consider it. And I already have a great slogan (see title of post).

5) Have you run for office in a club or school or on a board?
I'm a proud past president of my local 4-H club. I also held many other offices except treasurer...why didn't they trust me with the money?

A Moment in Time

2006-10-06T08:33:00.000-05:00

A friend of mine talks about transitions and her grandma on her blog.

And as I write this, Little Sprout is enjoying a 2 week visit from her grandma & aunt who live on the other side of the world.

Just a moment of tears, though it may seem like forever.

Just a moment of laughter, far too short.

I find myself in this moment sharing both.