West Texas Weaver Woman

Christmas eve, eve

2011-12-23T19:34:00.001-08:00

Somehow the eve of Christmas eve has always evoked awe in me. Just the idea of what is coming tomorrow night is just barely believable. But it happened and without it we would all be doomed. Jesus came and did all the things He had to do and died in the most horrible way possible - and God left Him in the midst of all this - and we are the eternal benefactors. I am more deeply grateful than I can say. At least we have a face to put to God, in the person of Jesus. We know that angels are not people and don't even look like people. In fact they are downright scary in looks. One of them has a face on each side of his head - scary ones too. And one has three sets of wings in order to cover itself completely. They can be so scary that the first thing they have to say to persons who see them is "fear not" or "fear nothing" or words to that effect. They are personages and God is even more of a personage. I read a book this week in which I found these words. " No one who is a Christian can describe God. If anyone describes God, he is not a Christian." This is because, while we have attributes of God in plenty, both in old and new testaments, we have no idea what HE is really like. He has given us only two words to hold to - a verb and a noun. I AM. Just in case we wondered, God IS. And I really believe He cannot tell us more simply because we wouldn't understand a word of it if He did. I draw closer ever day to meeting Him and I hope I manage it with a modicum of grace. Just think - meeting the great I AM. It's enough to take away your breath for a very long time. As I get closer, I think about it more and more. One of these days we will all know. Glory, Hallelujah

After a wretched weekend,

2011-12-19T21:02:00.001-08:00

with George having stomach flu and me having a sinus infection (grandaddy sized one) we are both better and glad to be alive. We decided tonight, watching tv, that oneof the nicest things about being old is that nobody wants to sell us life insurance.

Countdown to gift thingies, I hope to finish tomorrow. And my blessed Velma will do all the driving for me and run in and fetch things. We braved the grocery today and it was as bad as ever. We need a cop at every intersection. People are pretty nice about it and that is helpful

Blessings to you all in this wondrous season of our Lord's birth.

God bless Velma Vasquez!

2011-12-15T15:41:00.000-08:00

My house has never been cleaner!! She is a Tasmanian angel!!
YEAH!!!!

I have a clean clean house

2011-12-15T15:39:00.000-08:00

One of my treasures, as I promisedl See author at end

2011-10-09T08:49:00.000-07:00

The Sounds of Silence

Escape. My house teems with evidence of attempts to escape from periodic attacks of panic, boredom and untidiness. There are multiple tapes and CD’s of waves lapping at anonymous beaches, which were supposed to ease me to sleep on those nights when it won’t come - and to calm me when I get a little frantic. Bags and sacks and boxes of yarns and fleeces mark an impulse to shake off the lazy me and turn myself into a Fascinating Woman of Artistic Vision. There are remnants of many different diets, booklets, cans of supplements, bottles of pills and supplements, etc. which testify to my abandoned attempts to drop weight or to become a healthier person. There was even a bottle of L’Oreal in case I decided to become someone else by changing the color of my hair. When I’m bored or frustrated by the lack of my body’s ability to rise to the challenges I see around me every day, or disgusted by the woman in the mirror, it’s easy to opt for the quick fix or the impulsive gesture. Rather than confront an unpleasant situation, I’ll start a new book. Rather than wrestle with my relationship with God, I’ll go shopping. More yarn is always good, and it’s so distracting. And the culture we live in is more than happy to accommodate my compulsion to avoid looking inside myself.

At times, the idea of being alone with my thoughts is about as attractive as treading water in a tank full of hungry sharks. Thought I travel often, I am never without a book or a bit of handwork - something to keep me distracted. Do I really want to hear God’s voice? Sure - as long as the stereo is on and there are folks around for company. God may very well speak in the midst of such circumstances, but am I listening?

I read recently about a monastery in the mountains of Colorado. Those seeking spiritual renewal make the trek to this remote place and stay for a week or more, in Spartan huts, without TV or radio. Seeking to supplant the noise of the world with a silence that listens only for the voice of God, they soak themselves in the Word of God and wait on heavenly insight. It sounds so beautifully ascetic. The mountains, the wind in the trees, all that nature. Unfortunately, something in my jittery self is ill at ease with all that unstructured time without the pacifier of civilization. My brain wants to make a plan, color it and hang curtains. I rush in with words to fill the awkward gaps in conversations. God, I want to listen, but I can’t stand the silence!
I don’t know if a forced silent retreat is what it takes to get us “noise junkies” in touch with God’s voice. It might do to ask ourselves what it is about silence that scares us so much.

Maybe it’s the intrusive voice of a critical parent. Or an image of a personal failure for which we can’t seem to forgive ourselves. Maybe it’s the ghost of a loss, which we have yet to mourn. We sense those images, those voices rumbling ominously in the distance, just beyond our wall of noise. And it takes all the emotional energy we have to hold them there. Sadly, until we allow the natural process of grief to invade our emotional wounds, neither will we experience the soothing hands of the Great Physician. His voice will remain garbled and indistinct - muffled beneath all those layers of noise.

In the Bible, we read about the prophet Elijah,
“The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord for the Lord is about to pass by.”
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind, there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire, came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.
Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
(1 Kings 19:11-13)
And we see that the voice of God is still and small, but always there.

At this point in my life I have separated myself from the usually present noise in the background. In fact, I cannot stand what I call noise pollution. But this is only the first step in listening to God. After removing our need for noise to mask the uncertainties, then comes the hard part. I have to learn to shut out my mind and it’s need to constantly make plans, lists, decisions, what to have for dinner when we have guests next week, what to wear to church, what do I need from the grocery store, how shall I handle the difficulty in being around my dear friend and her obnoxious child without alienating her, and on and on it goes. When God says ‘be still’ he means both inside and outside, and he means for us to empty our minds of the daily interrupters and make ourselves ready to listen to Him when He speaks to us. And if we are really quiet, and really listen, we really will hear Him. It may take strong medicine to wean you and me from the noisemakers in our lives. But when it finally happens, I suspect we will hear the same gentle voice Elijah heard on that day after the wind had passed and the earth had settled. And what might we expect him to say? Perhaps he will tell us to forget about changing our hair and taking up all those hobbies which clutter up our lives. He might urge us to stop “looking for love in all the wrong places”. Unplug the TV and the stereo. Turn off the ball game. Stop running away from the silence. Make your mind open to His voice. Because in the silence rests our hope. In the silence, a friend is waiting.

In Psalm 46:10 we find the words, “Be still and know that I am God.”

Let us practice being still.
Credit Note: a great deal of this material came from the book: Playing the Tuba at Midnight by Roberta Rand

It's been a very, very long time

2011-09-27T22:02:00.001-07:00

since I posted. I keep waiting for wonderful things to happen, of which I will be 'happy to report to you. They aren't here. It has been a tough summer and fall. We had many subsequent days at 110 degrees. This is just too darned hot. We
are runnning around 99 about now, and are told not to expect cold weather till the first of the year.

I am turning 80 on the 6th of October. DH is now 86 and our children are giving us an "octogeniarian" birthday party. I can hardly wait. We have many friends in church and I have womens groups which include education, knitting for ICU babies and knitting for prayer shawls, not to mention the kknitting for children and grands and greats.

We saw the high school homecoming last week (we lost) and saw granddaughter Mally cheer and march with the band. Next we will go to one of the games each to see Saxon and Spencer play. HOnestly, football scares me a bit for this age child - but then they didn't ask me.

We are eating out the freezer so I can thaw it, and it's full of multi goodies.

I have back surgery scheduled for 13 of October, and will have to wear a brace for a while afterwards. When this is all well, I will probably have to have this last knee replaced. This is all of me except for the right shoulder, and since I don't have to walk on it, I may just let it go.

Blessings to all of you===============

ARSiddons

2011-09-14T14:15:00.000-07:00

As promised, I am offering selections from books I love. This is aAne Rivers Sidons only non-fiction book. I will be offering more of her work later on....Let me know if this lights up your life -I hope if will.

John Chancellor Makes Me Cry by Anne Rivers Siddons
Page 21:”Outside the kitchen, the ice shawled down”
When I first read the word ‘shawled’, my first reaction was “You cannot do that!. You can't take a noun and turn it into a verb! You just can’t!” The long time teacher in me was roaring out!. Then I realized that, of course she could. She had, after all, just done it!. And I can’t deny that it’s a lovely word, even if it does break rules. Shawls are important to me. I make shawls. When I first began weaving them, I was using the beater so firmly that the cloth almost stood up by itself when I took it off the loom. I had to learn not to beat so hard. I had always done everything full tilt, so it was a hard lesson. But who wants a shawl that won’t shawl? See, I can do it, too, ARS.

January 2003 1

# Books Worth Rereading (Excerpts), and things to think about some more:

tilt, so it was a hard lesson. But who wants a shawl that won’t shawl? See, I can do it, too, ARS.

Page 245: “The thin scrim of blue that hangs over the hills doesn’t obscure but it colors. Farther north, into North Carolina, where they grow wild and fierce, stretching toward the two mile-high mark, these mountains are called the Great Smokies, because of that shawling gauze.”

Page 246:”the wildflower color of the mountain hardwoods that is so glorious in early October had long since bled away; we were left with the tawny shawls of kudzu and the black skeletons of hardwoods, with the black-green of the evergreens like an animal’s undercoat.”
More shawling!. And scrim is a lovely word, too.

Page : “In the summers, it is the white of peeling board cottages on stilts along the eroding beach, the dust-pink of tabby foundations, the pearly ecru of crushed oyster-shell driveways, the spindrift gray of Spanish moss, the black-green and the tomato-red of window shrouding oleanders, the opalescent wheat of the lion-colored, wind-surfed marshes, the dirty tan of the sand, the foaming hazel of the sea.”

(Ten color words in one sentence!. I love it. I also admit that is an quite a run-on sentence. But she can do this when she pleases, because I can see every one of these things. I wonder if it’s because I grew up in the same part of the South she did, and we have seen and experienced the same things? Probably. I lived at the beach a large part of my life, and yep, it’s just like she says it is. Sometimes, I take pictures of places where the colors just assault my eyes and senses!. I am hoping to translate this bombardment to photo paper until I can get to the dye pot and start trying to copy the colors to put on the loom in someway. There has to be a way. My head isn’t big enough to hold all these colors in one place at one time. I need a tactile reminder of the beauty I have seen. The colors are too magnificent to be forgotten.
And speaking of color, I once took a natural dyeing class from a very good instructor. I was overheard to grouse because my group assignment was to make variations of a brown/dun/grey, etc. and I thought the color was ugly. My instructor said “there is not such thing as an ugly color It all depends on where you put it. All of it is essential.” She was right. She also taught me that everything I made needed a ‘hit of light’ in it to make it come alive. Right again. How lucky I am to know so many astute people. How lucky I am that I actually listened to some of them. Mj)
____________________________________________________________________

2011-08-25T11:10:00.001-07:00

How I feel about now.......

2011-08-24T20:52:00.001-07:00

Lord God,
I have no idea where I am going
I do not see the road ahead of me.
I cannot know for certain where it will end.
Nor do I really know myself
and the fact that I think that I am following your will
does not mean that I am actually doing so
But I believe that the desire to please you
does in fact please you.
And I hope I have that desire
in all that I am doing.
I hope that I will never do anything
apart from that desire.
And to know that if I do this,
you will lead me by the right road
though I may know nothing about it.
therefore I will trust you always
though I may seem lost in the shadow of death.
I will not fear, for you are ever with me,
and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.
Amen

(Thomas Merton)

It last rained in April.....

2011-08-15T20:46:00.000-07:00

and now, finally, two days of rain this week. It was almost surreal There was another fire at the ranch, but for a while, things are wet. The good thing is that the parched pastures will start to green up and the poor critters can have something besides hay.

Saw the neurologist this past week. He is so against surgery on backs that I was stunnned when he said we needed to do a laminectomy. I asked why, since he once told me never to let anyone near my back with a knife. He says, that does not apply unless you are out of anything else to try, and I seem to be there. So we are waiting for clearance from the other neurologist, the caridologist and the GP.

Once again, we have to wait for the quotes -

2011-07-24T11:05:00.001-07:00

Oh well, they will always be there.

We had a good trip to Florida and I am again renewed. I did, however, go splat on the floor the first day we were there. I have had lectures about picking up my feet, and I keep trying. Happily, George, Nancy and two grands were there to help me up and minister to my various hurts - some worse than others. We had a glorious time fishing but the fish are just not here anymore. I have two theories for this. One is the climate change. Two years ago I began seeing sea creatures I have never seen before on our beaches, and when investigating I find that they are from more southern waters, heading away from the warming of the waters of the earth. The same might be said of the fish, though I think the main culprit here is the leaky oil well in our just immediate past. With one exception we caught sharks and channel catfish. Yuk. We have some other ideas about trying different places and techniques when next year comes. Saxon (elder grandchild of the Scotts) stayed home with his dad and together they tore down an old building on the place and plan to use the lumber to build a new room in the small apartment they have on the mesa. He is very proud of himself. This new action comes as a result of his turning 15, and next year will apply to Mally also. She is certainly capable of putting in a full day's work when her time comes. We will have Spencer at the beach for a couple more years.

George and I have been asked to go to a marriage seminar as mentors of sorts. I think we will go. We will soon reach our 50 year marriage mark, and all the people who predicted doom for us will have egg on their faces. It just takes work and patience and humor and love and there you have it.

Please pray for daughter Mary Beth and her husband Ken as he battles cancer It's a hard fight but they go valiantly on and will finish the course. We need a complete healing, here, just as we need your prayers for this to happen. Thank you in advance.

God has given me a curriculum for the jr. and sr. high students ar church and I was up to do it myself. Our perceptive minister, realizing that I am not in physical shape to do this alone, has worked out a roster of couples, feeling that the presence of boh men and women is important here. I will write the material I have been given and off we go! Such an adventure this will be. I am excited about it and very happy not to have the whole thing on my shoulders- particularly since I need a new left knee and will do this asap. This leaves only the right shoulder and I will be totally bionic. My spine is deteriorating with L4 and L5 having disappeared. Not sure what happens next, but I know I'll find out. There are days when I wish I didn't have to.

Blessings to all of you, those I know and those I don't. MJ

mmmmmmm

2011-07-06T13:32:00.001-07:00

I guess you will have to wait for a quote that I promised last post,(and some of them are really good) because I am going to the beach for a week. This is for the healing of my very soul. To me it is the most beautiful place in the world, but them I was raised down at St. Teresa, on the gulf coast of Florida (right where Florida bends. It's a 4 mile stetch of private beach. We once had a house there, but it's gone now, however daughter Nancy and husband Scooter rent a house every summer and we go for a week. We'll fish and dig in the sand and play board games with the grands. So, so much fun. Blessings to all.

When I spoke of rereading meaningful passages,

2011-07-03T16:23:00.000-07:00

I am not going way back today - save that for later. I have just finished "Empire" by O.S. Card. Here is a passage from the Afterword.

"Because we haven't had a civil war in the past fourteen decades, people think we can't have one now. Where is the georaphic clarity of the Mason Dixon line? When you the red-blue state divisiion in the past few elections, you get a false impression. The real division is urban, academic and high-tech counties versus suburban, rural and conservative Christian counties. How could such widely scattered 'blue' centers and such centerless 'red' populations ever act in concert?
Geography aside, however, we have never been so evenly divided with such hateful rhetoric since the years lieading up to the Civil War of the 1860s. Because the national media elite are so uniformly progressive, we heep hearing (in the elite media) about the rhetorical excesses of the 'extreme right". To hear the same media, there is no 'exreme left", just the occasional progressive who says things he or she shouldn't.
But any rational observer has to see that the Left and Right in America are screaming the most vile accusations at each all the time. We are fully polarized - if you accept the idea that sounds like it belongs to either the blue or the red, you are assusmed- nay, required-- to espouse the entire rest of the package, even though there is no reason why support in the war agains terorism should imply you're in favor of banning all abortions and against restricting the availability of firearms, no reason why being in favor of keeping government-imposed limits on the free market shoud imply you also are in favor of giving legal status to homosexual couples and against building nuclear reactors. These issues are not remotely connected, and yet, if you hold any of one group's views, you are hated by the other group as if you believe them all. ..... it goes deeper than this,however. A good working definition of fanaticism is that you are so convinced of your views and policies that you are sure anyone who opposes them must either be stupid and deceived or have some ulterior motive....treated as if you were a traitor for deviating even slightly from the party line.
It goes deeper than this however. A good working definition of fanaticism is that you are so convinced of yuour views and policies that you are sure anyone who opposes them must either be stupd and deceived or have some ulterior motive. ......

Does tis lead inevitably to civil war? Of course not - although it's hardly conducive to stable government or the long term continuation of democracy

complete idiots

2011-07-02T13:43:00.001-07:00

On this subject, I have been one of these for the last week. Having found lumps in an aching breast, I was escorted to various physicians by my everloving youngest, only to find out, after writing my complete funeral service, that I did not, not, not, have cancer. Why was I so quick to accept it? No idea - I am usually not that wimpy, but somehow I did it, even with Nancy and Dad poo-poohing the whole thing. To my next crisis I now say, So What? And to my children, forgive my maundering and stewing.

In other news, my sister in Tallahassee is and has been hospitalized for some time. She has atrial fibrillation and nothing seems to stop it. I hope to see her when we go over next weekend. The trip will also give us a chance to visit MB and Ken. He has been in some misery and there will be more to go before he is well, but they soldier on (unlike me). It will be so good to be there with them and I hope to find a way to be a help to MB. They are both very special to me.

That said, I have, for some years, been copying quotes from books, bits that especially spoke to me, and I think it's time to share some of them with you. I ususally comment on them, even if briefly. So, next time look for some of these.

Busy weekend-

2011-06-18T20:39:00.001-07:00

??

2011-05-24T20:34:00.001-07:00

Is anybody out there??????????????

Friday Five

2011-05-20T15:48:00.000-07:00

Jan says at RevGals:

Since January our Sunday Spiritual Formation hour (or Sunday School) has been devoted each week to the presenter's description of a word that describes passion/love or something. No one knows who will be presenting or what the topic will be ahead of time! Each session has been invigorating in a different way. Last week's speaker talked about "words" and finished our time by asking each one of us what "word" we wanted to share--a favorite one.

So my suggestion for today's Friday Five is to write about 5 words you really like. Please explain why you have chosen each word, in such ways as:

It is a

•description or attribute of yourself
•activity you enjoy
•word that is spelled or pronounced in an interesting way
•passion of yours
•word that brings you hope, peace, or comfort
•word you like to repeat or sing

tickle box (turned over) - because I spent so much of my childhood giggling with friends.

teaching - because I may have retired, but I will never stop teaching..

diadochokinesis- the word I used when admins started telling me how to teach. It always shut them up - they didn't want to admit they never heard of it. But it's real and needs to be addressed.

sailing - because it is the thing I am happiest doing - only it is always by myself. Just me and the boat and the ocean. What glee!

Mmmm - hope, peace and comfort? Love, of course.

Alleluia, over and over.

2011-05-20T15:43:00.000-07:00

Finally,

2011-05-20T12:26:00.000-07:00

it rained. Since I first started complaining about the drought, it rained last night. The trees and what grass is left look considerably happier. As I look over the map of our country (the world is beyond me right now) I realize we can't do a thing about the tornadoes. They come and go as they will. But I watch those who live on the Mississippi losing everything, and sometimes their lives from the flood, and I look at us. The ranch fire burned 5000 acres, and incredibly (and thanks to God and the volunteer firemen) the animals, the people, the buildings are all ok. The pastures are burnt however. Other fires were not so easily contained- not that this one was easy.

There has to be a way we can dig canals from the Mississippi, so that in times like these, we can siphon off some of their flood and water our cotton and wheat, and our animals and deny fire it's gobbling up of everything in the path-- also keeping people along the rivers safely in their homes. I know, I know, it would cost a lot, but think of the plusses.

There I go, daydreaming again.....

Things need to get better....

2011-05-02T11:10:00.000-07:00

When I grew up, in one of the books I read, I found the phrase "an achin' and a painin' and a hurtin' all over". This is a good description of my state at the moment. Off shortly to see the ortho surgeon (just one of a large assortment of doctors ). My recently replaced left shoulder is nearly rehabbed, but is still full of arthritis, so it hurts. And recently found out that left knee and right shoulder need replacing. Also left hip (already replaced) is acting up. Retirement is suupposed to be fun and games, ---trips and volunteering to help others, etc. This isn't happening around here, I fear. DH is wanting to go and visit our Houston children as well as his sisters in Lake Jackson, and I want him to go. In fact, I want to go, but have sense enough to know I won't make it. So I'll bunk in with one of the kids and he will go. Frustrating, fer sure. But - things always seem to get better, and I'm ready for it.

Blessings to all.

2011-04-29T15:51:00.000-07:00

Just one more time for now---

2011-04-18T21:26:00.000-07:00

I know other parts of the country are in dire straits due to tornados and too much water, but we are still suffering from fire. There are several, one of the new ones is headed toward Austin, our state Capital. "Our" fire has destroyed 130 thousand acres and is still going. Some of the planes which scoop up a large amount of water in their bellies, and then go and drop it o0n the fire, have picked up some fish along with the water. So now we have wet fried fish. Not really funny, but we need to laugh some of the time. We watch the pillars of smoke rise uup ==if they are going straight up the wind is not bad, but when they flatten out, our winds are up again. This is the timie of year we usually get all of the rain we get. George has a gadget that is supposed to tell us if it will rain, and it keeps predicting rain, but so far, no go.

In other matters, we sang our cantata last night at church and it was a wonderful exoperience. We left off the "hallelujah" part and will sing it on Sunday. God is good. Blessings to you all.

Tonight

2011-04-17T21:48:00.000-07:00

we sang the Cantata "And Now is Christ Risen" - We have been practising for awhile. I have to sit through singing while the others stood. Too bad, but I can't stand more than about a minute. We left of the Hallelujahs, and will sing them in place of the sermon on Easter. It is really nice to have a choir singing in parts.

Nancy and the children came. I don't think Mally was too happy to be there, but the boys seemed to really enjoy it and to be glad they came. I was glad to have them here. Scooter is still in therapy 5 days a week - it's not a fast process. I have it 3 days a week.

Busy week coming up with services every night. It's a solemn and a joyful time all at once. They story has tragic parts but we know the ending and that makes it ok

Blessings to all.....

Fires are still with us

2011-04-16T19:31:00.000-07:00

Although the immediate danger to us is past, there are people on the east side of Angelo who are evacuating and praying. This fire just can't seem to be stopped. I heard hom many thousand acres have burned, some 70 thousand?? maybe? And there are other fires west of us. Our winds blow (really blow!) from west to east - some days I have to move plants to keep them from being broken over. Orders went out to shut down the forges, and no barbecueing. Mny of our fires start from lightening , many others from birds who land on the wrong wire near the transformers. Not so good for the birds either. We set aside days of prayer in this city - for rain when we need it, which is most of the time, for protection from fire, and protection from the proliferating masses of feral hogs. Fences don't stop them and they will eat anything not larger than themselves. Scary, scary, really mean critters.
Pray for us - we pray for you.

Grass Fires Everywhere ..

2011-04-15T21:21:00.000-07:00

West Texas is burning right now. Homes are burned, some animals have not been able to get out, so far no persons are dead of the fire. This is a huge one, and just missed us being in the evacuate group by 15 miles. The air is very bad and downtown is covered in ash. Evacuation areas for both people and animals are open downtown and we are taking care of them all. The firemen, as they retreat in front of it are routinely cutting fences now, so the animals will have a way to get out. 35 mph winds are not helping at all.

I began to think of priorities should we be evacuated. First, all the medicines, including the insulin in the refrigerator, then a couple changes of clothing, my CPU, Any bit of jewelry worth anything and as many family pictures as I can cram into the car. Everything else in here can be replaced and may, some day, have to be. Whatever.

We have prayed for Japan and for all the places there are catastrophes happening and here is one in our backyard. None of us are immune to tragedy and we are seeing more and more of it lately. The end times? maybe - maybe not. The earth is a fragile place and is seems to be jittery lately. One thing is for sure - there is more to come.

We are entering Holy Week

2011-04-14T11:37:00.000-07:00

and I am growing and learning from my classes so that a newer depth will be added to this year's services and worship. But I am puzzled from last night's Bible study. We are in the gospel of John - and the consensus (sp?) is that we have to know that we need God and ask Him for his presence and for our inclusion in His people. Everyone in the room seemed to agree that this was the process. I don't like to upset a group, but I need to see Fr. Stan and find out why I never felt this need - rather, God came after me. For three days we wrestled and, as always, He won. Now I wonder how I ever lived without Him - and also why I didn't know I needed Him more. Or why I thought I had Him. I was very pleased with my life, not knowing that I had no life. Am I different, or does He have to chase down other people? Hmmmmm?

Blessings

MRI results

2011-04-12T22:19:00.000-07:00

After undergoing an MRI on my back, jackhammers and all, my doctors, who were sure my spine was disintegrating, found that my spine is just fine. I'm feeing better, too. It's about time.

Busy week, with services and preparing for the cantata for Palm Sunday and Easter.

Nancy says she hopes to get to grandson Kevin's wedding. I so wish we could go, but we can't, so that's that. Hope to see photos,tho. He is marring a wonderful girl- and someday I will meet her.

Pray for rain - we are surrounded by fires. Blessings to you all.

A quiet week

2011-04-07T21:00:00.001-07:00

It's been a long time since I've had one of these. Last month I had 17 doctor's appointments - mostly because of being in the hospital, I think they wanted to be sure I am still here, since I died while I was in there. I did schedule a sleep study. The doctor thinks that the reason I sleep aabout 12 hours every night is because I am not really sleeping well - so we will see, and if I need a breathing apparatus, I will just look like an alien.

Dear son in law (Scooter) is having surgery in the morning to fix his dreadfully messed up knee (from their skiing trip last month). We are on call to possibly go and stay while Nancy takes care of a bit of business.
Nancy put up a new bird feeder and hummer feeder for me. I have seen one hummer and the neat thing about the bird feeder is that the doves have no way to get in to eat - the openings are too small. I wouldn't mind them eating if they were in any way moderate - bu they are pigs. When they eat and raise their heads their craws bulge and hang down. Squirrels are a problem, too, cause they can't get in and have knocked it over twice. If it happens again, we will get some super glue so they can't do it. The little ones are many - I have house finches, and lots of other teeny birds. Fun to watch.
We now have a chancel choir at church and I finally get to sing in parts. I have misssed this more than I can tell you. Motets are my favorite, but this is really good. We are doing a wonderful one (No Greater Love) for Palm Sunday evening and will do the finale of "Hallelujah's" for Easter. I love our music but I have really missed a real choir.
I'm pretty sure my left knee is finally going - most other major joints are titamiun, including a new left shoulder. Still in PT for that. My PT is the greatest!.
Love to you all and many blessings. Pray for rain for our part of the country.

How dead is dead?

2011-04-03T20:41:00.000-07:00

Yeah, a dismal thing to blog about, but I have some concerns here. I always figured if you were dead you were just dead. I've read about people who 'see the light' and are sent back to finish living. Since I died from a seizure in the hospital a few weeks ago, and I'm back with no light around, I began to puzzle over this. My good friend Charles, died in surgery - he left his body and floated up at the ceiling while they worked on his body. Then he went back into it. No light there. Mine was a really bad seizure (just found out I am having those and hope the meds are stopping them) and my smart child called the hospital to tell them I had dropped the phone and was making weird noises - told them to go check on me. It took them awhile to make me start breathing again, but I didn't see any light. When I told my doctor I had died in the hospital, his first question was did I see the light - sisnce another of his patients had died and really seen the light. Who knows? So I have decided there is really dead, maybe dead, sorta dead and somewhat dead. Not sure where I was in this list, but I'm really glad I'm not dead. Ideas, anyone?

Accck!

2011-03-28T21:00:00.000-07:00

The computer souldn't let me in to my blog site to write! Talk about frustrated! Of course, wnhen you realize that I never touched a computer until I was 64 years old and that only because my new boss told me that I had to learn it. There are still things I can't do, but mostly I can do what I want. Sooooo - tomorrow I will begin to catch up all this time. Thanks to those of you who kcpt checking. I'm baaaaaack...

an absorbing book

2010-12-17T12:44:00.000-08:00

I don't usually tout a book in this venue, but want to call your attention to this last one I read. "The Woman Who Fell From the Sky." I picked it up casually, but I'm glad I did. It details the events in the life of an American woman who went to Yemen to be a teacher of journalism to Yemenis who put out an English newspaper. She finds herself the effective editor as well, and since I knew little about Yemen, I am gratified to know this much more. Included are her trials with reporters with absolutely no journalistic training, imperfect English and the national crisis with the drug qat. It is hard to see how such a nation can ever leave the third world status it occupies when almost all of it's inhabitants are stoned most of the time. However, her efforts are heroic and funny and ultimately rewarding - do give this book a try.

Blessings to all....especially at this blessed time of year.

Yesterday morning,

2010-12-06T13:26:00.001-08:00

as I entered the narthex of the church, I saw many people waiting to go in to church, and on each face was a huge smile. Then I felt the love in the room - so thick I could almost hold it in my hand. This is my home- it is where I belong. Then we went into the sanctuary and worshipped with song, prayers and learning. I was privileged to read the first lesson, from Isaiah - 'and a little child shall lead them'. Talk about cold chills! These experiences get deeper and deeper each Sunday. I know God is preparing me to come home, and that it will get deeper and deeper, although I can't imagine this now. As the Narnia books say ' further in and farther out' (?) this deepness defies expession. Soon I'll know. But the people who say "love makes the world go around" are right, and most of them don't even know the sort of love of which I speak. Some day we all will. Maranatha!

As I reread this, I think I may sound as if I am dying. As far as I know I am not. I just think all worship services and fellowships should be like this one was - filled with the Holy Spirit.

Christmas is a coming.....

2010-12-03T13:56:00.000-08:00

And I don't know about fat geese, but I have finished shopping. Every year I say I will only gift the young grands and the 1 great grand, but somehow I wind up not doing this. I have found the easy way,though. I can't walk or stand for long, so I get dozens and dozens of catalogs and there is plenty in there for everyone. Oops! Take it back - I still have to go to bookstore, but that is a vacation for me- they have chairs and I can sit and browse. I am buying books for the grandsons who are still in public school and they are books I have loved, so getting them is great fun.

Ana is here hanging up clothes and helping me put a better light in the closet. I can't tell you how many mornings I have started off to church with either navy or black pants on, only to discover that they are not the color I thought they were, when I get into the outside light. DH thinks this is hysterically funny and keeps whispering to me that everyone is pointing at me for having on the wrong pants. I may have to kick a shin or two,here.

I am taking antibiotics and they are helping, finally. Of course if I had done this a couple of weeks ago, I could have saved myself misery, but I keep thinking I can beat this one on my own. Found out I couldn't, though. My shoulder replacement is scheduled for Jan 3. I hope this is an easy one. Also hope it is the last one.

I wonder why everyone is so hysterical about being patted and wanded at the airport. I have had to do this for years, having three pieces of titanium in me. I wear moccasins or sandals and socks and make the officials help me get them back on, since I can't reach my own feet. I read somehwere that muslims in burkhas are exempt from this, but I really doubt this is true. Really, what's the point?

Maybe tomorrow we can get to the stock show. The kids are showing goats and pig (singular) and maybe rabbits? I do enjoy it, but the dust and I are sworn enemies. We'll see how it goes.

Blessings to all of you, especially at this blessed time of year.

Friday Five again

2010-11-12T11:24:00.000-08:00

l. What is your favorite movie for watching when you are curled up under a wooly blanket?

The Odd Couple - just breaks me up. Also like Amadeus and Swan Lake.

2. Describe what book you would read in the same situation.

Depends on how I feel. Right now I am curled up with Dr. Doolittle, which I haven't read for 60 years. Then, there's always Harry Potter.

3. What foods do you tend to eat/cook when it's cold? mmmmm - Chicken and rice, stews and soups, scrambled eggs, and bacon - when the doctor lets me eat bacon.

4. What would you do on a snow day, or a pretend snow day? Read, of course, knit, eat. Maybe take out all my yarns and play with them - but then I'd have to put them back.

5.Do you like winter sports or outdoor activities, (ed comment - NO!)or are you more likely to be indoors playing board games.

I'd play board and card games gladly, but for the games I like - scrabble, aggravation, 5 crowns, Up words, etc., DH won't play with me. He says I always win. I don't, but if he doesn't win 4 our of 5 times, he won't play. I used to import grandchildren forthis, but they have grown too big,now. Sob.

Not so good here..............

2010-11-09T14:06:00.001-08:00

This morning I woke to find my right forefinger knuckle and the joint just above it huge and red and really, really tender. You'd think I'd be used to things not fitting my plans here, but I have
three commissions for scarves sitting right in front of my face. Little by little my body is letting me down and it seems to be speeding up. Sorry to whine, but I'm not too good at accepting the inevitable if it interferes with my plans. Looks as if there's not going to be much knitting for awhile. Hope my customers aren't totally antsy to get their scarves. I do know a way to knit and not use that finger much - I may try that but is very frustrating for me to do. Getting older is fun sometimes, but when you see your facilities going, one by one, sometimes you think the only thing left is the brain. And sometimes I wonder about that.

Miracles abound.......

2010-11-07T20:14:00.000-08:00

This morning when I unplugged my cell phone to go to church, it flashed a message to me. Something about having already updated and changed the time on my phone. Now, how on earth did it know how to do that? I never told it anything. I'm beginning to feel almost like living in Harry Potter Land.

You willhave guessed by now that I am only semi literate about these things. I started touching my first computer at the age of 64 - I've come a long way and can usually make the computer do what I please, but the idea of a phone actually doing something that changed this year to a new weekend -- I'll never get how it knew to do that - how the people who built it knew to make it do that. I am in awe at the technical evolutions going on in the world. My grandchildren can take a computer and make it do anything but take out the garbage. Such a brave,new world.

Short sermon

2010-10-27T20:57:00.001-07:00

Tonight's gospel lesson was from St. Luke, 11:37:52

The sermon was 9 words long-----

'Don't compare other people's outsides with your insides.'

Feedback???

Worth a mention

2010-10-01T13:40:00.001-07:00

I have just finished a book, as you will see if you read my list, called Mornings in Jenin, by Susan Abulhawa. Where has my head been all these years? I bought the line that the Palestinians lived in tents and were all illiterate, and the Jews needed a homeland. I also bought that it was fairly done and the losers were given houses and education. How could I have bought that line? I do remember being in Jerusalem and seeing many Arab children, eyes and noses covered with flies, begging on the streets. I rounded on our guide and demanded do know why these children weren't in school. His answer was that it was their parents choice - that they wanted the money begging brought in, and didn't care about school. I realize that many, if not most, books about controversial subjects are highly biased, and this one probably is also. But there is too great a divide between what the book portrays and what we have been told. Instead of being given places to make homes, the Palestinians went into camps, and may be still there. There are right and wrong ways to do things, and if this is an accurate portrayal, the founding of Israel in our time has been bloody and horrible. Perhaps we have judged the Palestinans by the PLO. I only know that it is time I read more of both sides of this exchange, and tried to arrive at a fair and accurate story of what actually is. I think I know what it should be.

Sorry about the rant. Every once in awhile I go on one, but I think this one is justified. Maybe everyone else knows more than I do about the subject, but I expect to know more soon. Anyone want to suggest material to read or other ways to educate myself on this subject?

Blessings to all..

New Friday five....

2010-10-01T13:21:00.000-07:00

2010
Friday Five: Cruise Ship Ministry
Thanks to our Kathrynzj for today's Friday Five. She says: ...for today's Friday 5 I thought we'd hit on the things that give us energy in ministry and the things that take it away:
(Please note that I am not in paid ministry but a layperson...!)

1) What are a few of the tasks that you find tedious/energy sucking in your ministry position? Please note I said 'tasks' not people :) Meetings where people just gab when we are supposed to be studying the Word. For a while I did the Daughters meeting lesson and nobody gabbed (do you suppose that is because I am a professional teacher and I give the evil eye to everybody who doesn't behave?)and I think they took ideas away from what was said. I just want to get the job done and go home.

2) Is there anything you could do to make one of them better? Maybe bring knitting, breathing deeply and loudly, (no,no , not that), no wine - too many members of AA. , enlist others indivually to see what we need and let them spread the word. Yes!

3) What are a few of the tasks that you find energizing in ministry? Worship leadership, talking informally with people, teaching Bible classes, but most of all, singing!!!

4) If given a quarterly spiritual day, how would you want to spend it? Reading my books on spirituality andlistening to appropriate music. (well,MB, we are much alike.)

5) If given a quarterly spiritual day, how would you actually spend it? Reading, probably. :)
Same here. And Singing. Loudly.

BONUS: What would your Dream Ministry job include? Listening to people over the long term. And the physical ability to direct a children's choir and do children's musicals. Let's face it, children are more fun than adults and they ask honest questions and get honest answers from me. I looooove children. But my body won't do this anymore, so I teach adults. Less fun, but needed.

Friday Five time again...

2010-09-24T12:43:00.000-07:00

:
As posted by me (MB)at RevGals today: Music is a part of the human experience, and part of religious traditions the world over. It is evocative and stirring, and many forms of worship are incomplete without it.

Our title comes from a quote popularly attributed to St. Augustine: "He who sings prays twice." A little Googling, however, indicates that Augustine didn't say exactly that. In fact, what he said just doesn't fit well onto a t-shirt. So we'll stick with what we have.

"Singing reduces stress and increases healthy breathing and emotional expression. Singing taps into a deep, age-old power available to all of us. When we find our voice, we find ourselves. Today, sing like you mean it." And let's talk about the role music plays in your life and worship.

1. Do you like to sing / listen to others sing?
Yes and every way I can think of to say yes!. It is part of my life and breath. It is as necessary to me as breath itself. I spent my life singing mostly alto, until a wise choir director asked me why I was doing that, as I was a soprano in his opinion. I told him I thought I had to be an alto because my cousin was and I did as much as I could to emulate her. That day I became an official soprano.

2) Did you grow up with music in worship, or come to it later in life? Tell us about it, and how that has changed in your experience.
Early on, going to the Episcopal church, I learned about music and singing. The sad part of that church was that I could only sing loudly when the choir was right beside me in the aisle. I longed for a place to sing at the top of my lungs. But I loved the settings of the prayers and the scripture and found later when I began to study the Bible seriously that I already knew lots of the passages because I grew up singing them. When the Fisherfolk music (from Redeemer, Houston) came on the scene, I enbraced it enthusiastically. We took guitar lessons (had to get 3/4 size guitars for Nancy and Mary Beth, they were so small. But we all played and sang for the services. Funny story abvout that - you know how many of us never think we are ready. One Sunday my priest informed me I was playing for the service the next week. I protested that I was only sure of the G and D chords. He told me that was fine - that he had backup teenagers coming for a few weeks and whenever they played a G or a D I was to play. It worked, Soon, I didn't need the teens.

3) Some people find worship incomplete without music; others would just as soon not have it. Where do you fall?
Probably with the first group. I love the intimacy of compline, but I really need music to have a full worship experience.

4) Do you prefer traditional music in worship, or contemporary?
I love it all, except for the ultra modern screaming sort which some people call music and I call noise. We have a lot of contemporary music as our main musician/leader plays guitar. We do have a pianist and an organ when we can find someone to play it. Henry would just as soon tackle something from the hymn book as a newer piece. I was so into the Fisherfolk music that I resisted the newer models but have learned to worship with them also. DH and I spent a number of years singing with the Sacred Harp group where we lived and thoroughly enjoyed this - we don't have a group in San Angelo or we would be still going. There is a totally different experience. I recommend you try it, if possible. You will either love it or hate it. A friend once said it sounded Elizabethan to her.???

5) What's your go-to music ... when you need solace or want to express joy?
I don't know how to post music, but the old hymns have a high place for me as do the old southern hymns. When I am in the car alone, I am always singing,usually as loudly as possible. I have been lost at time, when I am lost in my music but I always find my way home. I directed a group of girls who did Christian musicals for many years, and we all learned a lot beside music here. But the music was great. As a child of about 10 years I used to go to our church, climb the steeple and play the chimes. I played all the hymns, made occasional mistakes, but not too many - and this music went all over the town. The miracle is that no one ever came and said "Little girl, you are not allowed to be up here playing with the chimes -go home immediately!" No one ever came at all. How very freeing.
We have 40 music channel options on our TV and DH usally chooses classical music, to which I sing along. My dad taught me to sing opera when we were out fishing. We didn't catch too much but we had fun. Can you tell that music is essential for my very life?

Aother Friday Five

2010-09-04T15:35:00.000-07:00

September 03, 2010
Friday Five: Storms of Life
Martha says at RevGals: I'm listening this morning for word of Hurricane Earl. Is he coming to visit, or will he bypass my part of Maine and move further Downeast, or veer toward Nova Scotia? Should I buy those bottles of water, just in case wind brings branches and power lines down? And how many times will the tracking map change today?

Herewith, a Friday Five about the storms of life:

1) What's the most common kind of storm in your neck of the woods? Tornadoes out here, and hail also. Sometimes the hail is as big as oranges. Ouch!

2) When was the last time you dealt with a significant power outage? When we lived on a river island at the beach ('91-99). We were on the least occupied end of the county and we were sometimes 11 days without power. That Christmas I received a gas powered generator for my gift - I was tremendously pleased. Our water supply depended on electricity as well as the freezers and fridge.

3) Are you prepared for the next one? Well, we don't live there anymore. Now it's tornados and hail. No, no, not prepared. We can't get the car into the garage and we have two skylights.
When we did live there, well the good thing about hurricanes is that you can prepare. I am an old hand at that.

4) What's the weather forecast where you are this weekend? Well, sunny, in the '50's at night, high, 90's and above in the daytime. Ideal

5) How do you calm your personal storms? I just sit and be. I pray. I don't talk. I hurt. I walk through them After awhile they go away.

Another Friday five......

2010-08-28T14:00:00.000-07:00

Mindful that many others are heading off to further schooling or delivering their loved ones to the institutions that provide it, here are five questions about dorm life.

1) What was the hardest thing to leave behind when you went away to school for the first time?
Nothing! Boy was I ready! Of course I was in my home town, and all my high school friends were in the class, too. But I was "out of the house, hooray"

2) We live in the era of helicopter parents.
They didn't make a fuss. My helicoptering mother came to my room every week and picked up mylaundry to do at home. I wish she hadn't.

3) Share a favorite memory of living with schoolmates, whether in a dorm or other shared housing. I loved being able to stay out at night until 10:00 - yes, we had a curfew.

4) What absolute necessity of college life in your day would seem hilariously out-of-date now?
Really, nothing. The rooms were bare, we had a bed, a table, a chair, a lamp, some sheles and a closet (very small). Nothing else was allowed, but I could be messy if I wanted, and I wanted.

5) What innovation of today do you wish had been part of your life in college?
Bathrooms for each room. Everyhbody used the ONE bathroom at the end of the hall. And computers, too.

Bonus question for those whose college days feel like a long time ago: Share a rule or regulation that will seem funny now. Did you really follow it then? No men in the dorm EVER! Regular curfew of 10 PM, and old ladies who lined up to sniff us when we had a late night after a dance. We could have been drinking, you know! If caught we would be shipped - this means sent home in disgrace. Still, these rules were better than the ones I had at home, and you bet we followed them! O my - how long ago that was. 1949, forevermore ago..

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Yeast and hot air.....

2010-08-27T12:16:00.000-07:00

I’ve been thinking for some time about the connection between yeast and pride. Our God fusses about yeast, and our Jewish friends make a big deal about getting all of the yeast out of their house once a year for a feast. But yeast is not what God hates. He hates what the yeast does to the dough. It causes it to puff up and have lots of hot air in it – which makes it taste good to us. The real problem is not yeast but pride. It does the same thing as yeast does, but to humans. We are all puffed up about something, and consequently full of hot air. God wants us to know that we are to have no pride, because we can accomplish nothing he has not been in us doing – nothing worth while, that is.

As I look back over my life and my career, I realize how blessed I have been. To have a job, a profession, which made me so glad that some mornings I just laughed out loud to know that I got paid to do that which I so loved. And I have been successful. I know I have made better the lives of several hundred children. Still, I could have done none of this without the Lord.. I remember many times when, faced with troubled or just plain contrary children, the right words miraculously came out of my mouth. Was that me? By no means. God ran my practice and worked with those children through me. All I needed was to open my mouth and let Him have at it. Many times I was suprised to hear myself say some of the things I said. It was like magic.

With this though, all the pride I have has to leave. None of this was my doing. He guided me into this work, by a very circuitous path and he gave me joy and success. He did this. Not I.
David Pytches, in his book "Spiritual Gifts in the Local Church", comments (page 135) that “some people have recurring childhood dreams. ……. Some revelations may be for our guidance”. I had such a dream as a youngster, over and over. I was running from something evil (typical) and I had to go through a room with nothing in it, just a door in and another door on the other side to open and go through. The hard part was that each new door was just a bit smaller than the one I had just gone through. I remember having to work very hard to make myself smaller and smaller so that when I came to the last door, I would fit through it. The times I made it, the door was tiny, and when I entered, I knew I had defeated the chaser and that I was safe for all time. The room was small, a corner fireplace burning brightly, a comfy chair and a stack of books. Outside was a small walled English type garden. Maybe I think this is Heaven? Maybe. But, this dream was telling me, even as a child, that the kingdom of God is not entered by anyone who is full of hot air. John the Baptist tells us that he must decrease that Jesus might increase. We are told "strait is the gate and narrow is the way". Wow!

Decreasing, letting out the hot air of our pride, is a hard thing, but the door is very narrow through which we must pass to be with God. I am sure that God was telling me this, even as a child, and now, as a senior citizen I realize that all my accomplishments are as hot air, unless I know and credit Him, who gave them to me.

I am working on letting out more and more hot air, and I have been full of it! Such a lesson! But God started early on me and I am seeing what must be done to be fit for the kingdom of God. May we all meet there one day, free of hot air.

Friday Five, again

2010-08-20T12:47:00.000-07:00

August 20, 2010
Friday Five: Clutter and stuff

Jan says at RevGals: Since posting about decluttering, I am still muttering about the need for it in my house. How about you?

1. What things do you like to hang on to?

Everything, really. Because I might need it one day. I confess to being a child of the depression, and we really reused everything. I have eaten so many leftovers that it's still hard to throw them out. Sometimes DH looks at me mournfully when I give him three times leftovers. I wish my mother didn't still live in my head

2. What is hard to let go of?

Clothes that I haven't worn in years. Sentimental things here, too. I still have daddy's letter sweater from UF, and the medals he won in the hemispheric olympics in 1925. Need to get those framed, for sure, so they will be right when I pass them on - someday soon. Furniture, quilts, aggggh! What don't I keep? Everything, tho I have passed on whatever I can. Maybe I can organize all this ???? ( I keep saying this- it somehow makes me feel better)

3. What is (WOULD BE) easy to give away? Nothing, of course. Those small clothes? I will probably, hopefully, lose some of this weight. Maybe. Anyway, they are too good to give away. I make progress, tho. There is a recliner, a TV and a sack of clothes in the garage waiting for Christians in Action to come. There is always hope.

4. Is there any kind of stumbling block connected with cleaning out? Already said I will doubtlessly need it. This is even more ridiculous at my age. When will I need it? Probably never. Have a whole box of office supplies, jusst because I love them. No office, tho. So where in this is the need?- nowhere. Besides, my mother always told me never to throw a good thing away.
So there.

5. What do you like to collect, hoard, or admire? Books, mostly, and clothing, and yarn of course. I will win the 'whoever dies with the most yarn wins' contest. The good news is that I have stopped buying yarn and books - mostly. But the ladies at Fiber Arts keep giving me yarn.
So what can I do?

Bonus: Tell us about recycling or whatever you can think of that goes along with this muttering about cluttering.

No one here recycles, that I know of.. We used to recycle newspapers, but the resident out here who did this upped and died so no one picks it up any more. We don't drink soft drinks, and use few cans, but there are things we could recycle I guess????? But where? This is a relatively small town. We try to live as greenly as possible. (Is that a word?)

But all of you already knew this about me. The good news is that my friend, June, is in my life and she will sell anything I can part with on ebay for me. She already sold several useless collections and will doubtless get more. Yay, June!

Friday five...

2010-08-13T18:55:00.000-07:00

1. What is the weather like where you live? right now, 102 degrees, and 107 for most of the summer. Aggh!

2. Share one thing you love about this time of year. I have a good excuse not to go out of the house.

3. Share one thing you do NOT love about this time of year. My poor flower bed is almost cooked.

4. How will you spend the remaining days leading up to Autumn? Knitting, weaving, spinning, reading and other good things.

5. Share a good summer memory. Being at St. Teresa beach ( in the armpit of Florida) for awhile. I grew up there and it is part and parcel of my being.

onus: What food says SUMMER to you? Home grown tomatoes. Sadly the deer like them too and I can't protect them properly, so off to the farmer's market.

As always, let us know in comments if you play. Post a direct link to your blog entry in your comment using the following formulation in the comment box: what you want the link to say goes here For a complete how-to ,click here.

Posted by SingingOwl at 4:11 AM 58 comments Links to this post

Cheers

2010-08-09T15:14:00.000-07:00

Today DH and I lifted a a glass to celebrate the time sequence of 05;06;07;08/09/10, since this particular sequence won't come again until some time in the next century. It seemed fitting, and funny. We enjoyed it, including the countdown, which was loud. Fun is important.....

Blessings to all.......

oops! not the next century - the next millenium!

What can happen when someone rear-ends your car

2010-08-05T15:45:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, unfortunately, a lady who drovelike a speed demon crunched into the rear end of my car as I was making a turn. Long story, but the funny part is here. Today we had to go to the police station and pick up a report, which cost $6.00, if you please. It was $5 but the girl wanted to know if I wanted a cawcauw. I said, "a what?" and she said "you know, a cawcauw." And I thougnt, it might be worth a dollar to find our what a cawcauw is, so I said "sure, lets have a copy." It turned out to be a cop call. . I wanted to take her sweet little face in my hands and say "watch my lips and say COP CALL." But I didn't. I was a teacher too long for this not to amuse and infuriate me. I know language is in constant change, but I can't say I like it all.

Friday Five......

2010-07-30T12:59:00.001-07:00

Five things I like about where I live, and one that I don't..............

1. It is just the right size. I can be anywhere in town in 15 minutes providing I don't get lost.

2. I live in a senior retirement housing community and so things are very, very quiet, Love this.

3. I am close to daughter #4 and the grands there and participate in their activities as much as I can.

4. I go to the bestest church I ever had. The Anglican church of the Good Shepherd.

5. It's dry and hot out here, but I've learned to appreciate the starkness of it all.

and one thing I don't -
1. I am way, way, way too far from my other daughters. We need to be closer and this is frustrating.

5 things I love

2010-06-26T13:37:00.000-07:00

Over at RevGals, Songbird invites us to share five things we love, or don't love, about SUMMER.

Sorry the photo didn't make it.

1.St Teresa, Florida, is one of my earliest memories. My granddad threw me off the dock with my dad just below, to see if I could swim. This was before I could walk. And I did swim All I needed was fins!I truly love this place. It is like no other.

2.I love the people in my church. I was never in one in which everyone (literally) loved everyone else, and was always ready to help

3.I love gulf seafood, which I darent eat right now. Bah!

4.I love my very small flower garden. It is an occasion for joy when something actually blooms!

5, I love the A/C in my house so I can be comfortable when it gets to 107 degrees

I am having a real problem

2010-06-11T21:48:00.000-07:00

with the phrase "no problem'. For years, my thank yous have been sincerely meant, and You are welcome has been the answer. Welcome sounds as if the responder has really been glad to render a service. On the other hand, "no problem: sounds to me as if the service wouldn't be offered had it not been convenient. This bothers me every time I hear it, though I continue to say you are welcome. Does this bother anyone else, or am I too picky?

Tonight,

2010-05-26T16:35:00.000-07:00

I am going to talk about being old and getting older. Fr. Stan suggested I write a book about it. I can't do that, beacause it is different for everyone. But I can say that, while I am not in great shape, I fully expect to get better and I am glad to be alive. Dead will be ok, too. I know where I will be, but life is to be enjoyed. I have many wrinkles, too much weight and what seems to e a ton of ailments, but that is ok, too. Mostly because it has to be. I could lose the weight, and wrinkles are ok with me, but the ailments I can do without.

Our children want us to go to the ER for every twinge we have. Actually they are more realistic than that. When Dad fell last week, the first question from everyone was 'did you go to the hospital?' Well, no. I got him in the bed and checked him over and figured I would give him time. We both have seen the doctor since, and he is having lots of tests. It's hard for me to realized he is nearly 85 - soon we'll have a 46th anniversary. And kids, I promise I will call the ambulance when I need to.

But back to my original premise, getting old means a great many changes. Some are welcome, as in resting a lot more, and some are very frustrating. I had to have much help to get my teeny garden in order this year, I have to make allowances for pain control and shortness of breath. Lots of both of them. I practically live in this TENS unit, and I thank God for it. And, of course, my brain just won't work the way it once did. We both tried to remember the name for raw fish and it wouldn't come. Usually it does, at least by tomorrow. But I wanted to finish the crossword I was doing. That part is still blank, but I will remember it eventually.

I've always heard that old age is not for sissies. Actually it is, it just means more adaptation to the limitations that exist. If you can't adapt, you won't make it. You also need to find things to laugh at. Laughter really helps. Sometimes I watch Caddyshack over, just to laugh. Or look at the old movies of my my kids learning to manage roller skates. I've given up dreaming about climbing trees and accepted that this isn't going to happen again in this life. Neither is racing the little sailboat just ahead of a fast moving squall, with George on the beach waiting to help me get it in and readied for a blow. I really loved it, though.

I have more time to ponder God and all His glories, and to read about Him. Only I read a book the other day by an author who keeps asking 'who is God?'. I finally decided if he didn't know, I didn't think I would read his book. I now have the time to let soak in the things that Fr. Stan teaches me, and time to reflect on them. I'm working at teaching three Bible studies right now and love learning each week from that. I'm always amazed at what I don't know. I now have some CD's of Fr. Stan's sermons. As visual a learner as I am, I find I need to hear them several times to really 'get it'.

So --- while old age is physically challenging, and sometimes mentally, it's not so bad. Stick around and try it yourselves. I think you'll like it, even as you adjust for it. I am grateful for my cane, and sometimes my walker. And when the electric chair becomes part of my life, as I am told it will, I will be glad to have that. I see people out in our retirement community who are joyful to be alive and some who are miserable. We don't go around the miserable ones. Actually, we mostly go to church. Everybody there is joyful.

Enough of this - love God, be happy and roll with the punches and you'll make it just fine.

3 hours later - Sushi!!!

In other matters,

2010-05-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

Dad went out into the county, pretty far away to work the census. Several of the people had already been contacted several times and are getting pretty crabby about the continued intrusion into their lives. One lady really dumped on George - ranted on about how angry she was. He apologized and retreated to the car to do the paper work. In a bit, she knocked on his window, apologized for letting loose on him and had brought him a glass of tea. This whole census, unlike the one he worked in Glen Rose 10 years ago, is a complete mess. George is convinced that a scam or con is going on. I can't wrap my mind around how this could be, but maybe. Anyway, he told his boss he quit unless she wanted him to see people in the Angelo area. Who knows whether she will or not.

This episode has been wearing on him and I am glad he is out of it.

Final opinion

2010-05-20T06:44:00.000-07:00

on The Lacuna. I'm sure this is an excellent book. Idon't think Kingsolver is capable of writing a 'bad' or poorly written book. My reaction to it is quite another thing. The first approximate half, as I may have mentioned. deals with the triangle of Lenin, Stalin and Trotsky and their eternal arguments. That the losers went to Mexico for refuge means that they melded with the Hispanic culture there and particularly in the home of Rivera and Kahlo. I found this wild emotionalism hard to read at time. This probably has something to do with my age and my need for a calm, rational bit of writing. The writing rings true - it simply was the way she describes it. The last part is another story - a straightforward look at the life of a man who grew up under the aegis of these people. He was a final victim of one of America's less admirable issues gone wild.

I think my whole problem with the book is that I think nothing of reading a 500 page book in a day. But a book of this dimension is no Harry Potter book and cannot be absorbed at this rate.
I may go back one day and reread this at a somewhat normal rate, and may enjoy it more. I know that this happens from time to time when I am racing through a book. Still, my gut reaction of "I don't want to read all this mess" may keep me from it. I usually seek out and enjoy history
of any kind so I am puzzled by my reaction.

Do let my not enjoying it cause you not to read it for yourselves. And let me know if I am on or off base, and how you feel about it. I really mean this. If people I know and respect enjoy reading it, this tells me quite a bit about my own shortcomings, and I face these all the time.

Cheers.....

More "Lacuna"

2010-05-14T09:31:00.001-07:00

As I plow through this book, after a disjointed and almost spastic introduction, it is developing into a very interesting history of the interplay between the Stalinist government in Russia, the interventions played by the activists in Mexico and the frequent interference by the government of our country. Maybe the author felt she had to establish the instability of the main character as he grows up, in order to understand him. Who knows. But it has developed into a book I think I will enjoy reading , altoughthis part of history is really unknown to me. So much for my criticisms.

Barbara Kingsolver

2010-05-13T11:25:00.000-07:00

Being a faithful reader of Ms. Kingsolver's books, and owner of most of them (so I can reread them), I ordered the newest one from the library _ The Lacuna,- expecting another marvelous book. I am struggling through it, and I am not enjoying it particularly. The story line hops all around, and the main subjects- 2 famous Mexican artists (Frieda Kahlo and Diego Rivera), who live very destructive lives, is not speaking to my heart. There is another main character, who seems to change lives seamlessly - ???. Further, I am not a fan of the Mexican art, tho I recognize that it is art. Don't know just what I expected, but not this. However, I shall plug along through this book and see if there is anything redeeming in it - for me. And try to figure out what is lacking that causes me to not enjoy it. Any ideas, anyone?

Happy Mother's Day to the mothers in the group`

2010-05-09T11:49:00.005-07:00

Unfortunately I was confused and said Happy Easter to some people who love me anyway. Whatever, have a happy one.

George took me to the fanciest place in town (and the prettiest) for a nifty dinner today. Its fun to blow off caution and just go. He also wore his sign (from last year) which says "I am nothing without my wife". I consider this almost beyond the call, but lots of people enjoyed seeing him wear it.

When Sarah was here, we planted a root from a common Florida lantana into a pot. She and I both thought it had life. Dad said if it lived he would rise up and call me Eloise ( for those who don't know, Eloise is my late, rather unpleasant aunt, who had the gift of making anything bloom. Literally anything ) Well today,I saw leaves and marched in calling myself Eloise. I am pleased it is doing well, But he can leave off calling me Eloise.

Ii've been using my teeny portable DVD player and am watching the entire third year of Gray's anatomy. If I keep watching, I get to see operations, and find them fascinating. I had wanted a medical career, but at that time, it was unheard of for most women, and too expensive, anyway. Now I think I would not have liked brain surgery, but thoracic or skeletal, well maybe so. Or maybe not a surgeon. After all, the kids have called me Dr. Butler for years.

Church was nice but amazingly short. Most people just weren't there. I guess they were off with their kids.

Cold here,but nice, especially since we don't have to be anywhere. Our next door neighbors have had another major falling out and he is gone and she is going. It was a strange May-December marriage. So now we will have new neighbors. Lots of turnover going on out here.

Shonna and Jason Parks (cousin to Scooter and dear friends of us all ) have moved out here. They want their children in school here and are exploring career possibilities for both of them. Their areas of expertise will fit in well in some ways. Welcome, to them all. We really enjoy them.

God be praised for yet another day........

If I ever said anything negative about

2010-05-07T02:43:00.003-07:00

oxygen therapy, I now eat my words. After about 16 hours, I can actually breathe again, and am on the way to being much better. We are missing a great birthday this weekend, for a truly great lady - George's sister, but I am now listening to the doctor. What a switch that is!

So we have no firm plans for awhile except to rest and feel better. I am so happy we have food prepared in the house and all I have to do is defrost and eat. We are blessed with great daughters who love and take care of us.

Still reading, knitting and occasionally spinning, but wearing a mask to mess with fibers. I do teach my Thursday Bible Study in Mertzon and that's a blessing to me also. They don't mind waiting while I breathe. What a lovely group.

Deo Gratia, MJ

Shades of my youth

2010-05-03T13:24:00.000-07:00

in Tallahassee at St. John's. The recessional Sunday was Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus!. And here I am with only enough air to mouth the words. Pfaugh!

Reader Alert: Whine coming!

First, I don't believe in whining and don't tolerate it, but some situations allow for a good whine about once a year or so. There I was with no air. My ribs hurt from fighting for air to breathe,tho it is easing. And I couldn't sing! Have an appt on Wed. with pulmonologist and if this takes oxygen, it will frustrate me - not enough to keep me from using it, but, this just isn't supposed to happen!!!!!
Another doctor told me they would help me get and use my wheelchair when the time came.!!
When the time came??? What time?? Huh????? I never planned for that to happen either! What wheelchair would this be? This is going to interfere majorly with my independence and I am SO NOT HAPPY! On the other hand, they never said death is imminent - the opposite, in fact. So.........whine over, folks. I am still functioning tho I sound like a death rattle when I breathe. At least I am breathing.

This is all just such a surprise. Also this morning's doctor says a shoulder replacement is essential and gave me a choice of Dallas or here. I choose here, which means the Dallas specialist will come here. Fine with me. All this will happen after I finish playing this summer -like going to the beach with the Scotts. I pray this oil spill won't reach our bit of paradise and I grieve for those who are having it. Also for the wildlife and sea life that is being killed. While I don't wamt to go back to horse and buggy days, I grieve that we are so dependent on oil. It causes destruction and wars. So do a lot of other things these days. Like people.

After some thought, it seems to me that the answer to all these current problems is adapt,adapt adapt. Then adapt some more. I can do that. I've spent 78 years doing that.I should have a PhD in "Adapt".

In other news (aren't you glad the whine is over?), we go to Lake Jackson this weekend for s-i-l's
90th birthday party. The next weekend, Mary Beth is coming (Whistles and streamers !) Hope we can get some things done and have some fun, too.

I backed out of the study tonight at Daughter's because of old 'no breath'. Too bad - it's good, this study. But I plan to teach my Commandments study on Thursday, regardless. If they have to wait for me to breath before I can go on, so be it. I have things to say! As usual!

In His name...

I'm just recovering

2010-04-26T12:59:00.001-07:00

from a totally busy weekend!. Sarah came to help out and gollee, I just get tired watching her. She and Nancy both move so fast and get so much done. MB and I get a lot done, too, but we also rest between things. Sarah put more casseroles in the freezer, and I have a few left from when nancy brought some, so we are in good shape. She cleaned my garden!!!!!! And replanted things and moved them, etc. I am very pleased with the way things look now. The Texas Columbine is in full bloom and so are the roses. Other things will follow. I expect the garage pickup people had a hernia this AM as we put out 6 bags of yard trash as well as normal household trash. The garden isn't large but it is too large for me alone. I never thought this would happen.

We visited Nancy and Scooter's for lunch and that was really nice. Sarah took home two baby kittens, who meowed the entire 5-6 hours home, but who are really happy to be there, now. The dogs seem to tolerate them well, tho they aren't quite sure what they are.. S. won't leave them out together when she is at school, for some time. She has an extra bedroom for the cats, until they all make friends.

George starts training for his Census taker job, in the morning. I am going to really love Thursdays. I go to Mertzon and get to tutor some of the children, teach my Bible class and now baseball is starting and Spencer is such a good little player and loves it so that we love to watch him. Bible class is settled on a place and time, finally. 4 PM in Nancy's classroom.

Doctor's appointments this week, also. This seems to be a continuing thing. We leave Friday after next for Houston and Lake Jackson, again, for s-i-l's 90th birthday. She is still going strong. Mary Beth and Ken as well as the Scotts are going to this also. All on the fly. This family really hangs together. Well, we all like each other.

I missed church this Sunday and will be glad to get there on Wednesday as well as next week. I always miss it when I am not there. What Stan has to say is always so powerful I don't want to miss a word.

God be praised for a great family! All of them!

A frustrating couple of weeks

2010-04-22T22:53:00.001-07:00

been around here. The computer has had three operations, and if this one doesn't hold, I may have to take an axe to it.

We went to Houston to George's 68th (I think) high school class reunion. Very nice people, nice Racquet Club and a good lunch. We stayed with the Barnes (great hosts, y'all) and will do so again when we go back for Aunt Betty's 90th birthday party. All this running up and down the road has to stop pretty soon. Dean and Barbara let me sleep on the sofa downstairs so I didn't have to face the stairs. I managed to trash the room, but I left it clean. I am just basically a bag lady. I carry many, use few but am greatly comforted to have all my 'stuff' with me. The Barnes set up their computer so that we could see and hear Susan and Lucy. What a joy! Susan plans to spend some time in Houston this summer and for this there will definitely be another trip there. Can't wait to see Lucy!

Did I tell you Mally (granddaughter) won silver for second place in the state science fair? She is a 6th grader, and we are really proud of her - and of the other kids, too. The Scotts have moved back to town and their kitchen is almost all set up. The new additions and remodeling are just amazing. Gorgeous and useful as well. We are going out there for lunch on Sunday. Yeaaaaa.

Today I taught my first Bible study in Mertzon. Not well attended, but even one is worth teaching for. We are doing the 10 commandmants. I tucked that in after tutoring Nancys children. This is so very rewarding. She has four and we are reading, analyzing and using proper expressions. One has even learned what a question mark means. Hallelujah! We are under a tornado watch tonight but are not sleeping in the bathtub, God be praised. Dad always insists we will go there for this kind of weather. So far it isn't even blowing , so no bathtubs tonight.

Sarah will be here tomorrow to do lots of helping me - and I really need it, it seems. She is going to make King Ranch Chicken and freeze some of that for us. Yum.

Seeing lots of doctors these days. We have several symptoms for which a reason must be determined. I keep telling the doctors I have plans made for the next 12 years, so get busy and make me well. My doctor says I am like a leaky boat - as soon as he plugs one leak, I spring another. At least we have an interesting life.

Deo gratia...

A week without computers

2010-04-14T12:44:00.001-07:00

is a lost week in many ways. It took that long for it to be repaired, and I am grateful to the fixers and Nancy for getting it done. Blessings be upon you.

I saw the internist yesterday and he informed me that I was like a leaky boat. He says as soon as he plugs one leak, another one springs open. Surely he exagerates. I feel really pretty good, all things considered. Lots of doctors to see this week and next and they will make me feel even better. Thanks be to the God of all things, who never forgets even the smallest of us.

Amen and amen

Today

2010-03-29T21:38:00.001-07:00

I think I can finally breathe - between bouts of coughing. I am going to be ok, but this is the worst it's ever been. Back to pulmonologist, asap!

Ahem! Borrowed

2010-03-22T11:21:00.000-07:00

from Ross McSwain's column "Out Yonder"

Thought for the week:

Never buy anything with a handle on it - it means work.

Friday Five

2010-03-19T10:58:00.005-07:00

The Friday five this week has to do with movie going. I am having a very hard time copying and pasting just now, so just decided to muse about movies without the format.

Movies - Ummmmm. Well, we talk a lot about going, but somehow we never do it. This may sound nuts to you, but it takes a lot of effort to get your body up and dressed and find the (large amount!) of money required. Then drive to the movies, get a ticket and - aggggh! climb up the ramp and hope there will be something to hold on to as you climb in the dark and try to find a seat without falling all over the place. Plus I can't go without ear plugs, because the decibel level is insane. And deafening. It's just easier to stay home. So we do.

There are exceptions, though. We succumbed to the advertisements and my love of science fiction and went to see Avatar. Not sci-fi, but really good fantasy. It goes without saying that we go to all of the Harry Potter movies. I could live in that world, but we would have to have church. Somehow that wouldn't fit, so I just look on from afar. There are others we really want to see but it is just - as I said - easier to stay home and wait for it to come out on TV. While I was away this last weekend at Spinners Camp, Dad ordered HBO. Apparently he has been wanting this as he explained to me that it really was worth the extra cost. Whatever makes him happy --- maybe some of these movies will be on that.

We could go and rent a movie, but the player doesn't work. In fact we lost one of the controls and have to turn it on and off at the site. We can change channels, however. Did you guess that we are pathetically ill adapted to this technological world in which we live? You would be right. , if I rent movies I will surely forget where I put them, and they get tetchy about these things - they want late money. We remember what life was like before all of these new technologies. They are all wonderful, and would be better if they would work for us. However, there are always books. We are the favorites of the library. We keep their circulation numbers way up. And I usually find the books I have lost sooner or later. They wait, not always patiently, but they wait.

So --- this is how it is with movies and the Butlers. We read, we nap and we watch what we can get on TV. And we are happy with it. That's all that really matters.

Long time, no blog...

2010-03-18T11:52:00.000-07:00

Sorry about that.

Recent news, my former husband has just died. He had been very ill for quite some time, and this is the natural consequence of that. Our daughter Sarah and my grandson Marshall have gone to Jacksonville for the funeral. Sarah had just needed to have one of her beloved dogs put down, also, so this is really a hard time for her. Everybody hold her in your prayers, please. They will be home late Saturday night. Her two half brothers will stay with their mom for awhile, as is right and proper.

Mary Beth and I have just returned from Wildflower Spinners camp, at Lake Tyler in east Texas. We go every year and it just gets better and better. This year I returned with new toys, some fleece and many new skills. I am so pleased that Mary Beth is enjoying spinning. I gave her one of the wheels to live at her house. She is really quite good at this spinning. It took me much longer to learn. The food was typical of Earth Mother people (which is most spinners). A great deal of raw food and yogurt and tabbouleh and things for vegetarians and non vegetarians. And then, for some reason, after being super healthy, the desserts are sinfully delicious. Typical. Earth mothers do things their own way.

Many of these women raise their own sheep. goats and camelids ( llamas, guanacos, etc.) and we were given samples of all these fibers. We carded those that needed it and MB is going to spin and make a sampler scarf. Maybe. I hope. Next post I hope to have a photo of a huge room full of women with spinning wheels. It's a sight to see.

Dad has been ill, but seems to be getting better. With better weather, I think we all will feel more alive. The pecan trees in Denton are budding, which always means no more freezes. I have not found one here to check as yet, but a freeze is forecast for the weekend. Gotta go find that tree and check.

Nancy and co. are returning this weekend from their annual skiing vacation. The photos are great and I look forward to having the kids tell me all about it. I only got as far as water skiing - no snow in Florida. It seems to me that water skiing is safer. If you get in trouble, just let go the rope and you are safe in the water till the boat comes around for you. We learned to ski in the Gulf of Mexico and the best is jumping the waves and the wake from the boat.

I plan to start going to Mertzon once a week to tutor some of the kids in Nancy's class who are having reading problems. Then, I will stay and start teaching a Bible class, with the ultimate hope of either bringing people in to church, and/or starting a mission there.

Later......

Oops

2010-03-01T12:06:00.000-08:00

Mally's field at the science fair was micro biology. FYI

2010-02-28T11:12:00.000-08:00

A couple of Sunday's ago the children went to church withme. Noticehow tall they are now!. Enjoyed having them, and they enjoyed being there.

Tonight,

2010-02-23T20:59:00.001-08:00

I watched as my youngest granddaughter won first in the bio-chemical (I think-) area of the district competition and won second overall. So she has two tickets to the state competition. Whoop! We are proud of Mally! These kids were divided into juniors and seniors and Mally is just barely in the juniors. Her project was priceless.....

February 19, 2010 - Friday Five: Happy Lent!

2010-02-19T11:40:00.000-08:00

1. Did you celebrate Mardi Gras/Shrove Tuesday this year? Any memories of memorable celebrations past?

I attended a pancake supper at our church. This one is prepared and served by the vestry and clergy. One of my happiest memories is from St. John's in Tallahassee, where I was christened and confirmed. The youth group there did the cooking and serving, making quite a mess. But it was glorious fun to do this service and to be thanked and praised for doing so. We did have an outstanding youth group.

The following is lifted from Mary Beth's pancake supper story.
"Looking back, one of my earliest memories is of a pancake supper at the church we attended when I was a LITTLE girl - maybe 3 or 4? Old enough to be picked up and held. My mother was talking to someone and I brightly pointed out,"Mommy, there's the Paster's wife!" Pronounced as if the woman's husband used paste for a living. What I wonder now is, where in the WORLD did I ssee the word "Pastor" since we never, ever referred to our Rector as that? It sas "Rector, Reverend, or Father (this was before women's ordination!) Reading, I'm sure; I still have a great number of words in my head that I know from reading and context but am not sure how to pronoun e properly. But Pastor? At four? A church geek from the start, I guess."

Here is your answer, MB:
for a few years, you and Nancy attended Bible School at the local Lutheran church with Christina and Bert Johnson. The sign out front listed both the pastor and the pastor's wife. Reading sounds, as you do, you came up with paster. Once I heard you and saw the sign, I got it, explained it to you and you had it right - but it became a source of family amusement. Once, at about 8 years old, I found a book at my grandad's house, titled The Four Horsement of the Apocalypse. I read anything I could find, so I read it, but I pronounced apocalypse with the emphasis on the third syllable. I'd never heard any0ne say that word. You are so very much my daughter! If we don't know how to say something, we just make it up! )

2. How about Ash Wednesday, past and or present?
I have always attended Ash Wednesday service, and was even permitted to leave high school to go to the noonday service, but my understanding of this service has changed and deepened. This year's was very serious and mindful of our mission in the world and of our own growth as Christians. There was no music for the noon service and somehow that made it more stark and realistic.

3. Does your church practice this joyful season? Are there emphases or practices to share? and
4. Do you have a personal plan of give-ups, take-ons, special ministries, and/or a special focus for your own spiritual growth between now and Easter?
As children we always "gave up' something for Lent, and hadn't a clue why we were doing it. For now, I add a discipline to my life in order to deepen my walk. I have several this year, and part of this is leading the group which will meet weekly at our home to study the message in the sermon the previous Sunday. For Anglicans, Lent is not a joyful time, but a time for introspection and preparing for the greater joy of Easter.

5. What is your dream for the image of Christ coming to perfection in you, the church, the world? How can we support you in prayer?
I don't see Christ coming to perfection in my imperfect self - not in this world, but I keep trying. I daily work toward a deeper relationship with Christ and His Father. Evangelizing by leading and teaching Bible studies is part of this. I seem to learn best by teaching.
Please pray for the unity of the church of Christ in this world, as this seems so difficult for most of us. Pray for Janet and Sarah, that their several illnesses may be healed. Pray for us all as we all live in bodies which are older today than they were yesterday. Ask that we use our time in a way pleasing to our Father.

Bonus: Forgive us Father, for we have sinned in wanting (passive) you rather than by willing (active) and in needing you and not asking. You have told us "ask and it will be given" and instead of asking, we tend to sit and whine. Stir us up so that it will be impossible for us to sit and whine, but will impel us to proclaim your gospel to all who will even listen.

Today

2010-02-17T12:20:00.000-08:00

Dad and I served at the altar for the noontime Ash Wednesday service. It was a stark, lovely service. i read from Joel. No music, just words, some of them bleak. But then, Lent is bleak. I think I prefer this one to the evening one in which music is sung, so I'm glad we did this.

Lenten disciplines now begin.....

On Sunday,

2010-02-15T16:18:00.001-08:00

Iwas all ready to go to church when I fell on my face in the corner by the bed. Not so bad, but I whacked my cheekbone on the corner of the table. This hurt a lot, so I announced it loudly. Dad brought me ice, and I went to church with an ice bag and kept it on there the whole time. Today it is growing purple and swelling. Just charming. I know it could have been worse, but darn it, did it just have to happen? I seem to be one of the folks who have visual-spatial problems, and you'd thing it would get better but no...no...no...

Today the stitchers group met here. Our reular meeting place was not available. So I cleaned some more and now the front part of the l-d room is nice. I have until next Thursday (of next week) before I begin leading a discussion of the sermon from the Sunday before. Between now and then, the table and bar have to be emptied. It would be helpful if these things went somewhere 'right' but there is no where 'right' so they are in the back, piled up. Maybe I need a small backyard fire. ????? A large one? How large is legal?

Getting more ice for face. Agggh

I am happy

2010-02-13T19:09:00.001-08:00

to finally be getting well. Only today I did three things, and it was two too many. I nearly wiped out.

This will be a busy week. We are beginning small group meetings and an afternoon one will be at our house. I am getting the shovel out tomorrow. MB was supposed to come for the weekend, but was snowed in. That is such a weird concept for me. We do live in the south, after all. And after all the misery the snow has caused wouldn't you think we might get an inch or so? But no.....We did get rain, however, and it's always welcome.

I need a pattern for socks which uses a lace replacement for the ribbing. Anyone have one?

Tired, going to bed. Love to all.

I put

2010-02-09T20:44:00.000-08:00

my mother's dna back it its place and did not go to the store today. I stayed home and rested. It isn't as if we might starve - there is enough food here for an army - I just wanted to make soup. Tomorrow I will experiment with making soup with what I have. I may even look for a parsnip. This could get interesting.

No, no, no...

2010-02-09T12:19:00.000-08:00

I am not better. I have been to doctor and have lots of meds. Now I will load up on these and go off to Walmart for groceries. I know, I know, I could send dad, who is better off that I am, but he won't do it right. No martyrs here, but I definitely know exactly what I want. How hard could it be, when I ride a cart, anyway? Then I will crawl in bed and listen to Harry Potter. I can quote along with the reader, you know. Very soothing, this - if I miss a few lines, I know what they are, anyway.

I sent my 7" DVD player to Scooter to see why I can't get a picture. He says I'm not likely to get one with a CD. I knew that - I really did!. Just thought I had a DVD in there. Now, if he will lay his hands on the DVD player connected to TV and make it work, I will be very happy. He's really a grand person. We are lucky to
have him in the family.

nuf....

Nahhhh.....

2010-02-07T14:06:00.000-08:00

No church today. Dad is recovering and I am definitely not. Nancy (she hides her wings but she is an angel) brought soup. meds. etc. to us today. She even fixed them and put them in our hands. I know this will just take time,and I am ok with waiting till it passes. Itis nothing awful, just a cold, but it's been years since I had one like this one. A belated birthday happy to Scooter. I sent him a little someting by Nancy - a chuckle.

Blessings, and good night (it the dayime)

The miseries....

2010-02-06T20:14:00.000-08:00

We both have them. You know the kind - colds, stopped up heads, coughs, need I say more? But we managed to get out today and see Saxon play basketball (and he did well!) and then lunch and home to nap till it was time to see Spencer play here in Angelo. He also did well. It was really good to see all the children and the parents too. And the people in Mertzon who were at the games. We all have a common cause - we want to see our children do well and do it honestly and fairly. We see some teams that do not have this as a cause, but we are proud of our children for learning the values we(community, teachers, parents, grands's etc.) have taught them. Life is good, even with the miseries.

Church tomorrow? We'll see then. For now, bed.

Life and times.....and all that.

2010-01-31T12:57:00.000-08:00

My thanks to those of you who read this blog and comment on it. When that happens, I know I have reached a human being, and am not just blathering off into space.

Life has been extraordinarily peaceful lately - don't know why and I'm not about to rock the boat trying to find out. I now have two Bible studies to teach, and I gotta say I love it. I do the one for the Daughters meetings (try talking for just 20 minutes and then shutting up - me? ha!) Then, our minister has set up two weekly meetings - one at night and ours in the afternoon. We are to hear his sermon, take his list of comments home, read, muse, wonder, etc. and then meet at our house to discuss. Do you have any idea what it is like to be able to say I am having a meeting at this house? All the debris has not quite gone to the back, but it's on the way. I have dust in places I haven't seen in months. But it is doable and getting done! But I look forward to it. We hope to build a small community this way.

Also, also - George and I feel strongly called to start a mission in Mertzon. We even have found a building. Daughter Nancy and family live there and aren't going to any church right now. The pickings are slim out there. But G. is so frustrated by the rules of the whole thing. He somehow thought he and I could just waltz out and open this storefront up and all would be well. He thought I was being funny when I told him there were guidelines for this sort of thing, and we would have to be approved. We also need much support. He was stunned. I reminded him that I am 78 and living in a body that is not so well off, and he is 84 and has had quad bypass surgery as well as being diabetic. We will get the help we need, and I am as positive of that as I am that the call is real. He just is wrestling with the patience part of it. I will keep you posted. I think this will be fun, too (and I get to preach some more!)

Right now I am trying to count all the 'ask' words in the Bible. My mind is blown by how often we are told to ask and then we are told we have not because we ask not. I wish I could see the concordance better. Maybe there is a large print one somewhere.

I have new hope on the pain front. I interview someone from church each month and write a page about them. This last one was our outgoing senior warden, and his wife has always been sort of 'sick'. I didn't know much about it, but turns out she has chronic pain issues. So, while I use this TENS unit regularly, she has the same sort of thing implanted in her body. She can control it and recharge the batteries from the outside of her skin. Aaaamazing, yes? So, if things get worse, I can go that route.

Just talked to my sister who called to say Aunt Eloise has just died at 97. Also she said that now it is our turn to die and that they have decided that Grace has to die first, then me, and on down in age. I told her not to count on it. None of them can keep up with Grace (cousin) and me. So there.

Blessings.......

Help is greatly underrated by some

2010-01-20T12:37:00.001-08:00

but not by me. Last weekend, Sarah came out, complete with food to cook for us for the weekend, and Nancy came. Nancy took away great grammas 3 piece antique love seat - chair set and took it to her climate controlled storeroom. At first it was scary, things were so bare. Then Nancy picked up the sofa (folks, this has a bed in it!) and moved it under the window. She had to leave pretty soon, so Sarah and I began going through all the piles of papers and other stuff. It is scary how much there is, but it has to be sorted. Because.....we found my passport, two insurance policies and a check. You just never know. At Nancy's suggestion, we now have accordion folders to sort mail as it comes in. Works like a dream. Of course, I have not had to transfer these things to the permanent files, but I'll cross that bridge when I get there. It is really great to have the room look large and open, rather than cut in half. Thanks and kudos to these two girls. Next month Mary Beth will come and we will tackle some more. She keeps my nose to the grindstone too. Left to myself, I take on Scarlett's attitude - I'll worry about that tomorrow. I have heart, now, because I can finally see a difference. Thank you girls, all three. Don't know what I'd do without you. Find myself at the bottom of a pile of papers, probably.

My 3-5 kid choir is singing Sunday - doing Jesu, Jesu, which is a Ghanian song. We're using all sorts of wild instruments. We have wood blocks with sandpaper glued to them and handles on the top. They make a nice noise. Then we have hollow sticks, and yesterday I bought a block with a tapper for it. I have one little boy who has never yet missed a beat, so he and one other do the percussion. Not being a technical person, I have enlisted help and we wil be amplified this week. Somehow, when the kids can hear themselves the cut loose and really belt it out. Our next song will require bells and we have lots and lots of them. I'll have to write some percussion for Drew - that's why he is there.

Dad and I took the test for census workers. He worked the last one, ten years ago in Glen Rose, and likes going house to house. I am opting for a sit down computer job. Hoping that what I know will be enough. The test was not hard, but we only had 30 minutes to do 29 questions and a lot of them are convoluted in language. Being a fast reader helps, but only so much. These people can twist language around so you aren't even sure what the question is. I'll let you know what happens.

Blessings, all.

Too many 'fings'

2010-01-11T11:39:00.001-08:00

One of my favorite books from my childhood on (I haven't left it yet) is "Helen's Babies." In this ,Toddie,
a wonderful little boy, comments something like: 'I don't want no more fings. I gots too much fings"
Like Toddie, I gots too much fings. The house abounds with fings. I have plans to get rid of these fings,
though. Sneaky, secret plans. Just you wait and see.

Today,

2010-01-09T14:42:00.001-08:00

I saw my lovely neurologist. He is appalled at the state of my spine, but reluctant to consider surgery on an old lady with heart problems. He has decided I am not limited to three spinal shots a year, but can have as many as I need. He also RXed a newer and more versatile TENS unit for me. That's what a bunch of lumpy, useless discs can do for you. And I always took my calcium, too. It could be worse, tho. So, I don't have to stop my life and go off to a hospital, and that's always good news.

I am teaching a course for our women's group from an Andrew Murray on the Lord's prayer. I had forgotten what fun it is to teach. I don't know about the others, but I'm having a great time.

Sarah will be here very soon - weekend after next, I think. She has many plans and so do I. Chances are that won't get all of them done. We never do when I host a work weekend. But things are getting better and better. Nancy is going to help me rearrange this living room. It doesn't feel hospitable except for our recliners. I'm sure she can make it better - she has the 'gift'.

Blessings on all.

Now,

2010-01-08T22:06:00.000-08:00

the rackafracking printer has decided to take a long nap. Gotta crawl behind this thing (and pray I can get back out) and check all the plugs. Fun? No. But it has to be done.

Arrrrrrrrrrrrgh!

2010-01-04T12:10:00.001-08:00

If it weren't for expensive dentures, I could chew nails. My email is simply gone. Away. And I can't get it back. Happily my nice man who knows how to make 'puters behave is coming tomorow. Meantime I am trying to send an important email via my gmail account. It isn't going either, as it says the addresses are not correct. This is mail for dh, so have to wait till he gets home to check his references. He has never understood that 'puters only talk to people who get things exactly right. Hurry, tomorrow.

I am

2009-12-31T21:29:00.001-08:00

no longer just the grandmother of 10, I am now a great grandmother! Yeah! Lucy Katharine was born this morning and she is beauteous! I saw a photo. I've been waiting for this for a very long time, and am so happy for Susan and Adam. A great journey is ahead of them and they will love it.

Practicing photos today......

2009-12-29T08:56:00.001-08:00

My family is my true heart's home. But---------------here is the other heart's home of mine. St. Teresa beach. We try to go every summer , because we are indoctrinating our children to the wonders of this place. Also it is very healing for arthritics, of which I am one. Part of me will always be in this place, where I grew up.

Loverly, isn't it?

2009-12-25T11:52:00.000-08:00

Before you, you see a genuine, honest to

goodness, Texas Red Oak - aka my meditation tree.

Likewise!

Here, y0u see genuine west Texas snow. This is a really big deal for us, honestly.

F0r snow and trees and all God's gifts, may Jesus Christ be praised!

Funny -

2009-12-22T15:09:00.000-08:00

I am not "into" Christmas they way I used to be. Why is this? Only some vague ideas. I haven't had a 'regular' Christmas tree for years. No big one with all the family legendary ornaments, made by our children, by Aunt Betty, etc. It just doesn't fit, anymore. I have a 4' very narrow tree with white lights - I wrapped it with silver stuff to stand in the window. Across from my chair is my favorite fiberoptic one - changes colors all the time and is very soothing. But it's really not for Christmas. Sometimes it stays up for months, just because I like to look at it - more like an accessory than a Christmas tree. Maybe when we were all together as a family, all that love in one place made it Christmas. Maybe though the love is still there. But, also maybe, as our lives draw to a close, we are to leave the tryanny of the urgent (trees, parties, gifts )and just let it be to meditate on the message of what the coming of Jesus has and will mean to our existence. I find myself more and more drawn to books about Jesus and what He wants from us, and how, and now my library sack looks very different from the way it used to. I have a grand book on the 'collects' for each Sunday of the church year, which I pick up and down. When I read it, I really need a highlighter because it has all become so very important. I want to preach again.
Christmas is no longer about tinsel and parties and, ruefully about wide eyed children on Christmas morning. I do miss that, as they begin to learn what gifts are to them, in order to understand later what the greatest gift means to them.But it seems to me that the plethora of surprising gifts most of our children receive, and the fact that they believe they came from a wondrous, mythical creature who operates from love, is a forerunner of our real truth. As adults, we also receive a surprising and wondrous gift from a mysterious Father just because He loves us. We can't meet him yet, but his gift is always there for us to take. Real magic! Jesus is the gift and it's not just for Christmas but for all time. How telling to begin teaching this to children with Santa Claus, and them easing over into God the Father who loves us more than even Santa Claus does.
Our family love continues to grow as we remain close in spite of grandchildren scattered all over the U.S. We love from a distance, and we pray that they all come to understand what Christmas is really all about - and how very important that understanding is. I no longer need the hoopla - it is enough to have family who love us and care about us and to grow in the knowledge and love of our Lord.

Blessings to you all at this time, and always.

Today

2009-12-19T12:19:00.000-08:00

my three erands have morphed into one. I just can't run all over town chasing places that sell the Kraft garlic cheese and I can't make garlic cheese grits without it. So-- later for that one. I am taking my eggnog pumpkin pie to the congregational dinner tomorrow, instead. Much easier, but sorry to disappoint the folks waiting for the grits.

Also, just can't get to the UPS place today, (it is mobbed and the lines are forever) so those pkgs will go out Monday. Barb,I know yours will be waiting for you. Have a safe trip to New York.

I will, however, go to the library. After all, I do have an accurate idea of what is important.

This is not the season to be running from pillar to post, but to be in prayer and meditation. I'm starting that now, tho I don't promise to meditate Monday when they stick all those honking big needles into my spine. Bleah!!!

It does seem to me that it is almost impossible to maintain calm at this time of year. Maybe if we ran away to a retreat center, we could center ourselves. Or maybe we are supposed to learn to do this through0ut all the hoo-hah that surrounds us. Lord help us to see through all of that to the really important event of the time of year.

Also, last night,

2009-12-18T21:32:00.000-08:00

I sat beside my wonderful Saxon (grand) who warned me before the program started that he hoped I had brought my ear plugs. I asked the required 'why' and he told me that everybody in the program sang very loudly and very off key. Well, ummm, there were some off key parts, but it was grand anyway. Nancy's class sang Silent Night in both English and German. A couple of classes did songs such as 'The first day of christmas' and used the 'card up' ploy we used to use in the card section of football games back in the early '50's. Very effective and funny! And the first grade! Well they sang about Rudolph and each of them was holding a red lollipop over their noses. Spencer played in the elementary recorder part of theprogram. He promises to teach me to play one. You would think I could figure it out, but no!
Sax also commented that he certainly was glad he wasn't in this program any more. He is certainly pleased to be in middle school. I think he feels infinitely superior.
Also, Mally and her scout troop came by tonight and sang their two Christmas carols for us. We have photos coming to prove it.
Tomorrow I have three errands and I am finished!!! and finished in many ways. Now I plan to steep myself in the mystery of Christmas, where I should have been for the last three weeks.

Mertzon Elementary Christmas Program

2009-12-17T18:27:00.000-08:00

Just returned home from a great program. You'd never know they put it together from ideation on in just one week. It was just great. Then the high school band played. They are fantastic. Watching them come in and out with their parts as directed, makes me sad that we don't have a choir which sings parts. I particularly love motets. But our music is worshipful and very excellent. I can't complain because I'm not going to do anything about it. I do have the children's choir. Our next song is our first outing with 'sort of' instruments. Should be interesting. We are singing an African song' Jesu, Jesu. We have sticks, a tambourine, things with sandpaper to rub against each other and many, many bells. I am warming them up for the next one, which is "The Holy Ghost will set your feet a dancing!" I think the whole church will be dancing after that one! Come and hear!

Haj

2009-12-16T21:33:00.000-08:00

I've just finished reading a humongous book. 'Haj 'by Leon Uris. Very well written, but the way the Arab world works (or doesn't work) makes me feel as if I am in the dryer and it is going. As portrayed, most of them don't really like each other. Or anyone else, either. Oh well.

Went to the livestock show in Mertzon lately. It's really neat to see the children with their animals - they have to know how to show them and keep them in the right position. Saxon's pig (first time for pigs) was neat. First I saw the pig sound asleep in it's pen with Sax sound asleep, head on the pig's belly. I had to leave after the sheep, goats and rabbits, but Nancy said the pig earned a 3rd place - the judges said he was too fat. One lady told Nancy to exercise next year's pig more. She said she played soccer with her pig. Nancy plans to do that and I plan to go and watch. Remembering this should be enough to make me giggle in the middle of something serious, anywhere and anytime.

Looking for Mary Beth this weekend. Hoozah!

Pictures in blog posts!!!

2009-11-29T08:19:00.000-08:00

Here is Mally at the Gulf Specimen Marine Lab in Panacea, FL.

Hi everyone! Guest post by Mary Beth to show Mom how to include photos in blog posts. Look for more soon!

Also, this is her 200th post, so give a cheer!!!

MRI report

2009-11-24T15:00:00.000-08:00

Well, family and friends, things aren't looking so good here. I had read the MRI report and knew there were problems, but didn't realize that I have "pushed the limit of my luck" with my back. I have an appointment with the neurosurgeon mid December (I will call and ask to be pushed up if there is a cancellation) and see when he wants do this surgery. There are 4 discs involved and one is in a disastrous position, so I am to be careful and not go near a chiropractor till this is over. My doctor was just wringing his hands. He did say he didn't want me to go go Dallas for this shoulder after the back. Said to remember he has two patients in this family and he doesn't want dad having to drive back and forth from Denton to Dallas every day. I may have to anyway, but there is a possibility of a new ortho person at the other hospital who has the experience to do a reverse shoulder replacement. First things first, however.

I'd hoped I was through with all this operation stuff. Maybe someday.

I hope you all are having a magnificent Thanksgiving this Thursday. Scooter, Nancy and children and we are going to Big Lake to Scooter's cousins ranch house. We've been before and really enjoy being there. Lots of people, good food and good company.

Prayers for all of you who are traveling over the weekend. You Barnes who are all in New York, give Susan an extra hug from us.

Blessings on you all......

Enthusiasm

2009-11-22T21:06:00.000-08:00

A quick note here. After the sermon this morning, one lady was so excited she stood up and began to clap. Lot's of us felt like it, but pastor went right on as if it hadn't happened. Why can't we stand up and clap for a particularly meaningful message? I was so awed by what he had said I hadn't entertained the idea of clapping.

I am already tired of 'happy holidays'. My response is 'and a very blessed Christmas to you!' Holidays indeed!

a phone call

2009-11-15T10:56:00.001-08:00

When I heard from my sister the other day, it was a great suprise. We had talked briefly a few times since we left Florida. She's in a really bad way and I will phone our mutual cousin to try to set up some help for her. This situation is one of those generational things. We were abused both physically and emotionally as children, but we responded very differently. I didn't buy into the control the abuser needed, and was able to break the cycle later in life. My sister didn't, and her first husband was a physical and emotional abuser. Now she is married to the king of emotional abuse. I had never realized the exent of this until I talked with Mary Beth about it - she was able to clarify it. My mom was also abused as a child. Blessedly, I was able to raise children who put up with no crap from anyone. I pity anyone who tries to abuse any of them! Sister didn't and she and her children are totally estranged.
I need to credit my father who helped me break the cycle and get out of it. He was also a victim, to some extent.
So, if I can help sister Nancy get on Medicaid, get food stamps and find a free lawyer (legal aid, perhaps) who may can help her protect herself. Maybe. That's about all I can do but pray and I do that without ceasing. At 73 I am not sure she is able to even understand how she got into the mess and I'm also not sure she is not too afraid to try to get out.
May the good Lord take care of her and strengthen her.

PS Just had a phone visit with said cousin. She is all set to find all the things Nancy needs. Thank you God for family who love us.

a really good day.....

2009-11-09T12:59:00.001-08:00

Saturday, Nancy dropped off Saxon for a while so she could take the others to the mall (gag!). We had such a glorious time, that when she came to get him dressed for a wedding they were going to, I asked if he couldn't just stay. She asked him if he really wanted to go to the wedding and he had spent the morning telling us how much he didn't want to go. She let him stay the whole day and they drove off with Spencer shouting that he didn't want to go to the wedding either. It's his turn next. It was an eye opening day. First we played Up Words (for those not familiar, it is Scrabble with a third dimension variable ) And he Won! By a lot! One of his words, I just had to challenge - he went to the computer and found it. It is really Latin but is used contemporarily so much that I allowed it. Really humiliating to be the 'words person' gran and be so stomped. But it makes me proud too. He is a joy to be around. When I ask for help, he is up and ready to do whatever I ask. We cleaned out the jewelry chest so it can go and live in Mally's room. He was even impressed with some of the jewelry (costume, fer sure).
About this time, he found my magnifying glass and after receiving assurance that it was indeeed glass, and not plastic, he raced out ahd burned holes in many leaves. Not sure if he tackled the ant bed or not. I cautioned him as they are fire ants and they really mean business.
Then the Preppers lady came (pre packaged meals ready to cook, and frozen. He put some in the freezer and told me there was no more room for the rest. I showed him how to make room. There's always a way. He wanted to make a pumpkin pie but I was unprepared with piecrusts and eggnog. Both boys and I usually spend a lot of time in the fall making these and gobbling them down.
Grandaddy took him over to the club house and they played pool and a form of table shuffleboard. It seems that he slid a puck and it stopped and then, unexpectedly it moved some more. He wonders if this is magic. And the crowning event! He is now taller than I am! So I am looking up to these last grands.

Meanwhile, grandaughter Susan is having our first great grand. A girl, and I need to finish this baby blanket. We are pretty excited, though we won't see her much as they live in New York. Pictures are always good, though and if they come to Houston, we will try to go over and see them.
At the family reunion before last I was able to hold twin great, great niece/nephews. Amazing to see the generations come along behind us.

Next, one of the other grands will come for a day and I will tell you all the exciting things we do. These days are really high points for us.

chortle, chortle

2009-11-06T12:22:00.000-08:00

:) :) :) :) --- also yippee skippee and huzzah!

I have been cut off from my computer for two days! It demanded a password which I didn't have and couldn't get. The clue was daughter. I tried all of your combinations, including the names of all of you at once, and no go. A wonderful computer man just came out here for slightly over an hour and found it - it was "marybethie" of all things. Now I don't need this pw any longer. He found massive infections and removed them, adding a new filter syster. He also checked for the parental control blocker and couldn't find it. So now I know to look at my spam before I ditch it.

Honestly, this has been almost as bad as nicotine withdrawal. I have felt cut off, desolate, etc. But this loverly man has said to call anytime and ask any questions I have. He does a lot of work out here and is kind enough to come to our homes, being that we are all doddering.

First, gotta high five for Mary Beth for her new, wonderful job. I still expect books from her one of these days. I know they are in there. She will really enjoy this work.

Otherwise our lives are moseying right along. We are preparing for the day when we will have to leave our church building. It may not happen, since the suit is still in action, but it may. We are trying to identify what we have purchased so that we take only that which is ours. We have several options of where to go while we finish the court doings. Then we either get our church, or we go find or build another one. Whatever.

Kudos to Katie for selling all those scarves for me! You are greatly appreciated, Katie! If you have any suggestions as to what sort of thing sells best, do let me know. Sarah just called with a couple of new orders, but I have to go out and chase down purple eyelash yarn. If it exists, Hobby Lobby will have it there. We don't have a proper yarn shop in SA. Sanger, I think, is the school with purple and gold for colors. I make these, changing colors half way through (behind the neck). I'm not knitting as much as my hands get tired sooner than they did. NOt fun. But I can still play with the yarn.

Blessings..........

Friday Five

2009-10-25T12:51:00.000-07:00

On this Friday before Reformation Sunday, let's talk about music. Share with us five pieces of music that draw you closer to the Divine, that elevate your mood or take you to your happy place. They might be sung or instrumental, ancient or modern, sacred or popular...whatever touches you.

Some of us even love hymns. (Well, I do.)"
1)Faure “Requiem Mass”
2) Peter, Paul and Mary “Where have all the flowers gone?”
3) Mozart Requiem Mass
4) Shall we gather at the River?”
5) Lift High The Cross
6) I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light

I know, that's one extra. There are many others - Music is a huge part of my life.

golf or not?

2009-10-18T20:00:00.001-07:00

When DH and I married in 1964, I decided I wanted to learn golf. I had taken lessons before our wedding and once when he came to visit we went out to play. I hit a monstrous stroke - the ball hit two trees and wound up just an inch from a (?) hole in one. This irritated him enormously. When we went to live in Texas, I tried playing with him, but my tennies slipped. He wanted to get me golf shoes with cleats. I really worked at explaining that I needed to play barefooted. I like my bare feet on the ground, and I found I could hold on with my toes. If this sounds simian, consider the source. At any rate, such a thing is apparently "just not done". My friend Heather and I played several times, just as barefooted as yard dogs, but I learned to watch DH play. He just never could convince me that 'real' golfers wore proper shoes. I remembered this when I wrote the previous post about shoes and feet. I just never liked shoes. I do like to watch golf on TV. Nobody yells.

feets?

2009-10-16T12:42:00.000-07:00

October 16, 2009
Friday Five: Feets

1. What is your favorite footwear at this time in your life? Always SAS shoes or sandals with the left foot built up 3/8" (because the left hip replacement left my leg short by that much. Bah)

3. What kind of shoes did you wear in your childhood? Tennies? Mary Janes?
There were no tennies when I was a child - they hadn't been invented. Yes, I am ancient. We wore only leather shoes - that was our only choice. Capezios were a favorite for school and something disgusting and shiny, like leather Mary Janes for church. As a teenager, I loved 3" heels and wore them whenever possible. When I had a tall boyfriend, I even wore them to class in college. Ruined my feet, they did.

4. How do you feel most comfortable? Barefoot, flip-flops, boots, or what? Barefoot is great but I keep the house too cool for it to be comfortable. Slippers are nice, or sandals, even with socks.
Growing up, we never wore shoes except in the winter, at school or church. The minute we got home from school, the shoes came off! Trees are much easier to climb barefoot, but we had to wear shoes to roller skate.

5. What kind of socks do you like, if any? Very soft, with no elastic in the ankle to cut off circulation (I told you I was ancient)

Bonus: Anything you want to share about feet or footwear. I insist that my shoes NEVER hurt my poor feet. And that includes hurting this bunion I am ignoring.
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Church of the Dog

2009-10-05T11:21:00.000-07:00

I don't usually comment too much on the many books I have read, but I am going to mention Church of the Dog. This book came to me in a sack from a friend. She and her husband buy books by the dozens. I can't imagine having to find a place to put them, but she is good about sharing them. Usually her books are murder mysteries, so imagine my suprise to find Church of the Dog included. It took me a bit to orient myself to this story, but it turns out to be a luminous and enchanting book. Mara (protagonist) lives a life similar to the one I had during that brief time when I was responsible to absolutely no one for my life. Part of this was during university, when we formed and reformed vastly unlike groups who somehow fit together, and drifted apart when the need came. This sounds absolutely an unreliable way to live, and it was, but it worked until it didn't. Sorry if this doesn't make sense. This is a sort of story of magic and of redemption and can open us to the magic in our lives. I plan to read her other books. PS If you read this, don't miss the answer to the second question on page 217. One of my daughters will recognize herself here.