Having joined FaceBook recently, I became the recipient of one of the questionnaires that get passed around there. It’s a pleasant enough exercise to fill out for oneself. I enjoy reading the ones my friends have filled out, it helps one to know and understand them a little better, particularly friends that are distant and I have been out of touch with. The question that provoked my thoughts on this post was, “What is your favorite sound?”
I couldn’t just pick one. There are many I enjoy. This is not exhaustive and today is not the day to wax poetically about rain on a tin roof, the laughter of children or the sounds of the sea shore. I'm thinking about bird sounds today, as you probably guessed from the title.
When we first moved to Central Florida my parents chose a home in a subdivision that was quite wooded, this in itself was in contrast to most of the newer neighborhoods that they looked at. There were pine trees and old oaks in abundance. I remember falling asleep to the sounds of a Mourning dove cooing, though I had no idea at the time what kind of bird was soothing me. Which is ironic when I consider how many times I rocked out to a certain song, the lyrics saying, “Just like a white-winged dove, sings a song, sounds like…oooh, baby, oooh, said oooh.” How pleasant it was to fall asleep, or wake up with fresh air and the sounds of the doves wafting in on the breeze.
There are many doves around here. However, until recently I was not able to hear their gentle song because of the sounds of another bird: The noble rooster. Roosters seem to polarize, they are either loved or hated. They are most abundant in Key West, and less so here in the middle Keys, but their presence has been steady since we moved here about 10 months ago. (You can read more about Keys Roosters here, if you like.) I personally enjoy their crowing, though I will admit to threatening one particular fellow who begins his “sunrise” at 2:30 am, if he‘s in our yard while crowing! Most nights this doesn’t even bother me, but on sleepless nights, when I’m sick, or restless or grouchy, I have threatened to ring his neck and put him in my pot! The sound of a faraway rooster crowing is comforting; the sound of him right under your window is “alarming”. For now though, I don’t think I’ll have to worry about it since I have not heard the rooster for a solid week. Wonder what happened to him? I can guess…
Monday, March 9, 2009
Friday, March 6, 2009
So Fresh, So Clean (so green)
Well, you know I am hanging my clothes out to dry (I blogged about it last summer here), as the weather permits. Which is quite often here in the Keys. I believe we get an average of only 40” of rain a year, which isn't very much, and we have very fair weather, no ice or snow ever. I began making my own laundry detergent again, and rather than rinsing with fabric softener, I put a little plain white vinegar in the rinse cycle. I have been doing the vinegar rinse for a couple of years now. I find it especially effective with my husband's dirty clothes when he does construction work. Our clothes are sun and wind dried, clean an fragrance free(except when I use a little Doc Bronner’s lavender castille soap rather than my own concoction).
Nobody in my home is hyper-allergic, and I actually like the smell of some detergents and fabric softeners. It’s just that I also like things to be natural, simple and clean whenever possible, and think it’s important to cut down on strong or harsh chemicals.
This lack of fragrance really hit home last week when we were preparing for the church rummage sale. A lady generously gave us all of the items she didn’t sell at her own yard sale, and there was an abundance of good stuff. Since the Lord takes such good care of us, wouldn’t you just know there were some nice, gently used clothes in our daughter’s size, and right when we need them! The clothes and other items from this kind lady were so clean and in such good condition they didn’t even need to be washed before we used them. However, because we are not used to all of the fragrances that commercial laundry products have anymore - the scent was so powerful! I dare say it bothered me a little bit!
So my lesson in this:
Once you get used to going a little greener, you don't even miss the old way you did things, and even get to preferring your new habits.
Here are the detergent recipes, if you're interested. I use recipe #6 with Fels-Naptha soap.
Nobody in my home is hyper-allergic, and I actually like the smell of some detergents and fabric softeners. It’s just that I also like things to be natural, simple and clean whenever possible, and think it’s important to cut down on strong or harsh chemicals.
This lack of fragrance really hit home last week when we were preparing for the church rummage sale. A lady generously gave us all of the items she didn’t sell at her own yard sale, and there was an abundance of good stuff. Since the Lord takes such good care of us, wouldn’t you just know there were some nice, gently used clothes in our daughter’s size, and right when we need them! The clothes and other items from this kind lady were so clean and in such good condition they didn’t even need to be washed before we used them. However, because we are not used to all of the fragrances that commercial laundry products have anymore - the scent was so powerful! I dare say it bothered me a little bit!
So my lesson in this:
Once you get used to going a little greener, you don't even miss the old way you did things, and even get to preferring your new habits.
Here are the detergent recipes, if you're interested. I use recipe #6 with Fels-Naptha soap.
Monday, March 2, 2009
March 2, 2009...Already?!?! Notes
I am still having small residual effects from that nasty bout of the flu. I feel better but have a bit of a cough left.
Several co-workers have been sick, so I have been working more than my slated hours to help fill in. I enjoy my new job, it’s a blessing and a ministry to the children. Some days are a challenge with troubled children. Two of my three after school students (siblings) lost their father last December. My other student’s Mom does not speak English fluently, so the primary responsibility for helping with homework is upon me.
We are having several visitors this month, and are looking forward to our time with them all. Big Daddy loathes going to go to Key West, but I think it will be fun to see and do some of the touristy things. Frankly I’m glad we’ll have the opportunity (excuse!) to do so while showing our visitors the sights.
Last night we had an unusual but good service. I feel the Lord gave me some words regarding the church and the ministry. The first was regarding where our church was at now, and the words He gave me were: sweet, rebellious and scattered. Regarding where the Lord would like us to go, I felt He said: faithful, “till the ground” and strident. Interesting, so I am thinking and praying on those things. I’m thinking that the second definition of strident is more apropos to the church ministry, although Big Daddy is a loud and demonstrative preacher.
I continue to read my yearly Bible plan, Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell and Blue Highways by William Least Heat Moon. I am enjoying all of them. I went into Velvet Elvis being skeptical, and not liking it much at first, but currently I think it’s not too bad. There are good things and things that make me uncomfortable. I’m going to think on it for awhile.
Our church had a fabulous rummage sale on Saturday. I know we felt busy and stressed getting it all together, but it turned out swell! It was a fun day of fellowship for the workers, and a success that will put nice dent in the church's bills.
Several co-workers have been sick, so I have been working more than my slated hours to help fill in. I enjoy my new job, it’s a blessing and a ministry to the children. Some days are a challenge with troubled children. Two of my three after school students (siblings) lost their father last December. My other student’s Mom does not speak English fluently, so the primary responsibility for helping with homework is upon me.
We are having several visitors this month, and are looking forward to our time with them all. Big Daddy loathes going to go to Key West, but I think it will be fun to see and do some of the touristy things. Frankly I’m glad we’ll have the opportunity (excuse!) to do so while showing our visitors the sights.
Last night we had an unusual but good service. I feel the Lord gave me some words regarding the church and the ministry. The first was regarding where our church was at now, and the words He gave me were: sweet, rebellious and scattered. Regarding where the Lord would like us to go, I felt He said: faithful, “till the ground” and strident. Interesting, so I am thinking and praying on those things. I’m thinking that the second definition of strident is more apropos to the church ministry, although Big Daddy is a loud and demonstrative preacher.
I continue to read my yearly Bible plan, Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell and Blue Highways by William Least Heat Moon. I am enjoying all of them. I went into Velvet Elvis being skeptical, and not liking it much at first, but currently I think it’s not too bad. There are good things and things that make me uncomfortable. I’m going to think on it for awhile.
Our church had a fabulous rummage sale on Saturday. I know we felt busy and stressed getting it all together, but it turned out swell! It was a fun day of fellowship for the workers, and a success that will put nice dent in the church's bills.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Notes From The Beginning Of February
In January Big Daddy, my esteemed pastor and faithful husband encouraged and exhorted his flock to get on a yearly Bible reading plan, and I must say I am not only blessed by it, but enjoying it thoroughly. I have even been keeping up with it, for the most part. You can find it here if you're interested. In times past I just kept reading through the NT, over and over. Periodically taking time to do a specific reading of say the Major Prophets, or some other theme like that; and just continually working my way through he OT. This particular plan is working well for me now in that it has a couple of chapters from the NT, a couple from the OT and a Psalm. It skips around a little too. I find that whatever I'm reading has a timely purpose for what I'm facing on a given day or week. That's not surprising, given the wonderful ways our Lord works, but it is amazing!
I begin a new job tomorrow. I am grateful for that.
Baseball season is coming soon.
Oh yeah, and I forgot to add that I finally began reading Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell. I don't know how it will work into my already full reading plate, but someone loaned it to Big Daddy and I may as well try it. I will say that I am skeptical though, and unimpressed so far.
I begin a new job tomorrow. I am grateful for that.
Baseball season is coming soon.
Oh yeah, and I forgot to add that I finally began reading Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell. I don't know how it will work into my already full reading plate, but someone loaned it to Big Daddy and I may as well try it. I will say that I am skeptical though, and unimpressed so far.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Two Movie Reviews, or I Once watched Mama Mia
I don’t go to movie theaters much, particularly not for a grown-up movie. (I was going to write adult movie, but that usually means something entirely different than what I’m actually saying.) If I do go to the theater to see a movie, it’s usually G fare that our whole family [hopefully] enjoys. If Big Daddy and I want to see a movie for grown-ups, we just wait until it’s released on DVD and rent it.
I have recently rented and watched two movies that are music driven. I liked them both, in varying degrees and for varying reasons. A few thoughts occurred to me while watching them. I thought I’d compare and contrast them, and some of the issues they brought to my mind. You’ll have to bear in mind that I cannot help but view everything through the filter of my Christian beliefs.
The movie “Once” was released commercially in 2007, and I have wanted to see it since then. When we lived in Central Florida, our local movie rental store did not carry it. I was pleased to see it on the shelves of our local store here. Once is a serious movie of the independent genre. It follows the paths of two musicians who meet by chance, and strike up a musical partnership and friendship. The music drives the story along, as a natural part of the characters’ lives, and in the movie we see a slice of that life. The songs, which are very good, are showcased in that respect. The actors are also the real musicians, and while not well-known, are extremely talented.
“Mama Mia” is a musical, was released last year, in 2008. I probably don’t have to tell you it was a blockbuster. It’s based on the successful Broadway musical, based on the songs of 70’s super-group ABBA. I have always had a big-old soft spot for ABBA (even when I was a punk-rock grrrl and couldn’t admit it to anyone). ABBA’s hit songs are strung together to go along with the plot. The cast are all famous and award winners. The setting is a gorgeous Greek island. I love the songs, the location and the costumes (the flamboyant stuff and even the regular clothing). On a side note, I do appreciate that the bathing suit the main character wears during a scene was a cute one-piece, modest by most standards. Anyhow, it’s not meant to be a deep movie, it’s meant to be fun and fluffy. In those respects, it works.
The plot follows a young woman who is getting married. Her single Mom never told her who her father was, but she finds her mother’s diary from the summer before she was born. Unbeknownst to her mom, she reads the diary and discovers there are three viable candidates for her dad. Also unbeknownst to her mom, she invites them all to the wedding, hoping to find out the truth about her dad. Hilarity and shenanigans ensue (please know I am typing that with sarcastic fingers) over the discomfort of all parties, who do not know about each other, have not seen each other in 20 years and are slowly figuring out the paternity issues.
Both movies showcase wonderful music. Both movies deal with the foibles of life, lust and love, and our human ineptness or competence in dealing with such things; albeit in a low key kind of way. One movie is rather serious and the other is light-hearted.
Once is primarily about two characters, and a short period in their lives. Soon after their initial meeting, the Guy does declare his desire to spend the night with the Girl, which she refuses. We learn why his advances are rebuffed later, and he does not make any pressing moves after that. She is married, though estranged from her husband. It is not clear why. We learn the Guy’s passionate music is inspired by a woman he loved and left because of her unfaithfulness. It is revealed that she desires his forgiveness and to reconcile. Guy and Girl continue on in a very satisfying musical partnership and friendship. They encourage each other in their personal and professional pursuits. They truly make such beautiful music together; you know that it could very easily spill over to a romantic connection. You can sense their attraction to one another but they never let it cross the line. The Guy and the Girl go on to their respective futures and partners without having anything to complicate and shame them. They acted nobly toward one another. The characters hold to a higher ideal.
Mama Mia is another matter altogether. The characters become enmeshed in the baser human desires, revel in them, all the while lamenting over the fallout (read: heartache) from them. If only they would just stop the tomfoolery and stop and think for a moment. If the young Donna had not so quickly consoled herself in the arms of another man before her love affair with Sam was resolved, perhaps the two of them would have had a shot at a happy marriage. If Donna would have been honest and told her three lovers about her pregnancy, her daughter would have had a dad. That has obviously left a big hole in her daughter’s life. All three men seem happy to step up to the plate. Donna is puzzled at why her daughter even wants to get married. At the end, the young bride and groom call it off, for no other reason than they’re too young. Yet, they are going to sail off in the moonlight together to see the world and follow their dreams. Just not as a married couple. The old lovers, Donna and Sam do get married, so as not to waste a good wedding, and acknowledge that they do still have loving feelings for each other.
What is the message here? The young lovers were happy to make a commitment, and don’t seem impeded by anything other than their early 20-something age. Yet they “come to their senses” and realize that youth, marriage and following one’s dreams cannot occur, more or less, simultaneously. The old lovers have carried a torch for each other all those years. They admit to their individual various struggles in the intervening years: a failed marriage, struggles with loneliness, finances and single-parenthood. They would have saved themselves a lot of grief if they had accepted that true love is a virtuous possibility, worth fighting for (or waiting for), and it was within their grasp all those years ago. What if they just married back then? Am I the only one who thought, why are they nudging their daughter in the same mistaken direction they went in at her age? Don’t commit fully to love, honey, but do enjoy your freedom and liberty while you’re young, wink-wink. This seems so typical of the mores and values that came into the mainstream with the baby-boomer generation.
However, Mama Mia is meant to entertain rather than provoke thoughts, it’s a pleasant ride through a repertoire of pop songs. Yet I can’t help but wonder about the underlying values it asks me to just go along with and take for granted as I go on that ride. Once is a slice of life drama, it’s realistic, and it’s not pretty, like the people and setting of Mama Mia. What is beautiful about Once, is that it quietly and effectively ennobles the viewer through it’s subtle portrayal of a platonic relationship between two lonely and gifted musicians; and how they place the greater good over a instant gratification. The gracious gesture at the end of the movie Once shows more LOVE than all the wedding and bedding that is sung about, flirted with or implied within the entire Mama Mia movie.
I have recently rented and watched two movies that are music driven. I liked them both, in varying degrees and for varying reasons. A few thoughts occurred to me while watching them. I thought I’d compare and contrast them, and some of the issues they brought to my mind. You’ll have to bear in mind that I cannot help but view everything through the filter of my Christian beliefs.
The movie “Once” was released commercially in 2007, and I have wanted to see it since then. When we lived in Central Florida, our local movie rental store did not carry it. I was pleased to see it on the shelves of our local store here. Once is a serious movie of the independent genre. It follows the paths of two musicians who meet by chance, and strike up a musical partnership and friendship. The music drives the story along, as a natural part of the characters’ lives, and in the movie we see a slice of that life. The songs, which are very good, are showcased in that respect. The actors are also the real musicians, and while not well-known, are extremely talented.
“Mama Mia” is a musical, was released last year, in 2008. I probably don’t have to tell you it was a blockbuster. It’s based on the successful Broadway musical, based on the songs of 70’s super-group ABBA. I have always had a big-old soft spot for ABBA (even when I was a punk-rock grrrl and couldn’t admit it to anyone). ABBA’s hit songs are strung together to go along with the plot. The cast are all famous and award winners. The setting is a gorgeous Greek island. I love the songs, the location and the costumes (the flamboyant stuff and even the regular clothing). On a side note, I do appreciate that the bathing suit the main character wears during a scene was a cute one-piece, modest by most standards. Anyhow, it’s not meant to be a deep movie, it’s meant to be fun and fluffy. In those respects, it works.
The plot follows a young woman who is getting married. Her single Mom never told her who her father was, but she finds her mother’s diary from the summer before she was born. Unbeknownst to her mom, she reads the diary and discovers there are three viable candidates for her dad. Also unbeknownst to her mom, she invites them all to the wedding, hoping to find out the truth about her dad. Hilarity and shenanigans ensue (please know I am typing that with sarcastic fingers) over the discomfort of all parties, who do not know about each other, have not seen each other in 20 years and are slowly figuring out the paternity issues.
Both movies showcase wonderful music. Both movies deal with the foibles of life, lust and love, and our human ineptness or competence in dealing with such things; albeit in a low key kind of way. One movie is rather serious and the other is light-hearted.
Once is primarily about two characters, and a short period in their lives. Soon after their initial meeting, the Guy does declare his desire to spend the night with the Girl, which she refuses. We learn why his advances are rebuffed later, and he does not make any pressing moves after that. She is married, though estranged from her husband. It is not clear why. We learn the Guy’s passionate music is inspired by a woman he loved and left because of her unfaithfulness. It is revealed that she desires his forgiveness and to reconcile. Guy and Girl continue on in a very satisfying musical partnership and friendship. They encourage each other in their personal and professional pursuits. They truly make such beautiful music together; you know that it could very easily spill over to a romantic connection. You can sense their attraction to one another but they never let it cross the line. The Guy and the Girl go on to their respective futures and partners without having anything to complicate and shame them. They acted nobly toward one another. The characters hold to a higher ideal.
Mama Mia is another matter altogether. The characters become enmeshed in the baser human desires, revel in them, all the while lamenting over the fallout (read: heartache) from them. If only they would just stop the tomfoolery and stop and think for a moment. If the young Donna had not so quickly consoled herself in the arms of another man before her love affair with Sam was resolved, perhaps the two of them would have had a shot at a happy marriage. If Donna would have been honest and told her three lovers about her pregnancy, her daughter would have had a dad. That has obviously left a big hole in her daughter’s life. All three men seem happy to step up to the plate. Donna is puzzled at why her daughter even wants to get married. At the end, the young bride and groom call it off, for no other reason than they’re too young. Yet, they are going to sail off in the moonlight together to see the world and follow their dreams. Just not as a married couple. The old lovers, Donna and Sam do get married, so as not to waste a good wedding, and acknowledge that they do still have loving feelings for each other.
What is the message here? The young lovers were happy to make a commitment, and don’t seem impeded by anything other than their early 20-something age. Yet they “come to their senses” and realize that youth, marriage and following one’s dreams cannot occur, more or less, simultaneously. The old lovers have carried a torch for each other all those years. They admit to their individual various struggles in the intervening years: a failed marriage, struggles with loneliness, finances and single-parenthood. They would have saved themselves a lot of grief if they had accepted that true love is a virtuous possibility, worth fighting for (or waiting for), and it was within their grasp all those years ago. What if they just married back then? Am I the only one who thought, why are they nudging their daughter in the same mistaken direction they went in at her age? Don’t commit fully to love, honey, but do enjoy your freedom and liberty while you’re young, wink-wink. This seems so typical of the mores and values that came into the mainstream with the baby-boomer generation.
However, Mama Mia is meant to entertain rather than provoke thoughts, it’s a pleasant ride through a repertoire of pop songs. Yet I can’t help but wonder about the underlying values it asks me to just go along with and take for granted as I go on that ride. Once is a slice of life drama, it’s realistic, and it’s not pretty, like the people and setting of Mama Mia. What is beautiful about Once, is that it quietly and effectively ennobles the viewer through it’s subtle portrayal of a platonic relationship between two lonely and gifted musicians; and how they place the greater good over a instant gratification. The gracious gesture at the end of the movie Once shows more LOVE than all the wedding and bedding that is sung about, flirted with or implied within the entire Mama Mia movie.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Odd Observation
This morning, I saw a gleaming-white, large, Dodge Ram pick-up truck with black Louis Vuitton logos all over it.
Dude, get an Escalade (or a Lincoln). I'm just sayin'.
I resisted it for so long. After all, I only joined myspace this past summer. I am about 4+ years late on that trend. I joked that I would join facebook in a few years, to keep in line with my habitual tardiness. Well, I gave in this morning, and now I'm hooked.
My baby brother has moved all the way to Oregon, and he sent me a facebook e-vite this morning. How could I resist? Last week my Auntie and Sister-in-Law had also sent invitations. My brother's was the proverbial straw.
Facebook is like myspace but for adults. There is no pimping of your profile, at least not that I have noticed. It's just a basic way of staying in touch with family, friends and colleagues, both near and far. AND you can reconnect with of high school, college and even in some cases elementary school pals! I'm loving that so far. I also love, that since I'm using a glitchy old laptop (we'll shall call her sLola) I don't get all frozen up on facebook the way I do on myspace, what with every one's unique graphics and soundtracks loading.
So, I could have written something relevant and timely about the Inauguration, but alas, this be my online journal and I was feeling thusly, and a little piratey, too.
If you want a good Inauguration piece, check out PreacherPen's blog, he's listed over there on the right. Or this article from the Australian, or this article from Real Clear Politics, which I will quote:
Anyway, I was moved by the Inauguration Ceremony, the prayers, and such. I was proud that our nation has overcome so many obstacles, yet I hope that will not keep our minds and hearts off of the real work that needs to be done to get this nation back on track. I must admit to a hopefulness, and I hope it isn't naive.
We must pray hard for our nation and its leaders.
My baby brother has moved all the way to Oregon, and he sent me a facebook e-vite this morning. How could I resist? Last week my Auntie and Sister-in-Law had also sent invitations. My brother's was the proverbial straw.
Facebook is like myspace but for adults. There is no pimping of your profile, at least not that I have noticed. It's just a basic way of staying in touch with family, friends and colleagues, both near and far. AND you can reconnect with of high school, college and even in some cases elementary school pals! I'm loving that so far. I also love, that since I'm using a glitchy old laptop (we'll shall call her sLola) I don't get all frozen up on facebook the way I do on myspace, what with every one's unique graphics and soundtracks loading.
So, I could have written something relevant and timely about the Inauguration, but alas, this be my online journal and I was feeling thusly, and a little piratey, too.
If you want a good Inauguration piece, check out PreacherPen's blog, he's listed over there on the right. Or this article from the Australian, or this article from Real Clear Politics, which I will quote:
He [Obama] also seems to want policies that are not just politically popular, or satisfy a political constituency, but also work. And therein lies the hope.
Anyway, I was moved by the Inauguration Ceremony, the prayers, and such. I was proud that our nation has overcome so many obstacles, yet I hope that will not keep our minds and hearts off of the real work that needs to be done to get this nation back on track. I must admit to a hopefulness, and I hope it isn't naive.
We must pray hard for our nation and its leaders.
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