To Read
if you are hoping
to feel inspired: Educating Esme by Esme Raji Codell
to be challenged: A Heart for God by Sinclair Ferguson
for a great story: I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith
for an off-the-beaten-path adventure: Still Life with Chickens by Catherine Goldhammer
To Rent
if you are looking for
a satisfying cry: The Spitfire Grill
a stirring hero: Chariots of Fire
an epoch tale: Jean de Fleurett
a quirky cast of characters: Babette's Feast
To Listen (Podcasts)
if you need
some hometown news: A Prairie Home Companion- http://prairiehome.publicradio.org/about/podcast/
a review on current events: Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me- http://www.npr.org/rss/podcast/podcast_detail.php?siteId=5183214
a get-you-going message: The Village Church-
http://www.thevillagechurch.net/podcast/index.html
a fresh perspective: Mosaic Church-
http://www.mosaic.org/podcast/
To Educate
if you haven't yet heard of
the native missionaries of Asia: http://www.gfa.org/
the hope of an end: http://www.savedarfur.org/
the children of Uganda: http://www.invisiblechildren.com
the plight of the innocent: http://www.ijm.org/
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Dear Diary
A journal entry from when I was 13.
Let me introduce the names and stuff of the characters in this journal.
Steve: (whose age I don't think I should tell) Loves to play the piano and to get away from all of us he leaves for work before we wake up and doesn't get home till bout 6:00 pm or so.
Kerry: (whose age I also don't think I should say) Does lots of stuff around the house during the day. Or so she says. Picture this: A man in a dark room. He leans over to her and says "Bonjour Fantine. As a French spy what have you found out today?"
But I don't think so.
Ginger: (16) Is the oldest daughter. She's my sister, obviously. She drives, and has two cars. When I drive, I'll get the ugliest one. She has the superior upstairs room, which I will get when she goes off to college.
Valerie: (13) That's me. Middle child. The ham in the sandwhich. I'm me.
Clay: (10) Can be bratty but sometimes I play with him and his friends.
That's us.
One of these next few days I am going to go craaazee! On one hand I can't wait for school which starts next MONDAY. On the other hand I am sort of dreading it. I mean, school is school, you know?
Let me introduce the names and stuff of the characters in this journal.
Steve: (whose age I don't think I should tell) Loves to play the piano and to get away from all of us he leaves for work before we wake up and doesn't get home till bout 6:00 pm or so.
Kerry: (whose age I also don't think I should say) Does lots of stuff around the house during the day. Or so she says. Picture this: A man in a dark room. He leans over to her and says "Bonjour Fantine. As a French spy what have you found out today?"
But I don't think so.
Ginger: (16) Is the oldest daughter. She's my sister, obviously. She drives, and has two cars. When I drive, I'll get the ugliest one. She has the superior upstairs room, which I will get when she goes off to college.
Valerie: (13) That's me. Middle child. The ham in the sandwhich. I'm me.
Clay: (10) Can be bratty but sometimes I play with him and his friends.
That's us.
One of these next few days I am going to go craaazee! On one hand I can't wait for school which starts next MONDAY. On the other hand I am sort of dreading it. I mean, school is school, you know?
Thursday, September 20, 2007
And Yes, I too have a flute journal.
I thought that I should set the record straight and share my very own entries from the same trip that Val wrote about in her last entry. But after reading through my very enthralling notes, I determined not to bore the entire world with my geographic details. Apparently I had a wonderful time on that trip. I'm not sure why Valerie was so angry. What I did find was one entry from Colorado worth mentioning and an excellent mention of the start of another trip.
July 18, 1994
Today we traveled from Trinidad to Euray. Euray is beautiful. The mountain air is refreshing! We saw a lot of beautiful scenery. Tomorrow we aren't going jeeping. Instead I have no clue as to what we are doing. The town is so small, and quaint. Last night I was burning hot, tonight I will be hot. For dinner we had...HAM! Grandma Ann's favorite meal to fix. Every time we see her its HAM! I like ham but this is beginning to be a tradition! We, Gotta get some sleep. I'm extra tired.
March 11, 1995
Today we began the long trip to Georgia. The trip is long and annoying. Valerie and Clay constantly play and whine. Ann is completely silent. The phone constantly rings for Linda. It is usually Diana. The smell in Monroe, Louisiana is unbearable. We ate at Shonies. We have an 8 hour driver tomorrow. Maybe we will listen to more weird ghost stories. Oh Goodie.
(From the ghost story we heard - I can still remember the first three lines. It was a book on tape...I found the real lyrics on-line.)
'It was my mother who murdered me; It was my father who ate of me; It was my sister Marjory Who all my bones in pieces found; hem in a handkerchief she bound, And laid them under the almond tree. Kywitt, kywitt, kywitt, I cry, Oh what a beautiful bird am I!”
For the full story check out http://www.grimmstories.com/en/grimm_fairy-tales/the_almond_tree
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Yes, we have always been this loving
The following is transcribed from one of my old diaries. The cover has a flute and a rose on it.
July 17, 1994
Well, today was the biggest drive of my life. All the way from Dallas, TX to Trinidad, CO. We're really not staying in this crummy old place, we're really going to Ouray. We'll jeep in the mountains, and swim in a spring and all kinds of things to do. The trip here wasn't too bad. Clay cried and moaned. Ginger was grumpy, and so was Mom and Dad. Well it's time to say bye. Dad said to wrap it up. [here I drew a picture of a wrapped present]
July 18, 1994
Today we drive to Ouray. We just finished eating at Hardy's. We saw a valley a while ago. We have to cross over a mountain to get to Ouray. Clay's carsick, Ginger is grumpy, Dad won't talk, and Mom and I are fine. Before breakfast I was so hungry I tried a cold blueberry bagle. It tasted like Manna. We have about 4 hours and 45 minutes. I just got a cup of water. Boy does it taste good after haveing gum in my mouth for an hour. I'm really bored. Clay's being a dork. He's making weird noises. I can't wait to swim in the spring at Ouray. Ginger says classical music makes her carsick, I say Cartalk makes me carsick, and Dad says that's a bunch of bologna. We'll probably never get to the mountain we go over to get to Ouray. Well my hands getting tired.
July 19, 1994
Today we went on a hike to Box Cannon. Oh, I forgot to tell you, last night we arrived in Oura. Ginger's really getting on my nerves. The kind of madness you get when you throw shoes at the wall as hard as you can. [actually I remember she threw her shoes at the wall because she said she was hot-- and that made her really angry] I don't know why but Ginger can't stand being hot at night so last night she slept in the living room (we're staying in a condominiam). So tonight she opened the window. I wish I could write more but Mom says light's out. Goodbye.
July 20, 1994
Today we went jeeping in the Mountains. I got so cold. Tomorrow I'll bring more layers. I'm so tired. Earlier we were playing spoons and Ginger got out of the game. So she stood up and threw the cards everywhere. I said 'What's your problem?' 'Well I haven't lost one game. Got a problem with that?' 'Yes.' 'Well you're the most sore loser I know.' And she went out of the room red faced.
July 17, 1994
Well, today was the biggest drive of my life. All the way from Dallas, TX to Trinidad, CO. We're really not staying in this crummy old place, we're really going to Ouray. We'll jeep in the mountains, and swim in a spring and all kinds of things to do. The trip here wasn't too bad. Clay cried and moaned. Ginger was grumpy, and so was Mom and Dad. Well it's time to say bye. Dad said to wrap it up. [here I drew a picture of a wrapped present]
July 18, 1994
Today we drive to Ouray. We just finished eating at Hardy's. We saw a valley a while ago. We have to cross over a mountain to get to Ouray. Clay's carsick, Ginger is grumpy, Dad won't talk, and Mom and I are fine. Before breakfast I was so hungry I tried a cold blueberry bagle. It tasted like Manna. We have about 4 hours and 45 minutes. I just got a cup of water. Boy does it taste good after haveing gum in my mouth for an hour. I'm really bored. Clay's being a dork. He's making weird noises. I can't wait to swim in the spring at Ouray. Ginger says classical music makes her carsick, I say Cartalk makes me carsick, and Dad says that's a bunch of bologna. We'll probably never get to the mountain we go over to get to Ouray. Well my hands getting tired.
July 19, 1994
Today we went on a hike to Box Cannon. Oh, I forgot to tell you, last night we arrived in Oura. Ginger's really getting on my nerves. The kind of madness you get when you throw shoes at the wall as hard as you can. [actually I remember she threw her shoes at the wall because she said she was hot-- and that made her really angry] I don't know why but Ginger can't stand being hot at night so last night she slept in the living room (we're staying in a condominiam). So tonight she opened the window. I wish I could write more but Mom says light's out. Goodbye.
July 20, 1994
Today we went jeeping in the Mountains. I got so cold. Tomorrow I'll bring more layers. I'm so tired. Earlier we were playing spoons and Ginger got out of the game. So she stood up and threw the cards everywhere. I said 'What's your problem?' 'Well I haven't lost one game. Got a problem with that?' 'Yes.' 'Well you're the most sore loser I know.' And she went out of the room red faced.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Just Desserts
When I was growing up we generally sat down to dinner all together at the table. We never watched T.V. while we ate, unless it was New Years Eve or a really special occasion. My brother usually ate something slightly different than the rest of us. For the most part we enjoyed good conversation and some fun laughs.
I remember a particular night when we decided to go around the table and say something nice about the person to our left, or was it right? It sounds really lovely doesn’t it? Although the exact words have been lost over time, I do recall the main points of that evening.
I remember a particular night when we decided to go around the table and say something nice about the person to our left, or was it right? It sounds really lovely doesn’t it? Although the exact words have been lost over time, I do recall the main points of that evening.
I now present:
“Just Desserts”
a Play in One Act
by me
(A family sits around a rectangular table finishing up the remains of their dinner.)
MOM
Well I think it would be really nice if we could all say something nice about each other.
VALERIE
Yeah! Let’s do it! Don’t you think that sounds like fun Dad?
DAD
(slightly forced)
Sure. What a good idea.
GINGER
Do we go to the right or to the left?
CLAY
I don’t like shrimp. I don’t eat shrimp.
MOM
Yes you do!
GINGER
Clay! Stop it. Eat your food so we can do this!
CLAY
No fair…(bicker, bicker, martyr, etc.)….!
MOM
Well, I will start. I love that your Father is such a good provider for our family.
DAD
Thank you. And I appreciate that. I enjoy it when Clay does what he is told the first time he is asked.
CLAY
Uh. I like that Ginger sometimes mows the yard.
GINGER
I like that Valerie and I think the same things are funny.
VALERIE
I love that Mom makes dinner for us.
MOM
Clay, don’t forget all of your broccoli. Thank you, Valerie. I love that your Dad washes all of the cars and keeps them looking so shiny and nice.
DAD
I like it when Clay clears his plate
CLAY
I like it when Ginger doesn’t slurp her cereal in the morning.
GINGER
Clay! Well I like it when Valerie puts butter on her muffin and DOESN’T get blueberries in the butter.
VALERIE
I like it when Mom doesn’t yell in the morning.
MOM
I like it when your Dad unloads the dishwasher and puts the things where they go (motioning wildly) instead of putting them away randomly!
DAD
What?! Well, then I like it when Clay doesn’t smack with his mouth open.
CLAY
I like it when Dad doesn’t get on my case.
And SCENE.
We do not play this game anymore, but we have played “I Don’t like it when…” several times since then. You might try it sometime. It provides for an exciting mealtime.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
My Fall TV
Checking out new tv shows can be a lot of fun, but inevitably the fall schedule is flooded with titles you've never heard of, and most don't know where to start. From "Bionic Woman" to "Pushing Daisies" to "Gossip Girl"...there are a lot. Fortunately for you, I am an Entertainment Weekly subscriber, plus a frequenter of E! Online (and their great tv critic Kristin Vietch.) So don't worry, I've got you covered. I'll let you know what I'm trying out, and you can decide if you want to tune in as well. Of course I'll still be checking in with Heroes, The Office, and Grey's Anatomy, but with the absence of Gilmore Girls and- until 2008- Lost, I have a few holes in my DVR. So without further ado, here are a few of the new shows I'll be trying out this fall:
Viva Laughlin:
...Part drama, part thriller, part musical
The fact that it's a musical drama intrigues me. Plus I'm loving the addition of Hugh Jackman to my tube!
CBS Sunday 8/7c
Chuck:
Computer geek by day. Government operative by night.
I don't have high hopes, but I'll probably set the DVR to record the first episode.
NBC Monday 8/7c
The Big Bang Theory:
A woman shows two brilliant physicists how little they know about life.
Pro: the trailer for this made me laugh once. Con: It comes from the creators of "Two and a Half Men." We'll see if I remember to tune in...
CBS Monday 8:30/7:30c
Journeyman: Vasser is a San Francisco newspaper reporter and family man who is suddenly given the gift of time travel... Through his time travels, he gets reunited with his long lost fiancé, an event that further complicates his relationship with his present wife.
Looks fascinating!
NBC Monday 10/9c
Cavemen:
A trio of Neanderthals struggle to live in modern day America.
I'm so excited for this one! Looks like some really sophisticated comedy. Get ready to laugh!
Umm.... just kidding.
Back to You:
A pair of star news anchors work together at a local TV station.
I like Patricia Heaton. I might catch this one every now and then..
Fox Wednesday 8/7c
Pushing Daisies:
It's a love story, a death story, a murder mystery, a fantasy tale, and it's beautifully made.
The critics are loving this show, and it looks interesting. I'll definitely be tuning in.
ABC Wednesday 8/7c
Kid Nation:
40 Kids have 40 days to build a brave new world without adults to help or hinder their efforts. Can they do it?
I'm so intrigued to see how these kids handle being on their own. I bet their futile attempts at adulthood will be fairly comprable to mine.
CBS Wenesday 8/7c
Big Shots:
An inside look into the life of a CEO.
Michael Vartan.
That is all.
ABC Thursday 10/9c
Full list of premiere dates
Pajiba's Fall TV Preview
Viva Laughlin:
...Part drama, part thriller, part musical
The fact that it's a musical drama intrigues me. Plus I'm loving the addition of Hugh Jackman to my tube!
CBS Sunday 8/7c
Chuck:
Computer geek by day. Government operative by night.
I don't have high hopes, but I'll probably set the DVR to record the first episode.
NBC Monday 8/7c
The Big Bang Theory:
A woman shows two brilliant physicists how little they know about life.
Pro: the trailer for this made me laugh once. Con: It comes from the creators of "Two and a Half Men." We'll see if I remember to tune in...
CBS Monday 8:30/7:30c
Journeyman: Vasser is a San Francisco newspaper reporter and family man who is suddenly given the gift of time travel... Through his time travels, he gets reunited with his long lost fiancé, an event that further complicates his relationship with his present wife.
Looks fascinating!
NBC Monday 10/9c
Cavemen:
A trio of Neanderthals struggle to live in modern day America.
I'm so excited for this one! Looks like some really sophisticated comedy. Get ready to laugh!
Umm.... just kidding.
Back to You:
A pair of star news anchors work together at a local TV station.
I like Patricia Heaton. I might catch this one every now and then..
Fox Wednesday 8/7c
Pushing Daisies:
It's a love story, a death story, a murder mystery, a fantasy tale, and it's beautifully made.
The critics are loving this show, and it looks interesting. I'll definitely be tuning in.
ABC Wednesday 8/7c
Kid Nation:
40 Kids have 40 days to build a brave new world without adults to help or hinder their efforts. Can they do it?
I'm so intrigued to see how these kids handle being on their own. I bet their futile attempts at adulthood will be fairly comprable to mine.
CBS Wenesday 8/7c
Big Shots:
An inside look into the life of a CEO.
Michael Vartan.
That is all.
ABC Thursday 10/9c
Full list of premiere dates
Pajiba's Fall TV Preview
Monday, September 10, 2007
A Wrinkle in Time...
(From the New York Times, Sept. 8, 2007)
Madeleine L’Engle, an author whose childhood fables, religious meditations and fanciful science fiction transcended both genre and generation, most memorably in her children’s classic “A Wrinkle in Time,” died on Thursday in Litchfield, Conn. She was 88.
I'm thrilled for Madeleine but so very sad for the rest of us who will be getting no new stories, wit, and wisdom from her. Madeleine L'Engle, though known best for her children's books, is one of my favorite non-fiction writers. Her book "Walking on Water" is probably one of the best books I've ever read discussing faith and art.
I decided to let Madeleine have my post today, she writes and communicates so much better than I ever could.
From "Walking on Water" by Madeleine L'Engle
"The artist, if he is not to forget how to listen, must retain the vision which includes angels and dragons and unicorns, and all the lovely creatures which our world would put in a box marked children only."
"There is nothing so secular that it cannot be sacred, and that is one of the deepest messages of the Incarnation."
"In art we are once again able to do all the things we have forgotten; we are able to walk on water; we speak to the angels who call us; we move, unfettered, among the stars."
"In a very real sense not one of us is qualified, but it seems that God continually chooses the most unqualified to do his work, to bear his glory. If we are qualified, we tend to think that we have done the job ourselves. If we are forced to accept our evident lack of qualification, then there's no danger that we will confuse God's work with our own, or God's glory with our own."
"We have to be braver than we think we can be, because God is constantly calling us to be more than we are, to see through plastic sham to living, breathing reality, and to break down our defenses of self-protection in order to be free to receive and give love."
Madeleine L’Engle, an author whose childhood fables, religious meditations and fanciful science fiction transcended both genre and generation, most memorably in her children’s classic “A Wrinkle in Time,” died on Thursday in Litchfield, Conn. She was 88.
I'm thrilled for Madeleine but so very sad for the rest of us who will be getting no new stories, wit, and wisdom from her. Madeleine L'Engle, though known best for her children's books, is one of my favorite non-fiction writers. Her book "Walking on Water" is probably one of the best books I've ever read discussing faith and art.
I decided to let Madeleine have my post today, she writes and communicates so much better than I ever could.
From "Walking on Water" by Madeleine L'Engle
"The artist, if he is not to forget how to listen, must retain the vision which includes angels and dragons and unicorns, and all the lovely creatures which our world would put in a box marked children only."
"There is nothing so secular that it cannot be sacred, and that is one of the deepest messages of the Incarnation."
"In art we are once again able to do all the things we have forgotten; we are able to walk on water; we speak to the angels who call us; we move, unfettered, among the stars."
"In a very real sense not one of us is qualified, but it seems that God continually chooses the most unqualified to do his work, to bear his glory. If we are qualified, we tend to think that we have done the job ourselves. If we are forced to accept our evident lack of qualification, then there's no danger that we will confuse God's work with our own, or God's glory with our own."
"We have to be braver than we think we can be, because God is constantly calling us to be more than we are, to see through plastic sham to living, breathing reality, and to break down our defenses of self-protection in order to be free to receive and give love."
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