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Words of kindness are works of kindness, and since they cost so little and are worth so much, we should strew them plentifully all along life's way.
~Modern Proverbs
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"The heavens declare the glory of God..." Psalm 19:1
Friday, November 29, 2002
One holiday down, one to go
Which reminds me, I have done no Christmas shopping yet. I have the money saved, now I just have to get to the stores. I like to do it early in December in order to beat the crowds. I don't like crowds.
Another project I need to get to is getting my Christmas greetings out of the way. This year I put together a little poetry booklet to send out to my near (or far) and dear. It was a fun project and contains about 19 of my most recently written cinquain.
I had the booklet photocopied last week, now I just have to fold, staple, put in envelopes. Oh, another reminder--I have to go over to Walmart and pick up the calender I had done for the children's California grandparents, and the enlargements of the photo I took of the children this last summer. I haven't given the family any pics of the kids for about two years. Every two years I try to get a nice snapshot and make it into photos to distribute to the relatives at Christmas time.
I am going to be busy this week getting my websites updated. It has been a long time since I have worked on most of them and such neglect piles up. I am sure there are lots of broken links, plus I want to do some new backgrounds on some of the pages. I found a nice site with free backgrounds, etc. for personal websites.
Nothing earthshattering going on around here. The children are play quietly in their rooms (that is almost unheard of, maybe I should go up and see what they are doing), the dogs are outside barking at passerbys, and the husband is sitting in his easy chair reading the evening paper. Life is good~
Wednesday, November 27, 2002
Good speller? Take this test and see
from Jim Shouse in The Chronicle
Which of the following words is misspelled?
Supercede, conceed, procede, idiosyncracy, concensus, accomodate, rhythym, opthalmologist, superintendant, Weyerhauser, questionaire, seperate, homesight, deisel, occured, innoculate, cemetary, destrous, impressario, irresistable, miscelanaeous, perculator, irretreivible, veternarian, repellant, appendicites, bivuoac, picnicing, catarpillar, sacreligious, paraphanali, manuever, souvenier, occassion, immidiate, perrenial, auxilliary, ommitted, committment, and ptomaine. (check comments for the answers).
Monday, November 25, 2002
I love this artwork
In fact, I like Waterhouse's paintings so much, I have used several at the poetry page I maintain, The Beehive.
Waterhouse painting discovered
One day last November, Toronto art dealer Odon Wagner received what may have been the most important phone call of his professional life. A client living on Ontario's Lake Simcoe said that he wanted to sell a painting from his collection.
Not just any painting, but an oil on canvas by John William Waterhouse, the leading artist of the so-called Victorian school. According to Dennis Lanigan, owner of one of Canada's largest collections of pre-Raphaelite art, Waterhouse "is the greatest of the Last Romantic artists and, as a painter, he towers over every other English painter of his generation."
The work was signed and dated -- 1909 -- but untitled, a fact that only added to its mystery and allure.
Wagner soon drove up to see it for himself. "It was like coming into Chartres," he recalls, "an overwhelming and magnificent experience."
Now, almost a year later, Waterhouse's painting -- Gather Ye Rosebuds while ye may -- is scheduled to be auctioned at Christie's in London in November. The presale estimated price is $2.9-million (U.S.) to $4.2 million, but most experts believe the final bid will be two or three times those numbers. Read the entire article from The Globe and Mail
Sunday, November 24, 2002
The Pastor's Perspective
"The Gospel isn't just a message to come in out of the cold, so to speak; it is the truth that there is a purpose for our lives." ~ Mike Kozowski Read the entire message
It made me angry
There was one thing about the new Potter movie that made me mad. I did not like the stereotyping of fat people as either 1) insensitive child abusers, or 2) gluttonous imbeciles. Most obese people are neither of those things. We are simply decent, hardworking people trying to live our lives and be a constructive part of the community.
I truly resent the film and tv industries' continued portrayal of obese people as lazy, good-for-nothng slobs, who no one in their right minds would want to be around. I can think of only one character on tv who is obese and portrayed in a postivie light. That is the character of Eleanor Frutt on TV's "The Practice."
Fat people make up about half of the population of the United States right now! That is a hefty pocketbook to spend in the nation's economy. Why should I continue to spend my share on movies, etc., that insist on giving me a negative image of people who I know are smart and sensitive.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
There has been a lot of controversy among Christians about the Harry Potter series of books and movies. I saw the new movie last night, and I must confess, I quite enjoyed it. On the whole, it was even better than the first movie. Yes, from a spiritual point of view, the movie is full of wizardry and witchcraft, but from a moral point of view, it is a classic story of good versus evil--and good wins!
I think we Christians should stop worrying so much about the imaginary world of Harry Potter, and concentrate on real-life issues such as the million or more babies that die in the U.S. each year from abortion. Now that is a real monster!
Monstrosity
We preempt the lives
of millions of children,
and the world sleeping
does not weep--
but a mother cries,
and billions of tears
resonate until at last
the earth shatters.
Tuesday, November 19, 2002
This or That
1.Long or short hair? Long hair. About 15 years ago, I had short hair. It was such a hassle to style it every day that I finally just let it grow. I wouldn't consider cutting it again unless the long hair became a hassle. Which it hasn't yet.
2. Microwave or conventional oven? The microwave is convenient, but there is nothing that beats the taste of food cook long and slow in a conventional oven.
3. Plain or Peanut M&M's? Peanut M&Ms. The crunch of the peanuts give a much more satisfying eating sensation.
4. "101 Dalmations"...animated or live-action version? Animated. It's a classic, after all.
5. Drink out of bottle/can or pour into a glass? Pour into a glass. It just seems so much more sophisticated that way.
6. Sunlight or moonlight? Moonight. The night time sky is just so beautiful.
7. Kermit the Frog or Miss Piggy? Miss Piggy. Now there's a piglet that knows what she wants!
8. Glasses or contact lenses (or neither)? Glasses. I've worn them for so long I think I would feel naked without them.
9. Action movies or chick flicks? As I've said elsewhere, Chicken Run was a pretty good movie.
Monday, November 18, 2002
The Pastor's Perspective
"When we become believers we often [still use the world's] philosophy, but we change the names. We call it Christianity, and claim we're just trusting Jesus, while really we just proceed in a continuation of the same old flesh doing the same old thing." ~Mike Kowzowski. Read the entire message.
Wednesday, November 13, 2002
This or That
1. Hershey's Kisses: with or without almonds? I don't eat candy very often, and Kisses even less often, but when I do buy Kisses I prefer almonds. It just gives an extra bit of enjoyment.
2. Wizard of Oz: Scarecrow or Tin Man? The Scarecrow. In fact, I just wrote a poem featuring the Scarecrow. It sprang from an exercise in a writing club to which I belong. I can't publish the whole thing here because I am saving it for the WPA contest in the spring, but it starts out like this: Did the scarecrow ever leave Oz/put his new brain in a bucket by the door/then go jogging back down the yellow brick road . . .
3. Meat eater or vegetarian? Meat. Since childhood an evening meal isn't complete without meat and potatoes.
4. Buy books or borrow them? Borrow them, usually from the public library. When I do buy books, it is usually second hand. I just balk at paying 8 dollars for a paperback--and prices for hardcover are just way over the top!
5. At the bank: ATM or human teller? The ATM is certainly more convenient for quick transactions.
6. Oil or gas (or other) heat? Gas. We live in a house that is more than 100 years old. It is drafty. Trying to heat it with electric would break the bank.
7. Pen or pencil? Pen. Black ink. Fine point.
8. Drive or use public transit? Drive, though at some point in my elder years I will give up the car and go public.
9. Who IS James Bond: Sean Connery or Pierce Brosnan (or any of the others in between)? Sean Connery, duh!
10. Your ideal breakfast: full (bacon/sausage, eggs, pancakes, etc) or continental (bagels, muffins, fruit, cereal)? I generally don't eat breakfast (I use a breakfast drink instead), but when we go out to eat breakfast (about once a year), I usually have an egg and cheese omelet with hash browns and toast.
Monday, November 11, 2002
Monday Memories
Have you ever seen a live show, or a band, live? You must have some memorable moments there... care to share one? The most recent live show I saw was Travis Tritt. He came to our little county fair. It was fun because I took the children and they had never been to a live performance. Tritt was special for them because we watch CMT a lot and they've seen him on the music videos there. The show itself was awesome. Tritt is quite a performer.
I don't go to many concerts. Before Tritt, I remember seeing Ricky Skaggs, Johnny Cash, and Doug Kershaw perform at various times over the past few years. I'm especially glad that I got to see Cash in concert, because from what I understand he isn't performing anymore because of his health. He is truly a legend!
Monday Mission
1. Although I was told before hand by my mother, my Grandfather finally told me he has cancer and it was speculated he has about 12 months to live. Has someone you know ever told you they had a terminal illness? No one close to me has died of cancer. My step-grandfather died of pancreatic cancer years ago, but even though I saw him a lot, he was like a stranger. I'm still not sure how I feel about his death. I feel sad that I didn't know him better. We lived next door to him for years.
2. The concept of having 12 months comes as somewhat of a shock. Often those estimates are wrong and a person lives much longer. But still, it makes me think. If you found out you had 12 months to live, what would you do with that time? How would it change the way you live? Or would it? I don't know what I would do. I think it is sort of strange to be so worried about "Oh, I have only a year to live" when death could come at any intance. We are all living under a sentence of death. A few weeks ago three women on the way to a baby shower died in a horrific traffic accident on the freeway near here. They were not expecting to die that morning, yet dead they are. The same thing can happen to any one of us at any time. We must be ready for death by being right with God.
3. My Grandfather has decided to undergo chemotherapy. He was told it would not cure him, but it could prolong his life, however his quality of life could diminish. Having watched my father go through all that to no avail, I am not so sure I would choose that option. If you were (or are) in a situation where chemotherapy might cure you, or might not, would endure the usual side effects and discomfort? It depends. If it is more than a 50/50 chance, I would consider it.
4. How is your health? How are you doing? Right now I am healthly. I could stand to lose a little weight. I'm working on that.
5. Speaking of health, I was in a Health Food Store Saturday and learned about something called "Ear Candling." It
involves having a helper insert a cone-shaped candle in your ear, lighting it and having the reverse pressure suck the wax out of your ear. Apparently it is very popular. Do you use, or have you ever tried, any alternative heath remedies or procedures? How did that work out? Anything out there we should try (or avoid)? Oh, I think I have done some of the usual stuf like echineachea(?). Currently I'm taking a couple of things: evening primrose oil and cider vinegar tabs. I don't think they really do anything, but it makes me feel like I'm doing something for my health.
6. Which reminds me, this week at work they are giving flu shots for $15. I hate getting shots, so getting one by choice, and paying for it, is tough for me. How do you feel about Flu shots. Do they give them where you live? Are you going to get one or take your chances? I think flu shots are probably benificial for elderly people or those who would are more affected by illnesses like the flu. Flu can be a killer. Toward the early part of the 1900s hundreds of thousands of people died in a flu epidemic here in the U.S.
7. I'd like to see either "Spirited Away" or "Bowling for Columbine" before they vanish from the multiplex at the mall. But I will probably have to go see it alone (which I hate). Do you like to go to see flicks at the movie theater alone? Or would you rather have company? Seen any good (or bad) movies lately? I've only gone to the theatre with family or friends, which I like, but I wouldn't mind going alone if it was a movie I really wanted to see and no one else could go. With 4 teenagers in the house, I don't think I would lack company.
BONUS: Don't you want somebody to love? Sorry, I already have somebody to love.
Today's comment question: What Would Jesus Drive? Jesus was an unassuming type of guy. If He were on earth today I think He would drive something dependable, but not flashy. It would have to be roomy enough for several passengers--after all He had those 12 disciples.
Sunday, November 10, 2002
Saturday Scruples
A relative is dying. She asks for help to die with dignity. Assisting suicide is a criminal offense. Do you help? I help her by giving her the care and love and support she needs to die with dignity. God holds the decision of life and death, only He has the right to appoint the time of death.
A friend calls it "the best entertainment in town." He uses a scanner to listen to lovers talking on cell phones. Do you do it? No. How rude!
You're selling your house because of constant noise from the rooming house next door. Potential buyers ask why you're selling. Do you tell them? Yes, honesty is the best policy.
Friday, November 08, 2002
Current Status
Current Clothes: I'm still in my nightgown, but I'll be getting dressed soon to go out and do a little shopping.
Current Mood: Satisfied because I am getting several things done that have been on my "to do" list for awhile.
Current Music: I picked up some CDs from the public library, a series of songs from the 70s. The exact title of the one in the player now is Super Hits of the 70s: Have a Nice Day: Volume 2. Songs include "Love Grows," "Ma Belle Amie," and "Spirit in the Sky." That last song is interesting because I recently heard it on the Christian Radio station. It apparently has been reprised by a Christian group.
Current Hair: No changes.
Current Annoyance: Having to share the computer with the children because the new computer is so much faster than my old computer, but the new one was the kid's Christmas present soooo, I can hardly kick them off it do do my work. I just wait until they go to school or to bed in the evening.
Current Thing: I'm working on a little book of my poetry to send out as a Christmas greeting. I had it completely done and then accidentally deleted it. I have it redone and just need to take it to the printer now.
Current Desktop: An image of the moon. It came preinstalled with the new computer. On my old computer I have an image of the Galactic Center. It is awesome!
Current Group: I also checked out a new CD from the library that features The Monroe Brothers. The blurb on the back of the case says: "In 1936 Bill and Charlie Monroe were riding the southern tour and radio circuit to regional stardom. Separating them from the myraid of similar brother duos was a keen ear for gospel melodies and a firece passion and drive emanating from Bill's mandolin and sharp tenor vocals. That same year, they recorded these--their earliest and still most popular recordings." Songs include "New River Train," God Holds the Future in His Hands," and "You've Got to Walk That Lonesome Valley."
Current Book: The Price of the Stars by Debra Doyle and James D. MacDonald. The blurb reads ion part, The war with the Mageworlds is over. Now it's time for the real struggle to begin. Freebooter at heart, spacer by trade, Beka Rosselin-Metati doesn't want to hear about her father whose rugged generalship held back the Mageworlds--or her highborn mother whose leadership has held the galaxy together ever since. Beka pilots spacecraft--as far from her famous family as possible, thanks very much." I love sf.
Current Video: I recently watched Sliding Doors which was a nicely done little romance. The premise is that a woman who has just lost her job is returning home earlier than usual. The story splits into two simultaneous lines. In one, the woman misses her ride on the subway. In the other she catches the tube. Each storyline deals with what happens to her in the "what if" senarios.
Current Refreshment: Diet Coke.
Current Thought: I'll be happy when soccer season is over. The children's last game is tomorrow.
Friday Five
1. Did you vote in your last elections? Yes, I never miss going to the polls unless I too ill to get out of bed.
2. Do you know who your elected representatives are? I try to be aware of who is representing me at both the local, state, and national levels, though I have to admit that sometimes I have to look those names up to refresh my memory.
3. Have you ever contacted an elected representative? If so, what was it about? No, but years ago my parents were having trouble with a particular national governental office and they contacted our senator and the problem was resolved.
4. Have you ever participated in a demonstration? Yes. I once participated in a prolife rally. Members of various churches in the area gathered together and lined a sidewalk in town. We hald placards with various prolife messages. There were about 1000 participants that day, which is a high turnout for our twin cities of about 27,000 people.
5. Have you ever volunteered in an election? What was the result? No, I have never volunteered in an election, but I have a friend who mans the polling place in her district. She rather enjoys it.
Thursday, November 07, 2002
The Lady of Shallot
Years ago I had a copy of this painting. The image fascinated me. I didn't know the lady's story, but I knew it was something tragic by the sadness of her face. I now know the painting is by Waterhouse and it refers to the legend of The Lady of Shallot.
It seems the Lady, also known as Elaine, was smitten with Sir Lancelot. But the Knight of the Round Table couldn't (or wouldn't) return her affection because he in turn was smitten with the Queen (an ill-fated love since she was the wife of King Arthur).
Elaine dies of a broken heart and her family puts the body, and a letter explaining her circumstance, in a barge on the river that flows into Camelot. When the fair folk of Camelot find Elaine's corpse they are astonished. Sir Lancelot's take on the affair is "she had a fair face." Bah!
One account of the story has Elaine cursed to life in a tower unable to view the world even through the window. Her recourse is to view the outside through a reflection of the window in her mirror. She weaves tapestries of what she sees "in the shadows." One day she sees the image of Lancelot and is reminded of her love. She leaves her tower and gets in the barge where she dies and then floats downstream to Camelot.
Tuesday, November 05, 2002
This or That Tuesday
1. Art or science museum? Art, with science a close second.
2. Play or watch sports?Play, if it's horseshoes.
3. Zoo or circus? Zoo. I can see what I want too see when I want to see it.
4. Theater: film or live on stage? Live, though I can't remember the last live play I saw.
5. Rock concert or the symphony? Rock, but my favorite music is blugrass.
6. Movies: see them in a theater or wait for DVD/VHS? I'f prefer to see them in theatre, but it's usually vid.
7. Board games or computer/video games? Board games. We used to have a family game night. We'll have to start that up again.
8. Hobbies: crafts (art, cooking, home repair, etc) or collecting (coins, stamps, rocks, etc)? Collecting, but I have too many to list.
9. Watch TV or read a book? Read a book. Currently I'm trying to get by monthy quota to 3.
10. Eating out: fancy, white-tablecloth restaurant or casual dining? Fancy. It makes me feel pampered.
Monday, November 04, 2002
A New Computer
I bought a computer as a Christmas present for the children. They are so excited! The reason it came early is because Gateway had a special offer. I took the offer because I was going to buy one from Gateway for Christmas anyway. My computer is a Gateway. It is about 6 years old.
The computer came with a year of AOL, free. I think I am going to be spending a lot of time online with the new computer because with so much free memory it is three times as fast as my "geriatric" model--that is when I can get the new one away from the children!
The computer also came with a promo version of The Simms. I can see why that game can become an obsession. My family is, I mean, was, a three-person group. The the child died in a kitchen fire! Good grief!
Monday Mission
1. Have you ever had to appear in court? What was the reason? How did it turn out? I think I went to court once for a speeding ticket. I don't remember how that turned out.
2. Ever been accused of something you never did? Were you able to convince anyone? My husband sometimes accuses me of doing things I haven't done, like hiding the remote control. But, he always finds it RIGHT WHERE HE LEFT IT!
3. When it comes to crime and punishment, do you agree with the saying "An eye for an eye?" I don't know, that can be carried to an extreme.
4. Are you a judgemental person? Do you ever make up your mind about a person before you know them? When was the last time that happened? Or if not, how do you keep from being judgemental? Yes, I am judmental. I think everyone is to a certain extent. The trick is not letting that pre-judgement interfer with how you treat people.
5. Ever get "swats" at school? How do you feel about children being spanked in school. Is it best that they don't do that anymore? How about parents spanking kids? Good or bad? Yes, I got swats once when I was in the fourth grade. I was flirting with the boy across the aisle when the teacher had said to be quiet. I thought that was a bit unfair. I don't know if the boy got swats too. I think that only parents should be allowed to spank their children. I think spanking depends upon the child. For one child it is an effective deterent, for another it isn't.
6. What is your favorite "Chick Flick?" What the heck is a "chick flick" anyway? I thought Chicken Run was a fun movie.
7. Describe the last situation you were in that can best be summed up by the phrase "seemed like a good idea at the time?" I don't know. I have such a boring little life. I don't do much of anything that is risky.
BONUS: Who will bury us when we die? Someone in the family. I don't think it's going to be my top concern when the time comes.
Monday Memories
When you were young, did you have family traditions allowing you to make a wish? Like seeing a falling star, blowing out all of the candles on your birthday cake, getting the wishbone in the chicken... what was yours?
Did any of your wishes come true? What did you wish for?
One of my favorite vehicles for wishing is dandelion blossoms. When the dandelions bloom then form their seed parachutes. When the wind blows the seed if you catch one while it is floating by, you can make a wish. I still grab them when they float by. I don't remember any of the wishes I made or make, and, no, none has ever come true. Why would they. It is just a silly game.
Sunday, November 03, 2002
The Pastor's Perspective
"In our singing we recognize that Jesus is indeed Lord of all creation. We acknowledge our need for Him and dependence on Him. We set aside our striving and manipulation, and give ourselves once again to the One who loves us and cares for us." ~Mike Kozowski"
Read the entire message for 11/03/02.
Friday Five
1. Were you raised in a particular religious faith? No, but through some experiences with Vacation Bible School and reading the Bible I came to believe that God existed and that Jesus Christ was the Way of Salvation.
2. Do you still practice that faith? Why or why not? I accepted Christ as my Savior in 1987. I still avow my faith in Him.
3. What do you think happens after death? I think there is an afterlife. I think those who believe in Jesus will spend eternity with Him, and those who don't won't!
4. What is your favorite religious ritual (participating in or just observing)? I love everything about my expression of faith as far as rituals. I am Pentecostal. One of the most special "rituals" I ever participated in was an old-fashioned foot washing service. The women washed one another's feet. During the time of washing there was prayer and singing. It was a wonderful time of growing close to the women of the congregation.
5. Do you believe people are basically good? I think people like to believe they are basically good, but the Bible says the heart of man is desperately wicked. Even when doing "good" things people can be "wicked" in that they are separated from God because of Sin (the conditon into which all humans are born, not individual acts like lying or stealing). "Good"ness, i.e. being reunited with God and knowing His guidance for right behavior," comes only through profession of faith in Jesus.
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