The best for last??
My beautiful, talented, smart, entertaining, adorable, charming and healthy children. I give thanks to God daily for them.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Grateful for #30
The best for last??
My beautiful, talented, smart, entertaining, adorable, charming and healthy children. I give thanks to God daily for them.
November is a Month of being Grateful
I am going to post something everyday that I am grateful for. Will you join me?
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
Pictures of our Days
What it looked like almost all the way to WVa. Srly.
Our new Expedition comes with a passenger side kitty ear warmer. Isn't it cute.
Athena Crittenden Coleman, better known as Critter, enjoying her Thanksgiving.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Thursday Theremin Posting -- Gordon Charlton
Dance Of The Flower Pot Men by Beat Frequency - Experimental Theremin Music
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Grateful for #26:
12 hours in a car with two kids and a kitten.
=o)
And house sitter who will clean up after the old lady cat. For this I am truly grateful.
=o)
And house sitter who will clean up after the old lady cat. For this I am truly grateful.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Confidence
Today's economy is built on a principle of confidence. We currently have a form of fiat currency -- which are "types of currency or money whose usefulness results not from any intrinsic value or guarantee that it can be converted into gold or another currency, but instead from a government's order (fiat) that it must be accepted as a means of payment." (Wikipedia, Fiat Currency) During WWI, specie money and fiat money came into direct conflict. Instead of backing every note with a certain amount of precious metal (or specie), money instead started to be based on a country's (or indeed individual's) confidence that the issuing government could back the note. This eventually lead to hyperinflation of money. The ensuing financial melee became known as the "Great Depression" and afterwards WWII forced an international framework based on wholesale gold bullion (think Fort Knox) known as the Bretton Woods framework or system.
Under the Bretton Woods Framework, the value of the United States dollar became 1/35th of a troy ounce -- The Gold Standard. Dollars could not be redeemed by individuals for this gold, only other countries could ask for that gold. Each country's currency had their equivalent gold standards and there was additionally an International Monetary Fund who could assist equalizing trade imbalances. We were all tied together.
This was fine for a while, but the US began to build both internal and international debt. Each year for the last 50+ years, our government has spent more money that it has budgeted. We now not only have a budget deficit, but a national debt that is so very large that I personally cannot comprehend it. It amounts to around $36K per person in the United States. Who got us here? Both the Democrats and the Republicans. Each would like to cast aspersions on each other -- but they are both to blame.
What has seemingly made it worse is the abandonment of the Gold Standard. You see, in the very early '70s, France wanted gold for the money we owed them. However, we did not have the gold in the reserves to pay them -- however we NEVER have had specie to cover our banknotes. -- n ot even from the very beginning. Although we called it a "Silver Standard" in 1789 and a "Gold Standard" in 1945, it has always been fiat money.
But we had the illusion of gold backing our money and confidence in that system. In 1971, when we abandoned the Bretton Woods system, the value of the dollar fell and gold prices rose -- as a show of the lack of confidence in the American dollar.
It is so very easy to point to Bush's economic policies and cry wolf -- or to Reaganomics, or to Clinton's Mortgage Bill, or to Carter's push for easier mortgages or to Nixon's abandonment of the Bretton Woods Framework, or JFK's tipping the balance on the National Debt. Easy to point fingers, but each were culpable. This is not an easy problem -- there are no easy solutions. A better question would be this -- has there EVER been a truly stable economic system in the history of humankind?
What are we then to do? We need to build confidence -- starting at home. We need to pay our bills and show our creditors our integrity. We need to work our jobs -- if we have them. We need to dispose of all revolving debt. We need to live within our means. How can we expect our country to balance a budget and reduce our national debt when as individuals we cannot balance our own checkbooks or reduce our own crushing debt load?
I understand that if the consumer doesn't consume, then people will suffer -- we have so ingrained conspicuous consumption in our collective psyche, that we have people creating products that we honestly don't need and can't afford. Do we really need a "redistribution of wealth" so that we can waste money on bigger and bigger plasma TVs, more clothing than we can stuff in our closets, bigger and faster automobiles and consume our way to perdition?
As a people and as a nation, we need to look hard at how we are spending our money. We need to examine our purchases and determine if it is a "want" or a "need." The pundits on the radio this morning were predicting the demise of the United States within two years. I say that we need to look deep within ourselves and see how we each can do something to help create confidence. We need to look at our system of taxation and see if there is some better way (of course, I'm thinking in particular of the Fair Tax. *(another note: please do not think that I am a fan of all the politicians that appear on that website -- I'm a fan of the concept because economically it makes sense.)) We need to look at the government's spending and ask the Wesleyan questions: Are we making all the money we can without it becoming usury? Are we saving all the money that we can? Are we giving as generously as we can? What would it mean if a nation asked these questions of itself?
I think these next few months should be months of introspection as a nation. I think that will be my prayer.
*I'm not going to argue about the Fair Tax right now -- it is NOT an additional 23 percent on top of what we are already paying. The taxes that it abolishes are hidden in the price of the goods and thus the take-home price of goods will remain much the same.
Under the Bretton Woods Framework, the value of the United States dollar became 1/35th of a troy ounce -- The Gold Standard. Dollars could not be redeemed by individuals for this gold, only other countries could ask for that gold. Each country's currency had their equivalent gold standards and there was additionally an International Monetary Fund who could assist equalizing trade imbalances. We were all tied together.
This was fine for a while, but the US began to build both internal and international debt. Each year for the last 50+ years, our government has spent more money that it has budgeted. We now not only have a budget deficit, but a national debt that is so very large that I personally cannot comprehend it. It amounts to around $36K per person in the United States. Who got us here? Both the Democrats and the Republicans. Each would like to cast aspersions on each other -- but they are both to blame.
What has seemingly made it worse is the abandonment of the Gold Standard. You see, in the very early '70s, France wanted gold for the money we owed them. However, we did not have the gold in the reserves to pay them -- however we NEVER have had specie to cover our banknotes. -- n ot even from the very beginning. Although we called it a "Silver Standard" in 1789 and a "Gold Standard" in 1945, it has always been fiat money.
But we had the illusion of gold backing our money and confidence in that system. In 1971, when we abandoned the Bretton Woods system, the value of the dollar fell and gold prices rose -- as a show of the lack of confidence in the American dollar.
It is so very easy to point to Bush's economic policies and cry wolf -- or to Reaganomics, or to Clinton's Mortgage Bill, or to Carter's push for easier mortgages or to Nixon's abandonment of the Bretton Woods Framework, or JFK's tipping the balance on the National Debt. Easy to point fingers, but each were culpable. This is not an easy problem -- there are no easy solutions. A better question would be this -- has there EVER been a truly stable economic system in the history of humankind?
What are we then to do? We need to build confidence -- starting at home. We need to pay our bills and show our creditors our integrity. We need to work our jobs -- if we have them. We need to dispose of all revolving debt. We need to live within our means. How can we expect our country to balance a budget and reduce our national debt when as individuals we cannot balance our own checkbooks or reduce our own crushing debt load?
I understand that if the consumer doesn't consume, then people will suffer -- we have so ingrained conspicuous consumption in our collective psyche, that we have people creating products that we honestly don't need and can't afford. Do we really need a "redistribution of wealth" so that we can waste money on bigger and bigger plasma TVs, more clothing than we can stuff in our closets, bigger and faster automobiles and consume our way to perdition?
As a people and as a nation, we need to look hard at how we are spending our money. We need to examine our purchases and determine if it is a "want" or a "need." The pundits on the radio this morning were predicting the demise of the United States within two years. I say that we need to look deep within ourselves and see how we each can do something to help create confidence. We need to look at our system of taxation and see if there is some better way (of course, I'm thinking in particular of the Fair Tax. *(another note: please do not think that I am a fan of all the politicians that appear on that website -- I'm a fan of the concept because economically it makes sense.)) We need to look at the government's spending and ask the Wesleyan questions: Are we making all the money we can without it becoming usury? Are we saving all the money that we can? Are we giving as generously as we can? What would it mean if a nation asked these questions of itself?
I think these next few months should be months of introspection as a nation. I think that will be my prayer.
*I'm not going to argue about the Fair Tax right now -- it is NOT an additional 23 percent on top of what we are already paying. The taxes that it abolishes are hidden in the price of the goods and thus the take-home price of goods will remain much the same.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Grateful for #24:
Movies. I love movies. Especially movies like "The Forbidden Kingdom" with BOTH Jet Li and Jackie Chan.
Edited:
I'm such a geek. I have over 300 movie in the queue right now. I take it by spells -- The next few movies in the Netflix Queue:
Howl's Moving Castle
Bride with White Hair
The Buddhist Fist
Legend of the Red Dragon
Rush Hour
The Legend of Drunken Master
Castle in the Sky
Prodigal Son
Jackie Chan's Who Am I
Mr. Nice Guy
Twin Dragons
Tekkon Kinkreet
Kung Fu Master
New Fist of Fury
Spiritual Kung Fu
Spirited Away
Yes -- do you notice a theme??
Edited:
I'm such a geek. I have over 300 movie in the queue right now. I take it by spells -- The next few movies in the Netflix Queue:
Howl's Moving Castle
Bride with White Hair
The Buddhist Fist
Legend of the Red Dragon
Rush Hour
The Legend of Drunken Master
Castle in the Sky
Prodigal Son
Jackie Chan's Who Am I
Mr. Nice Guy
Twin Dragons
Tekkon Kinkreet
Kung Fu Master
New Fist of Fury
Spiritual Kung Fu
Spirited Away
Yes -- do you notice a theme??
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Grateful for #23:
For older and wiser women, and their sage advice, I truly give thanks to God this day.
And for carrot cake, pound cake, coconut cake and the musings over slices of said cakes, I give more thanks.
And for carrot cake, pound cake, coconut cake and the musings over slices of said cakes, I give more thanks.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Grateful for #22:
I give thanks for opportunities to love -- and all the different ways that they may present themselves in the turmoil of life.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Grateful for #21:
I give thanks to God for all of the persons in my life who have loved me into being who God wanted me to be - for that great cloud of witness, I am truly grateful.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
For those in Snellville Georgia
Who want to see the ISS (International Space Station), it is going to be particularly visible tonight -- for 4 minutes, from 6:13 EST to 6:17 EST, traveling across the sky to an elevation of 85 degrees from 34 degress above SW to 12 degrees above NE.
Thursday Theremin Posting -- How to play the Theremin
Basics of Playing the Theremin -- powered by ExpertVillage.com
Grateful for #20:
I give thanks to God for my weaknesses because they turn me to God and make me trust in God, and in God only.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Buy Nothing Day 2008
Buy Nothing Day is an informal day of protest against consumerism observed by social activists. Typically celebrated the Friday after Thanksgiving in North America and the next day internationally, in 2008 the dates will be November 28 and 29 respectively. It was founded by Vancouver artist Ted Dave and subsequently promoted by the Canadian Adbusters magazine.
The first Buy Nothing Day was organized in Vancouver in September of 1992 "as a day for society to examine the issue of over-consumption." In 1997, it was moved to the Friday after American Thanksgiving, which is one of the top 10 busiest shopping days in the United States. Outside of North America, Buy Nothing Day is celebrated on the following Saturday. Despite controversies, Adbusters managed to advertise Buy Nothing Day on CNN, but many other major television networks declined to air their ads. Soon, campaigns started appearing in United States, the United Kingdom, Israel, Germany, New Zealand, Japan, the Netherlands, and Norway. Participation now includes more than 65 nations.
While critics of the day charge that Buy Nothing Day simply causes participants to buy the next day,[4] Adbusters states that it "isn't just about changing your habits for one day" but "about starting a lasting lifestyle commitment to consuming less and producing less waste."
Source: Wikipedia
Suddenly, we ran out of money and, to avoid collapse, we quickly pumped liquidity back into the system. But behind our financial crisis a much more ominous crisis looms: we are running out of nature fish, forests, fresh water, minerals, soil. What are we going to do when supplies of these vital resources run low?
Theres only one way to avoid the collapse of this human experiment of ours on Planet Earth: we have to consume less.
It will take a massive mindshift. You can start the ball rolling by buying nothing on November 28th. Then celebrate Christmas differently this year, and make a New Years resolution to change your lifestyle in 2009.
Its now or never!
Source: http://www.adbusters.org/campaigns/bnd
The first Buy Nothing Day was organized in Vancouver in September of 1992 "as a day for society to examine the issue of over-consumption." In 1997, it was moved to the Friday after American Thanksgiving, which is one of the top 10 busiest shopping days in the United States. Outside of North America, Buy Nothing Day is celebrated on the following Saturday. Despite controversies, Adbusters managed to advertise Buy Nothing Day on CNN, but many other major television networks declined to air their ads. Soon, campaigns started appearing in United States, the United Kingdom, Israel, Germany, New Zealand, Japan, the Netherlands, and Norway. Participation now includes more than 65 nations.
While critics of the day charge that Buy Nothing Day simply causes participants to buy the next day,[4] Adbusters states that it "isn't just about changing your habits for one day" but "about starting a lasting lifestyle commitment to consuming less and producing less waste."
Source: Wikipedia
Suddenly, we ran out of money and, to avoid collapse, we quickly pumped liquidity back into the system. But behind our financial crisis a much more ominous crisis looms: we are running out of nature fish, forests, fresh water, minerals, soil. What are we going to do when supplies of these vital resources run low?
Theres only one way to avoid the collapse of this human experiment of ours on Planet Earth: we have to consume less.
It will take a massive mindshift. You can start the ball rolling by buying nothing on November 28th. Then celebrate Christmas differently this year, and make a New Years resolution to change your lifestyle in 2009.
Its now or never!
Source: http://www.adbusters.org/campaigns/bnd
Grateful for #19:
I am grateful for my dentist. No, I am not kidding! I may not have perfect teeth (far from it!) but I am grateful that I have had good dental care for the majority of my life.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Bullets
- I saw the ISS tonight before my Bible Study.
- I didn't hit a deer, but I saw two by the side of the road.
- It was COLD tonight -- 26 degrees F.
- I saw gas for $1.76 a gallon. That would be $1.66 with my Kroger card. Wow!
- But gas is the only thing this week that I have noticed that the price has gone down.
- On the way home, I saw a bunch of meteors. The Leonids were on the 17th, so what's up with that?
In other news
Galveston is having a hard time. We heard a lot about Katrina and New Orleans -- not so much about Ike and Galveston. We have family in that area; between the hurricane and the economic tsunami, Galveston is being hit hard.
The latest news confirms that between 2800 and 3800 people are going to be laid off from the University of Texas Medical Branch. That is going to be 3800 families who will not have a good Christmas this year -- 3800 people going onto unemployment, perhaps forcing them to move, as Galveston is not rebuilding very rapidly (if at all).
But additionally, this is bad news for the thousands and thousands of indigent people who depend on UTMB for medical care. UTMB lost $710 million from treating people after Ike and additionaly did not have sufficient flood insurance to cover the damage from the hurricane. UTMB is the largest employer on the island. This will mean tremendous loss of revenue for Galveston with the result that they may never recover fully from Ike.
There is a part of me that feels that this is a message to us to not build so close to the coast. What hubris that is! There is a part of me that believes that yes, they need to cut their losses and move inland.
But I get lost into the individual stories -- the indigent person who will not have care; the family of that nurse that will be laid off. How do we balance what we know is making the "best" of a bad situation and these individual stories?
I wonder if part of separating the sheep from the goats happens within our own selves as we try to discern the best thing to do.
I can hear it now -- "Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?" Then he will answer them, "Truly I tell you, just as you took away the employment to one of the least of these, just as you denied decent healthcare to one of the least of these, just as you shutdown 350 hospital beds to one of the least of these, you did do it to me."
The latest news confirms that between 2800 and 3800 people are going to be laid off from the University of Texas Medical Branch. That is going to be 3800 families who will not have a good Christmas this year -- 3800 people going onto unemployment, perhaps forcing them to move, as Galveston is not rebuilding very rapidly (if at all).
But additionally, this is bad news for the thousands and thousands of indigent people who depend on UTMB for medical care. UTMB lost $710 million from treating people after Ike and additionaly did not have sufficient flood insurance to cover the damage from the hurricane. UTMB is the largest employer on the island. This will mean tremendous loss of revenue for Galveston with the result that they may never recover fully from Ike.
There is a part of me that feels that this is a message to us to not build so close to the coast. What hubris that is! There is a part of me that believes that yes, they need to cut their losses and move inland.
But I get lost into the individual stories -- the indigent person who will not have care; the family of that nurse that will be laid off. How do we balance what we know is making the "best" of a bad situation and these individual stories?
I wonder if part of separating the sheep from the goats happens within our own selves as we try to discern the best thing to do.
I can hear it now -- "Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?" Then he will answer them, "Truly I tell you, just as you took away the employment to one of the least of these, just as you denied decent healthcare to one of the least of these, just as you shutdown 350 hospital beds to one of the least of these, you did do it to me."
Tonight
I am going to go look for the ISS around 6:52 -- it will appear in the sky in the southwest and move across the sky. It will be very bright -- about a magnitude -2.5. I have gone and watched for it before; it is indeed quite visible to the naked eye but tonight will be different. Tonight it contains a person who I have known for 25 years. He and I did not attend the same school, but we had the same peer group at the Science Center and he was an Independent Study Student my first year teaching. I met him at a cookout we had that Fall. He went to HS with my boyfriend at the time.
So I will watch tonight and think of those days, of that time. How amazing life is and how varied. I will send up a prayer for traveling mercies, as well, maybe even singing a verse or two of "Eternal Father Strong to Save."
Godspeed, Eric.
So I will watch tonight and think of those days, of that time. How amazing life is and how varied. I will send up a prayer for traveling mercies, as well, maybe even singing a verse or two of "Eternal Father Strong to Save."
Godspeed, Eric.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Monday Bullets
Little Bit (or Critter) is the Purrfect Laptop.
- Little Bit is settling in quite nicely. The big kitties are getting used to the idea of the micro-cat. She loves to perch on my shoulder -- like a parrot. It's kind of sweet but it's also kind of annoying. She's still very little -- about a pound and a half, but she's growing. Her eyes have lost all signs of blue and I think she's going to have gold eyes. I am totally in love with her.
- And yes, she gets to go to West Virginia with us. The house-sitter doesn't want the responsibility of a kitten and the vet won't board one this young. She doesn't seem to mind the car so we will put a covered litter box in the back along with her food and water, put her bed in the back seat and carry her around in the cat-carrier. I suppose we will have free range cat while we are in motion on the freeway. Should be an adventure.
- We are getting ready for the marathon to Christmas. Advent is week after next -- I want all my ducks in a row before Thanksgiving so that I don't have to stop and deal with, well, stuff.
- I want to do some baking/cooking this Christmas and I would love to have an after Christmas party. Cleaning the house is the first step, so I'm cleaning house -- literally and figuratively.
- Odd thing yesterday -- I saw your typical Suburban Gansta' -- lowriding Honda with low profile tires, sagging pants with lots of chains, a "grill" and ballcap turned sideways, listening to booming music. EXCEPT the music was Nickel Creek Newgrass. My brain almost exploded.
Grateful for #17:
Zyrtec. My allergies are clearing up. So much for just using the stuff occasionally. I've started taking it every day. I really don't want to be dependent on medications -- and I suppose if I were willing to have itchy eyes and sneeze all the time, I could do without. However I don't think I was on top of my game yesterday -- I took Theraflu and Theraflu + allergies + preaching = very interesting sermonizing.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Grateful for #16:
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Why My Allergies MIGHT Be Acting Up
Just maybe.
Cat's brains give off mostly alpha waves -- and it is said that they are attracted to people who give off alpha waves. I suppose I give off more alpha waves than the rest of my family. I do love this little kitty.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Grateful for #14:
I am grateful that I married MacGyver. Of course the Cat Whisperer's haircut is much better and in his day I think that he was much easier on the eyes than Richard Dean Anderson. But he is just as resourceful. This week he repaired his gear selector on his "new" Saturn (1995) with a couple of cable ties. He debated about using a shoestring, but didn't have one on hand. The thingy at the bottom of the gear selector broke and the cables attached to allow you to shift gears fell off.
The "permanent" solution required a couple of grommets from a Toyota windshield wiper, a couple of big washers and I guess more cable ties or bailing wire. Maybe he used duct tape and chewing gum, too.
But for his "handy-ness" I am grateful.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
This Sunday
This Sunday the text is the parable of the talents. Where to go with this? Of course, there are layers of meaning. Most people skip over the fact that the talent is an actual measure of money -- not an ability. When I read this, I am reminded of my Grandfather D who found a jar of money dated from the early 1930's in his back yard in 1958 or 1959. This is a common thing in the depression -- there was zero trust in banks.
Well, we are almost at zero trust in the stock market and banking institutions again. I wonder how I can talk about this parable this year and at this time?
I am also reminded of Dante's level of hell where there were the wasters and the hoarders. I am reminded of John Wesley's theory of Money -- and how we talk about it now-a-days (Dave Ramsey, Scott Adams, Crown Financial).
Zero trust in banks -- who should we trust then? It makes me think also of contentment and how we try to fill the emptiness within us with stuff.
Hmmm ... Maybe I have already written this sermon.
Well, we are almost at zero trust in the stock market and banking institutions again. I wonder how I can talk about this parable this year and at this time?
I am also reminded of Dante's level of hell where there were the wasters and the hoarders. I am reminded of John Wesley's theory of Money -- and how we talk about it now-a-days (Dave Ramsey, Scott Adams, Crown Financial).
Zero trust in banks -- who should we trust then? It makes me think also of contentment and how we try to fill the emptiness within us with stuff.
Hmmm ... Maybe I have already written this sermon.
Thursday Theremin Posting -- Bonus!
As suggested by Gordon Charlton. This is a really talented player -- such control and dare I say intonation (I've had arguments with a friend if a theremin can have intonation...) The instruments blend together beautifully. Western ears are so used to hearing a well-tempered or just tempered instrument and our entire lexicon of western music depends on such. How delightful to hear the theremin in a lovely asian pentatonic composition. Absolutely beautiful.
I'm feeling "owie" today
I'm feeling a little sore today -- more than the average. I've had bursitis in my elbow now for about 9 months and I've lived with osteoarthritis for years and years. It's pretty much under control with Celebrex and glucosamine chondroitin. I do have nights where I can't sleep at all because of the discomfort -- that's when the serious pain killers come out (and it's the real reason for the new mattress. It's also the reason that I will use BOTH the heated seats and the air conditioning in the car -- at the same time.) I also was told years ago that I have FM - I don't know about that. Maybe I do; maybe it's just osteo. However I do have several joints that have some RA. Most days, it's controlled by the Celebrex too. But today -- owie. I felt it yesterday in my foot while we were practicing the side stance where you cross feet and hit with a middle punch. While I was rotating -- yousa. And I've felt it in my left hand particularly as holding the phone has become painful.
I have been meaning to make a new appointment with a new rheumatologist -- I guess it's time. I don't want to go on methotrexate because it suppresses the metabolism and Lord knows this metabolism doesn't need to be suppressed anymore that it already is! I may go the route of taking more supplements -- I've already started more Acai berry juice. Eh, phooey. Time to call the doctor.
I have been meaning to make a new appointment with a new rheumatologist -- I guess it's time. I don't want to go on methotrexate because it suppresses the metabolism and Lord knows this metabolism doesn't need to be suppressed anymore that it already is! I may go the route of taking more supplements -- I've already started more Acai berry juice. Eh, phooey. Time to call the doctor.
Grateful for #13:
Caring teachers -- for myself in the past and for my children in the present. Their's is as much a calling as mine.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Advent Conspiracy and Buy Nothing Day
Advent Conspiracy
Buy Nothing Day
This year I will be participating in both the Advent Conspiracy and Buy Nothing Day.
I will be giving out presents; but they will be handmade and homemade and something of use. That doesn't mean it can't look good or taste good or smell good or be beautiful or not be meaningful -- it just means that I don't have to spend MONEY on them. I will choose to use my time to create them.
I could spend more time blogging about this, but I don't know what more can be said. Perhaps I will compile a compelling list later. I am tired of the commercialism of life; much less the commercialism of something I hold precious - the birth of Christ. How about you?
Buy Nothing Day
This year I will be participating in both the Advent Conspiracy and Buy Nothing Day.
I will be giving out presents; but they will be handmade and homemade and something of use. That doesn't mean it can't look good or taste good or smell good or be beautiful or not be meaningful -- it just means that I don't have to spend MONEY on them. I will choose to use my time to create them.
I could spend more time blogging about this, but I don't know what more can be said. Perhaps I will compile a compelling list later. I am tired of the commercialism of life; much less the commercialism of something I hold precious - the birth of Christ. How about you?
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Grateful for #12:
Our Veterans.
Satchel Pooch at "A Different Street" blogged a list of names to day of veterans she would like to remember. I think I will as well:
My Father (WWII/France, Korea/stateside, Vietnam/stateside)
My Uncle Wiley (WWII, Korea (Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star), Vietnam, Iran -- retired 1984)
My husband's Grandfather -- WWII/India and China, Korean/reserves
My Uncle Guy -- Army Air corp/Flew a P38 in WWII
My husband's Uncle Forrest -- WWI/Drum and Bugle Corp
Carl Camp -- WWI -- infantry
My cousin Bobby -- Vietnam
My friend Jim -- Vietnam
Doug -- Vietnam
Tracy -- Vietnam/1st Gulf war/Career Army retired around 1994.
And multiple others.
For their service to our country, I am truly grateful.
Satchel Pooch at "A Different Street" blogged a list of names to day of veterans she would like to remember. I think I will as well:
My Father (WWII/France, Korea/stateside, Vietnam/stateside)
My Uncle Wiley (WWII, Korea (Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star), Vietnam, Iran -- retired 1984)
My husband's Grandfather -- WWII/India and China, Korean/reserves
My Uncle Guy -- Army Air corp/Flew a P38 in WWII
My husband's Uncle Forrest -- WWI/Drum and Bugle Corp
Carl Camp -- WWI -- infantry
My cousin Bobby -- Vietnam
My friend Jim -- Vietnam
Doug -- Vietnam
Tracy -- Vietnam/1st Gulf war/Career Army retired around 1994.
And multiple others.
For their service to our country, I am truly grateful.
Grateful for #11:
Surprise Kitten.
Actually a rescue kitten -- we can't decide what her name is. As soon as I held her, I knew I had been selected as her human. She's a real snuggle cat -- and a real purr factory. Of course, I think she may have to go to WVa with us at Thanksgiving as the vet will not board her so young (that was pre-planning, eh?) She's very 'human oriented' and will ride around on your shoulder. Johnny and Little Kitty are NOT impressed. In fact, I fear for her life right now and am keeping them seperated.
So what to name her?
So far:
Chaos wants "Athena" (because we got her on the way home from Athens.)
Entropy wants "Saia"
The LH (better known as the cat whisperer) wants "Critter"
I have been calling her "Little Bit"
Isn't she a cutie?
She forgot about bathing, so we had to prompt her into doing it (cute little moggie, isn't she?)
The "yes, I am adorable" pose.
She talks to the Cat Whisperer. And yes, I'm a yutz.
Actually a rescue kitten -- we can't decide what her name is. As soon as I held her, I knew I had been selected as her human. She's a real snuggle cat -- and a real purr factory. Of course, I think she may have to go to WVa with us at Thanksgiving as the vet will not board her so young (that was pre-planning, eh?) She's very 'human oriented' and will ride around on your shoulder. Johnny and Little Kitty are NOT impressed. In fact, I fear for her life right now and am keeping them seperated.
So what to name her?
So far:
Chaos wants "Athena" (because we got her on the way home from Athens.)
Entropy wants "Saia"
The LH (better known as the cat whisperer) wants "Critter"
I have been calling her "Little Bit"
Isn't she a cutie?
She forgot about bathing, so we had to prompt her into doing it (cute little moggie, isn't she?)
The "yes, I am adorable" pose.
She talks to the Cat Whisperer. And yes, I'm a yutz.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Grateful for #9: Pajama Days
Pajama Days. For those in the know, a Pajama Day is really a Sabbath Day. It's never changing out of your pajamas or putting on fresh ones, sitting around the house, eating, scritching on kitties, watching movies, turning off the computers, the cell phones, the cable, whatever. It is a day of complete rest. Ahhhh......
Well, that was yesterday -- today is "Church" which is, for us, not exactly a Sabbath.
Well, that was yesterday -- today is "Church" which is, for us, not exactly a Sabbath.
Saturday, November 08, 2008
Grateful for #8: Sunflowers and Cameras
I do love Sunflowers -- and I really enjoy taking pictures.
Looking at my Sunflower pictures, I decided I like this one best. It's in good focus and I love the bee going in for a landing. I cropped it so that it's nicely framed in the picture (using the law of thirds). It's becoming my favorite picture of the year.
I enjoy the creativity of taking pictures and cropping them, adjusting the lighting and color balance. I find it a soothing activity. I think I'll go take some pictures today of the beautiful Fall color.
Friday, November 07, 2008
Car Vs. Deer
I hit another deer last night. Rather, the deer hit me and glanced off the back quarter panel, leaving behind a scuff in the paint. No blood, thankfully. This is the second deer in a month. The first deer was in my own neighborhood, about 6 driveways down from the house. I was driving slowly around 11:00 pm, when a stag with a full rack of antlers raced by me on the passenger's side and tried to leap over the hood. It almost made it, but grazed the front quarter panel, leaving a scratch from a back hoof. It stumbled, but made it back up on it's feet before the car could really hit it -- and ran down the street scaring the Bejesus out of a late-night jogger.
Last night after Bible Study, it was dark with only a half of a moon to light the night. The trees on either side of the road crouched dark and foreboding. It felt weird, driving through that Stygian darkness. There is a stretch down Lexington-Carlton where the road slopes down and down and down to the Broad River. As I descended down to the river, the change in altitude caused ribbons of moist air to condense and create creepy ribbons of mist that floated over the road, linking the dark trees on either side. I wondered if I could look out the side of the car and see the headless horseman. As I approached the bridge to cross the river, I had an irrational desire to NOT CROSS. As dark as the trees were, the river was darker, like there were bottomless voids on either side. I crossed the bridge anyway, but it felt so wrong. I saw a few small animals on either side of the road -- a little white dog and a cat crossed right in front of me.
I turned onto Georgia 72, seeing just a few cars as I went through Carlton. Right outside of Comer and as I was slowing down, I became aware of a large thing pacing me on the right. I looked over and saw a huge white doe. I passed it and it zigged and then it zagged right into my back quarter panel, shaking the entire car. I hit my brakes and looked into my rearview mirror to see it jump up and run back into the dark woods.
I stopped at the gas station in Comer and saw the scuff in the paint -- no dents. I wonder how the deer is doing, if it is recovering from the shock. I wonder if it was really white, or did I just catch the headlights reflecting light into its undercoat. I wonder if it is now marked with a spot of burgundy paint on its shoulder to match the white scuff in the car.
I passed another deer on the margin of the road standing stock still -- a fawn still covered with spots. Our eyes met for a moment and I felt it knew something.
It was a mythic ride. The dark looming trees, the fear of crossing the water, the void on either side of the bridge, the white doe, the fawn's knowing eyes. Or maybe I just have a vivid imagination. Or perhaps the stag, the doe and the fawn are signposts to something. A noble proud stag; a deer that perhaps can cross over to other spheres; a harbinger of new life.
Last night after Bible Study, it was dark with only a half of a moon to light the night. The trees on either side of the road crouched dark and foreboding. It felt weird, driving through that Stygian darkness. There is a stretch down Lexington-Carlton where the road slopes down and down and down to the Broad River. As I descended down to the river, the change in altitude caused ribbons of moist air to condense and create creepy ribbons of mist that floated over the road, linking the dark trees on either side. I wondered if I could look out the side of the car and see the headless horseman. As I approached the bridge to cross the river, I had an irrational desire to NOT CROSS. As dark as the trees were, the river was darker, like there were bottomless voids on either side. I crossed the bridge anyway, but it felt so wrong. I saw a few small animals on either side of the road -- a little white dog and a cat crossed right in front of me.
I turned onto Georgia 72, seeing just a few cars as I went through Carlton. Right outside of Comer and as I was slowing down, I became aware of a large thing pacing me on the right. I looked over and saw a huge white doe. I passed it and it zigged and then it zagged right into my back quarter panel, shaking the entire car. I hit my brakes and looked into my rearview mirror to see it jump up and run back into the dark woods.
I stopped at the gas station in Comer and saw the scuff in the paint -- no dents. I wonder how the deer is doing, if it is recovering from the shock. I wonder if it was really white, or did I just catch the headlights reflecting light into its undercoat. I wonder if it is now marked with a spot of burgundy paint on its shoulder to match the white scuff in the car.
I passed another deer on the margin of the road standing stock still -- a fawn still covered with spots. Our eyes met for a moment and I felt it knew something.
It was a mythic ride. The dark looming trees, the fear of crossing the water, the void on either side of the bridge, the white doe, the fawn's knowing eyes. Or maybe I just have a vivid imagination. Or perhaps the stag, the doe and the fawn are signposts to something. A noble proud stag; a deer that perhaps can cross over to other spheres; a harbinger of new life.
Grateful for #7: Cats
Little Kitty (now Grumpy Old Woman Cat) in a pose I call "Don't Wake Me Up!" -- She's 20 years old this week and shrinking. She's now about 4 pounds. Too ornery to die. I was there when she was born -- little and ornery. She's still little and ornery.
Johnny Cat, still a kitten -- in a pose I call "Basket Case." He's now about a year and a month and weighs more than twice what Little Kitty weighs (about 10 pounds). I don't know about his lineage -- he was a rescue cat. He's not very clever, but he's beautiful and soft and oh so fluffy. He's still attacking our feet (day and night) and chomping on the hand that feeds him. I remember listening to the kids coo at him, "Good Johnny! Good Boy! Nice Johnny! OUCH!" -- he does like to do the rabbit kick and bite your hand. Only playing -- ri-i-i-ight.
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Grateful for #6:
New Mattress.
Most people say that you should replace your mattress every 5 to 7 years. That seems excessive to me. However, my old mattress literally made me hurt all over. I could feel the springs -- the LH started to call me the Princess who imagined a pea. He thought he was so clever. However, the kids agreed with me -- the springs were indeed popping through.
Now I need to figure out how to dispose of the old mattress... In a green way, of course.
* I understand I slept VERY soundly last night. So much so, that I snored. Lots.
Most people say that you should replace your mattress every 5 to 7 years. That seems excessive to me. However, my old mattress literally made me hurt all over. I could feel the springs -- the LH started to call me the Princess who imagined a pea. He thought he was so clever. However, the kids agreed with me -- the springs were indeed popping through.
Now I need to figure out how to dispose of the old mattress... In a green way, of course.
* I understand I slept VERY soundly last night. So much so, that I snored. Lots.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Musings
I am not a very political person. I do vote regularly, but I usually will vote according to issues and if I like what the candidate has to say.
I really didn't have a whole lot of emotional energy tied into this election -- I had decided on my candidate (who, quite frankly, I considered a definite "lesser of two evils" -- I guess I'm picky in that I've never completely 100% agreed with a Presidential candidate!) It is indeed an historic election: sliced one way it's the first African American in office. Sliced the other way, it would have been the first woman VP. I am glad that my children can see this -- and that when I say "You can do or be anything -- only the sky is the limit" that there is truth to this statement.
What I am bemused about is the rhetoric surrounding this election; especially language that is religiously based. I do not believe that our new president is either the Messiah or the Anti-Christ. He's just a man who I hope and pray and believe wants the best for this country. He is NOT Christ incarnate again -- nor is he Satan.
I wonder why we are so ready to jump on the idea that a new president can "save us" or condemn us to perdition. First, I believe that the "salvation" job is reserved for God and secondly it is true that only WE can save ourselves. It's not up to one political figure. It's an awfully heavy burden to put on one human's shoulders to be a Messiah. Do we wish this upon anyone?
And it is a heavy burden to place upon ourselves to call any other person Satan. Is that truly what we want?
Update:
RevAnne has this to say:
Beautifully stated, Anne. Thank you.
I really didn't have a whole lot of emotional energy tied into this election -- I had decided on my candidate (who, quite frankly, I considered a definite "lesser of two evils" -- I guess I'm picky in that I've never completely 100% agreed with a Presidential candidate!) It is indeed an historic election: sliced one way it's the first African American in office. Sliced the other way, it would have been the first woman VP. I am glad that my children can see this -- and that when I say "You can do or be anything -- only the sky is the limit" that there is truth to this statement.
What I am bemused about is the rhetoric surrounding this election; especially language that is religiously based. I do not believe that our new president is either the Messiah or the Anti-Christ. He's just a man who I hope and pray and believe wants the best for this country. He is NOT Christ incarnate again -- nor is he Satan.
I wonder why we are so ready to jump on the idea that a new president can "save us" or condemn us to perdition. First, I believe that the "salvation" job is reserved for God and secondly it is true that only WE can save ourselves. It's not up to one political figure. It's an awfully heavy burden to put on one human's shoulders to be a Messiah. Do we wish this upon anyone?
And it is a heavy burden to place upon ourselves to call any other person Satan. Is that truly what we want?
Update:
RevAnne has this to say:
So what's a Christian response? There are Christians all over the place celebrating, and Christians all over the place grieving, or worse, wasting time on anger. God is still God, regardless of who is the president. And we were fortunate to have two deeply committed Christian candidates--even if they didn't agree on some things. The cast for the next several years is set. What we can, and should, do now is to let God be God. Pray for all our leaders, that they would sense God's presence and guidance. And drop the rhetoric of hate and division. It's been a bitter campaign, with negative ads from both sides and each candidate trying to distinguish himself as the only right choice. Truth be told, either one could have been the right one...and now we will count on Obama to do his best for us, to listen to God and honor his convictions. Even if we don't always agree with them, and we won't.
Beautifully stated, Anne. Thank you.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Evening Prayer -- Shield the Joyous
Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love's sake. Amen.
55 pictures of Sunflowers
On Sunday, I took 55 pictures of sunflowers. In Oglethorpe County, right off of Buddy Faust Road (said "foss",btw), there are about 90 acres of sunflowers. It's an amazing sight.
Daily Prayer -- Justice
"I hate, I despise your feasts, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies. Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and cereal offerings, I will not accept them, and the peace offerings of your fatted beasts I will not look upon. Take away from me the noise of your songs; to the melody of your harps I will not listen. But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream."
-- Amos 4:21-24
If anyone is in Christ he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.
-- 2 Corinthians 5:17-18
Come, O Holy Spirit!
Come, open us to the wonder, beauty, and dignity of the diversity found in each culture,
in each face, and in each experience we have of the other among us.
Come, fill us with generosity
as we are challenged to let go and allow others to share with us
the goods and beauty of earth.
Come, heal the divisions
that keep us from seeing the face of Christ in all men, women, and children.
Come, free us to stand with and for those
who must leave their own lands in order to find work, security, and welcome in a new land,
one that has enough to share.
Come, bring us understanding, inspiration, wisdom, and
the courage needed to embrace change and stay on the journey.
Come, O Holy Spirit,
show us the way.
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops • Justice for Immigrants Campaign
202-541-3352 · www.justiceforimmigrants.org
-- Amos 4:21-24
If anyone is in Christ he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.
-- 2 Corinthians 5:17-18
Come, O Holy Spirit!
Come, open us to the wonder, beauty, and dignity of the diversity found in each culture,
in each face, and in each experience we have of the other among us.
Come, fill us with generosity
as we are challenged to let go and allow others to share with us
the goods and beauty of earth.
Come, heal the divisions
that keep us from seeing the face of Christ in all men, women, and children.
Come, free us to stand with and for those
who must leave their own lands in order to find work, security, and welcome in a new land,
one that has enough to share.
Come, bring us understanding, inspiration, wisdom, and
the courage needed to embrace change and stay on the journey.
Come, O Holy Spirit,
show us the way.
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops • Justice for Immigrants Campaign
202-541-3352 · www.justiceforimmigrants.org
Monday, November 03, 2008
Morning Prayer -- From Samuel Johnson (1709-1784)
O Lord,
in Your hands are held life and death,
by Your power I am sustained,
and by Your mercy I am spared,
I ask that You look down upon me with mercy.
Forgive me that I have until now neglected the duty
which You have given to me.
I know that I must give account of these wasted days and hours
that passed away without any endeavor to accomplish Your will.
Make me to remember, O God, that every day is Your gift,
and ought to be used according to Your wish.
Help me repent of my negligence,
So that I may obtain mercy from You,
and pass my remaining days upholding Your commands
and accomplishing Your will.
Amen.
(Prayer of Samuel Johnson, in more modern language.)
in Your hands are held life and death,
by Your power I am sustained,
and by Your mercy I am spared,
I ask that You look down upon me with mercy.
Forgive me that I have until now neglected the duty
which You have given to me.
I know that I must give account of these wasted days and hours
that passed away without any endeavor to accomplish Your will.
Make me to remember, O God, that every day is Your gift,
and ought to be used according to Your wish.
Help me repent of my negligence,
So that I may obtain mercy from You,
and pass my remaining days upholding Your commands
and accomplishing Your will.
Amen.
(Prayer of Samuel Johnson, in more modern language.)
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Evening Prayer -- From the Didache
We give you thanks Holy Father, for your holy name which you have caused to dwell in our hearts, and for the knowledge and faith and immortality which you have made known to us through Jesus your servant; to you be the glory forever.
You, almighty Master, created all things for your name's sake, and gave food and drink to men to enjoy, that they might give you thanks; but to us you have graciously given spiritual food and drink, and eternal life through your servant [Jesus]. Above all we give thanks because you are mighty; to you be the glory forever.
Remember your church, Lord, to deliver it from all evil and to make it perfect in your love; and gather it, the one that has been sanctified, from the four winds into your kingdom, which you have prepared for it; for yours is the glory forever.
May grace come, and may this world pass away. Hosanna to the God of David. If anyone is holy, let him come; if anyone is not, let him repent. Maranatha! Amen.
You, almighty Master, created all things for your name's sake, and gave food and drink to men to enjoy, that they might give you thanks; but to us you have graciously given spiritual food and drink, and eternal life through your servant [Jesus]. Above all we give thanks because you are mighty; to you be the glory forever.
Remember your church, Lord, to deliver it from all evil and to make it perfect in your love; and gather it, the one that has been sanctified, from the four winds into your kingdom, which you have prepared for it; for yours is the glory forever.
May grace come, and may this world pass away. Hosanna to the God of David. If anyone is holy, let him come; if anyone is not, let him repent. Maranatha! Amen.
Saturday, November 01, 2008
Pictures from Halloween
Entropy whacking the Pinata
Cereal Killer
The LH helping the kids to whap (not whapping the kids...)
The Goldfish Game
Goldfishes (goody)
Entropy came home with "Fred" the goldfish. Today has been consumed by cleaning the 7 gallon tank, conditioning the water and getting "Fred" acclimated. He was rather traumatized by the Goldfish game. My dear friend who came up with this idea? There is a place for her ... a very dark and hot place. Thanks! I really needed a goldfish in my life!
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