Happy Halloween!
Monday, October 31, 2005
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Saturday into Sunday
Saturday was for doing items on my list. I filed, did laundry, cleaned house and organized my Christmas card materials. Due to my computer crash back in April, I lost all the data for the address labels. I'll be putting that in over the next couple of weeks if I can spare the time from NaNoWriMo.
In a comment some time back, Frenzied Feline asked what non-fiction books could I recommend. Here are two. Sync: The Emerging Science of Spontaneous Order by Steven Strogatz and The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century by Thomas L. Friedman.
I just finished Sync, and I recommend it highly. Strogatz, an expert mathematician in the fields of chaos and complexity theory, writes a lively book about the math behind the synchrony of fireflies, fads, the orbits of the planets, traffic jams and more. Don't be scared off because the book is about math. You won't find a single equation in the whole book. Instead he uses plenty of examples drawn from our lives. It's well worth reading. (I must mention that he gives the strangest explanations of how lasers work that I've ever read. His explantion involves watermelons ...)
The World is Flat is also worth reading, but you will find it disturbing as Friedman explains how globalization will change -- and is already changing -- America. He discusses the explosion in corporations out-sourcing to India and China and how this out-sourcing will continue to grow due to advances in digital communications. The book paints a bleak picture of the future for many low-income and middle-income jobs in the United States. Friedman argues that we should embrace this globalization and plan for it. He sees it as a good thing, but does discuss some of the problems. The main thing I came away with was that this was going to happen whether we liked it or not. Read the book, and we'll discuss.
I spent most of today working on my family newsletter and helping my roommate install a new garage door motor. And now I'm heading for bed. Night all. Have a great week.
In a comment some time back, Frenzied Feline asked what non-fiction books could I recommend. Here are two. Sync: The Emerging Science of Spontaneous Order by Steven Strogatz and The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century by Thomas L. Friedman.
I just finished Sync, and I recommend it highly. Strogatz, an expert mathematician in the fields of chaos and complexity theory, writes a lively book about the math behind the synchrony of fireflies, fads, the orbits of the planets, traffic jams and more. Don't be scared off because the book is about math. You won't find a single equation in the whole book. Instead he uses plenty of examples drawn from our lives. It's well worth reading. (I must mention that he gives the strangest explanations of how lasers work that I've ever read. His explantion involves watermelons ...)
The World is Flat is also worth reading, but you will find it disturbing as Friedman explains how globalization will change -- and is already changing -- America. He discusses the explosion in corporations out-sourcing to India and China and how this out-sourcing will continue to grow due to advances in digital communications. The book paints a bleak picture of the future for many low-income and middle-income jobs in the United States. Friedman argues that we should embrace this globalization and plan for it. He sees it as a good thing, but does discuss some of the problems. The main thing I came away with was that this was going to happen whether we liked it or not. Read the book, and we'll discuss.
I spent most of today working on my family newsletter and helping my roommate install a new garage door motor. And now I'm heading for bed. Night all. Have a great week.
Saturday, October 29, 2005
Friday night
I didn't blog Friday night as you've no doubt noticed. I spent it working on my NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month, for those who came in late) preparations. I had thought I was ready a couple of days ago, but then I read some other blogs where NaNoWriMo participants are making elaborate outlines, intensive character sketches and detailed full-color maps and genealogy charts.
Well, I got that feeling I get when I dream of being back in college and having to take a test that I haven't studied for and for some reason I'm naked. You'd think I'd be more concerned about being naked, but no, I'm worried about my grade since the desk mostly hides me anyway and I'm going to wait until after everyone else leaves before I stand up. Of course, there's that walk across campus, but I'm wondering if anyone has a coat I can borrow or maybe I can run from tree to tree, and then the bell sounds and class is over and everyone else is handing in their tests and I've NOT EVEN STARTED THE TEST! I always wake up shivering. I guess I wouldn't dream about it so vividly if it hadn't happened to me before. Just kidding; I've always been prepared for tests...
Anyway, I worked on my NaNoWriMo novel. That was my exciting Friday night.
Well, I got that feeling I get when I dream of being back in college and having to take a test that I haven't studied for and for some reason I'm naked. You'd think I'd be more concerned about being naked, but no, I'm worried about my grade since the desk mostly hides me anyway and I'm going to wait until after everyone else leaves before I stand up. Of course, there's that walk across campus, but I'm wondering if anyone has a coat I can borrow or maybe I can run from tree to tree, and then the bell sounds and class is over and everyone else is handing in their tests and I've NOT EVEN STARTED THE TEST! I always wake up shivering. I guess I wouldn't dream about it so vividly if it hadn't happened to me before. Just kidding; I've always been prepared for tests...
Anyway, I worked on my NaNoWriMo novel. That was my exciting Friday night.
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Long day
I've been very, very, very busy today. I'm worn out and ready for bed. But at least it was productive. I did 36 items on my list. Unfortunately I still have 26 items left, and that total doesn't include the family newsletter and NaNoWriMo preparations. I've got to finish the newsletter this weekend so that I won't have devote any time to it during NaNoWriMo. At least that's my plan. We'll see how it goes.
I did some updates to Harbor Street, nothing major. New quotes and scrollies, a bit of clean-up removing some dead links, and adding the NaNoWriMo counter. New and funny scrollies are becoming hard to find and/or make up. Send me your funny sayings and quotes!
I'm going to call it a night now. Y'all have a good day tomorrow.
I did some updates to Harbor Street, nothing major. New quotes and scrollies, a bit of clean-up removing some dead links, and adding the NaNoWriMo counter. New and funny scrollies are becoming hard to find and/or make up. Send me your funny sayings and quotes!
I'm going to call it a night now. Y'all have a good day tomorrow.
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
One of those days
I had one of those days today. One of those that make you doubt your life and your choices and pretty much every decision you ever made. Do you have days like that?
I look back -- never a wise thing to do -- and see all my choices and where they led, and I think, this wasn't what I intended. This wasn't the plan.
Hindsight is perfect, of course, and now it seems plain that Decision A led to Decision B and B to C, but back then, I know it wasn't clear. Or it was misleading, making me think A would eventually lead somewhere else. Sometimes at night, I lie awake and stare at the ceiling, listening to the noises my old house makes, and play what-if and if-only and I-should-have.
Ah, well, that's the price of being human. Of having our vision trapped in the present and past, straining for glimpses of the ever-shifting future, drinking from regret until we can tolerate the taste, nursing flickering hope from the harsh winds. That's us, walking slowly on the ocean, looking to the ships on the horizon.
Walk on the ocean
Step on the stones
Flesh becomes water
Wood becomes bone
Now we're back at the homestead
Where the air makes you choke
And people don't know you
And trust is a joke
We don't even have pictures
Just memories to hold
That grow sweeter each season
As we slowly grow old
Walk on the ocean
Step on the stones
Flesh becomes water
Wood becomes bone
- Walk on the Ocean by Toad the Wet Sprocket from their CD Fear.
I look back -- never a wise thing to do -- and see all my choices and where they led, and I think, this wasn't what I intended. This wasn't the plan.
Hindsight is perfect, of course, and now it seems plain that Decision A led to Decision B and B to C, but back then, I know it wasn't clear. Or it was misleading, making me think A would eventually lead somewhere else. Sometimes at night, I lie awake and stare at the ceiling, listening to the noises my old house makes, and play what-if and if-only and I-should-have.
Ah, well, that's the price of being human. Of having our vision trapped in the present and past, straining for glimpses of the ever-shifting future, drinking from regret until we can tolerate the taste, nursing flickering hope from the harsh winds. That's us, walking slowly on the ocean, looking to the ships on the horizon.
Walk on the ocean
Step on the stones
Flesh becomes water
Wood becomes bone
Now we're back at the homestead
Where the air makes you choke
And people don't know you
And trust is a joke
We don't even have pictures
Just memories to hold
That grow sweeter each season
As we slowly grow old
Walk on the ocean
Step on the stones
Flesh becomes water
Wood becomes bone
- Walk on the Ocean by Toad the Wet Sprocket from their CD Fear.
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
From The Mystery of Saint Etienne
Between reason and faith, we make our way through a hard world with edges sharp enough to wound the unwary. Oh Lord guide our steps.
Faith is what we hold, a lamp to light our way and to let blind eyes see. Oh Lord let Your light shine on us.
Between what is and what should be, we are stretched, a cord between two black horses. Oh Lord send to us Your mercy.
Heaven is our hope in this world without hope. Oh Lord may we bring hope as You brought hope unto us.
Between the precipice and the fall, we take faltering steps, children lost in the dark woods. Oh Lord give us a lodestone that points to You.
Here we stand unclean in our souls and dark of hearts. Oh Lord send to us Your cleansing rain.
Oh Lord we are fallen but You lift us up.
Oh Lord we are scattered but You gather us.
Oh Lord we are unworthy but You take us.
We raise hands to You, a thousand thousand tongues give unto You praise, and the rocks and hills and dales resound with voices that cry,
Hosanna,
Hosanna,
Hosanna.
Faith is what we hold, a lamp to light our way and to let blind eyes see. Oh Lord let Your light shine on us.
Between what is and what should be, we are stretched, a cord between two black horses. Oh Lord send to us Your mercy.
Heaven is our hope in this world without hope. Oh Lord may we bring hope as You brought hope unto us.
Between the precipice and the fall, we take faltering steps, children lost in the dark woods. Oh Lord give us a lodestone that points to You.
Here we stand unclean in our souls and dark of hearts. Oh Lord send to us Your cleansing rain.
Oh Lord we are fallen but You lift us up.
Oh Lord we are scattered but You gather us.
Oh Lord we are unworthy but You take us.
We raise hands to You, a thousand thousand tongues give unto You praise, and the rocks and hills and dales resound with voices that cry,
Hosanna,
Hosanna,
Hosanna.
Monday, October 24, 2005
Six-eyes
I had an appointment with my optometrist after work today. My eyes continue to worsen. Very depressing. I keep hoping that they develop those bionic eyes that the Six Million Dollar Man sported. Wouldn't that be cool!
I'm extremely near-sighted, but the main problem is that I have keratoconus. Here's what Wrong Diagnosis.com has to say about it: Keratoconus--a progressive thinning of the cornea--is the most common corneal dystrophy in the U.S., affecting one in every 2000 Americans ... Keratoconus arises when the middle of the cornea thins and gradually bulges outward, forming a rounded cone shape. This abnormal curvature changes the cornea's refractive power, producing moderate to severe distortion (astigmatism) and blurriness (nearsightedness) of vision. Keratoconus may also cause swelling and a sight-impairing scarring of the tissue.
Currently only my left eye seems affected, but my doctor believes it's only a matter of time before I start having problems with my right. Eventually I will need a cornea transplant. (I'll need a good donor, preferably a young man in his early twenties, non-smoker, good eyesight, no health problems. Look around for me. Uh, I did mention the donor has to be deceased, didn't I? So don't pick a friend or loved one.) You can read more about keratoconus at the site for the National Keratoconus Foundation.
For now, my doctor ordered me some new contacts, and we're going to continue to have me wear glasses and contacts to get the best vision I can. Just call me Six-eyes. But smile when you say that. And make some noise, too, so that I know where you're at.
I'm extremely near-sighted, but the main problem is that I have keratoconus. Here's what Wrong Diagnosis.com has to say about it: Keratoconus--a progressive thinning of the cornea--is the most common corneal dystrophy in the U.S., affecting one in every 2000 Americans ... Keratoconus arises when the middle of the cornea thins and gradually bulges outward, forming a rounded cone shape. This abnormal curvature changes the cornea's refractive power, producing moderate to severe distortion (astigmatism) and blurriness (nearsightedness) of vision. Keratoconus may also cause swelling and a sight-impairing scarring of the tissue.
Currently only my left eye seems affected, but my doctor believes it's only a matter of time before I start having problems with my right. Eventually I will need a cornea transplant. (I'll need a good donor, preferably a young man in his early twenties, non-smoker, good eyesight, no health problems. Look around for me. Uh, I did mention the donor has to be deceased, didn't I? So don't pick a friend or loved one.) You can read more about keratoconus at the site for the National Keratoconus Foundation.
For now, my doctor ordered me some new contacts, and we're going to continue to have me wear glasses and contacts to get the best vision I can. Just call me Six-eyes. But smile when you say that. And make some noise, too, so that I know where you're at.
Sunday, October 23, 2005
Sunday afternoon
I didn't get all the items done on my weekend list. I got most of them crossed off, but several linger. Part of the reason I didn't them all finished is that I helped a friend clean his daughter's house Sunday afternoon. There's a long story on why that happened, but as I washed dishes over there, I thought about service.
Service has to be its own reward. It has to be done without regard to what thanks you might receive or what goodwill you might build for the future. It's an act of giving. It's human to expect the receiver to be grateful for your service, but if you do service expecting that gratitude, then it's not really a gift. It's an exchange.
All of us like to recognized for our giving. And it's nice when we are. But I think the essence of loving our fellow humans is giving without regard to how we benefit. Giving unselfishly.
That's hard to do. Or perhaps you find it easy, but I find it hard. I want that thanks. I want that gratitude. I want those future returned favors. I need to learn how to give, not exchange. That's probably part of the reason that God saw fit to lead me to help my friend.
At least that's what I thought, elbow deep in hot, soapy water, on Sunday afternoon.
Service has to be its own reward. It has to be done without regard to what thanks you might receive or what goodwill you might build for the future. It's an act of giving. It's human to expect the receiver to be grateful for your service, but if you do service expecting that gratitude, then it's not really a gift. It's an exchange.
All of us like to recognized for our giving. And it's nice when we are. But I think the essence of loving our fellow humans is giving without regard to how we benefit. Giving unselfishly.
That's hard to do. Or perhaps you find it easy, but I find it hard. I want that thanks. I want that gratitude. I want those future returned favors. I need to learn how to give, not exchange. That's probably part of the reason that God saw fit to lead me to help my friend.
At least that's what I thought, elbow deep in hot, soapy water, on Sunday afternoon.
Saturday, October 22, 2005
Bats
It's been a busy, productive day for me. I had a list of 57 items I wanted to get done this weekend, and despite a late start, I did 40 of them. I still had time to watch the animated The Batman vs. Dracula this afternoon and the live action Batman Begins this evening. The animated feature was simply not good. I had taped it for Mikey because he loves superheroes, but I wanted to watch it first to see if it was too scary for him. It was. And it simply didn't have any style. Batman Begins had some good moments on it. I hope there's another movie that builds on it. It's not Spiderman, but it does have potential if they can just keep from messing it up.
The superheroes that Mikey can't get enough of are Justice League and Teen Titans. They're his favorite shows. The Flash is his favorite character, but he likes Robin, too. We play superheroes some. He always gets to be Robin or the Flash, and I am Superman, Batman, Green Lantern and sometimes, Lord help me, Wonder Woman. I also have to play whatever scary monster is attacking the city unless his papa plays, and then his papa gets to be the monster. The monster is really the best. You get to growl terribly and stomp around the house until the heroes zap you and then you fall down, moaning and thrashing around pitifully before you expire. I tell you it's an Oscar winning role.
It's late so I'm going to call it a night now. Y'all take care and have a great day tomorrow.
The superheroes that Mikey can't get enough of are Justice League and Teen Titans. They're his favorite shows. The Flash is his favorite character, but he likes Robin, too. We play superheroes some. He always gets to be Robin or the Flash, and I am Superman, Batman, Green Lantern and sometimes, Lord help me, Wonder Woman. I also have to play whatever scary monster is attacking the city unless his papa plays, and then his papa gets to be the monster. The monster is really the best. You get to growl terribly and stomp around the house until the heroes zap you and then you fall down, moaning and thrashing around pitifully before you expire. I tell you it's an Oscar winning role.
It's late so I'm going to call it a night now. Y'all take care and have a great day tomorrow.
Friday, October 21, 2005
50,000 words
I've been working on my novel outline for NaNoWriMo. I think I have a good idea in it. Now if I can just write it well. I still need to write a few more scenes and then work up character descriptions. I'm hoping that this preparation will allow me to meet the goal. But if not, I will have at least tried and will learn more about what is required to use NaNoWriMo effectively. I've never written 50,000 words in one month. Well, maybe once. I remember that Murder by Dewey Decimal was written very quickly. The words poured out faster than I could type them.
By the way, notice how Crystal is nagging me to post daily, and she doesn't even have a blog anymore! Bah to that. (Although she did mention that Tree Hugging idea again. I think I can forgive her.)
I have over 50 items on my weekend To Do list. And I added a few more items today. I won't get it all done, but I'm hoping to check off at least 30 items before Monday rolls around.
One of the items I added today was planting six pots of mums I bought today. I know, I know, but they were only $16 dollars for eight pots. (I gave two pots to Mikey's mom.) I couldn't resist them. They're all red and are a real blast of color.
Mikey is doing okay. It's amazing how kids can bounce back. He still has some pain, but he was playing today like he always does. Who would have ever imagined that I'd love the little fellow as much as I do? Not me. I thought I had my own dreams to follow, my own life to live. But lo and behold, I put it all on hold for him and do it without a second thought. Go figure.
I am worn out so I'm going to call it a night. I'll be posting yet another picture of mums. Just endure it. I'll be done with them soon.
Have a great weekend. I'll catch you tomorrow.
By the way, notice how Crystal is nagging me to post daily, and she doesn't even have a blog anymore! Bah to that. (Although she did mention that Tree Hugging idea again. I think I can forgive her.)
I have over 50 items on my weekend To Do list. And I added a few more items today. I won't get it all done, but I'm hoping to check off at least 30 items before Monday rolls around.
One of the items I added today was planting six pots of mums I bought today. I know, I know, but they were only $16 dollars for eight pots. (I gave two pots to Mikey's mom.) I couldn't resist them. They're all red and are a real blast of color.
Mikey is doing okay. It's amazing how kids can bounce back. He still has some pain, but he was playing today like he always does. Who would have ever imagined that I'd love the little fellow as much as I do? Not me. I thought I had my own dreams to follow, my own life to live. But lo and behold, I put it all on hold for him and do it without a second thought. Go figure.
I am worn out so I'm going to call it a night. I'll be posting yet another picture of mums. Just endure it. I'll be done with them soon.
Have a great weekend. I'll catch you tomorrow.
Thursday, October 20, 2005
Even more mums
And even more mums from my front porch. The red
ones are my favorite.
Copyright 2005. All rights reserved.
Update on Mikey
Mikey is going to be okay, according to the dentist and oral surgeon. He will probably have to have braces when his adult teeth come in, but for now, there's nothing to be done. The x-rays showed no fractures, thank the Good Lord. He was feeling better today, not quite himself, but closer. He sure is sweet.
Well, I helped Trixie reach her comment goal and then some. Congrats to her!
I'm tired tonight so I'm going to call it a day. Y'all have a good night. Take care and be well.
Well, I helped Trixie reach her comment goal and then some. Congrats to her!
I'm tired tonight so I'm going to call it a day. Y'all have a good night. Take care and be well.
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
The news today
It's been an upsetting evening. My precious Mikey fell at daycare while playing ball and hit his mouth and broke out one of his front teeth. His lip is all swelled, and he bled a lot. The emergency room didn't do much, other than suggest taking him to a dentist tomorrow. Anyway, he's slept all evening. Poor baby feels so bad. Just about breaks my heart. Keep the little fellow in your prayers. It's going to be a tough next few days.
In other news, I've been working on the outline for my novel for National Novel Writing Month. I have 42 scenes at present. I'd like to have about eight or nine more. I've been adding details and fleshing the scenes out some. I need as much preparation as possible to write 50,000 words in one month. And I'd like to maintain some quality in the rush. We'll see how that goes. Anyway, that's all I've been working the past few days other than housework and updating the theater group web page.
The theater web page takes more time than I'd like. It's because I'm using Microsoft Publisher to create it. Publisher isn't really meant for web page creation, but I already have it. Does anyone have any web publishing programs to suggest? Cheap, good ones if that's possible.
In a comment, ER asked how I got the mums on my front porch to look so good. Well, here's my gardening secret. I bought them at my local garden center. And I can keep them alive for about three months until it's really cold. Then that's the end of them. I once kept a mum alive all winter, but it finally died when it was placed outside again. It hadn't looked healthy for a while, though.
Have I mentioned that I've started watching Lost? I just hope all the mysteries actually have answers, and the answers make sense.
That's all for tonight. Be thinking of and praying for little Mikey. Good night.
In other news, I've been working on the outline for my novel for National Novel Writing Month. I have 42 scenes at present. I'd like to have about eight or nine more. I've been adding details and fleshing the scenes out some. I need as much preparation as possible to write 50,000 words in one month. And I'd like to maintain some quality in the rush. We'll see how that goes. Anyway, that's all I've been working the past few days other than housework and updating the theater group web page.
The theater web page takes more time than I'd like. It's because I'm using Microsoft Publisher to create it. Publisher isn't really meant for web page creation, but I already have it. Does anyone have any web publishing programs to suggest? Cheap, good ones if that's possible.
In a comment, ER asked how I got the mums on my front porch to look so good. Well, here's my gardening secret. I bought them at my local garden center. And I can keep them alive for about three months until it's really cold. Then that's the end of them. I once kept a mum alive all winter, but it finally died when it was placed outside again. It hadn't looked healthy for a while, though.
Have I mentioned that I've started watching Lost? I just hope all the mysteries actually have answers, and the answers make sense.
That's all for tonight. Be thinking of and praying for little Mikey. Good night.
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Crystal says
My friend Crystal sent me an email today complaining about the lack of posts on my blogs this weekend. I asked and received her permission to quote her email. Here it is:
Wow, you hardly ever blog anymore. It used to be almost daily, now it's more like twice a week. I hate to tell you this, but you no longer have the moral authority to scold FF for not posting more. :)
But, since I'm a friend and want to help you out as much as I can by finding things for you to do, here are some topics you can blog on and regain that moral authority:
My favorite crockpot recipes that even Crystal could do
Places I would like to live where the weather is warm all year, the beach is nearby and hurricanes never come
The Joy of Tree Hugging
My favorite places to visit in Oklahoma that would make a good field trip for someone homeschooling a teenager
Plants that can survive indoors with someone who doesn't like to take care of them
How to stop your dog from peeing on the bush right outside the door whenever he goes outside, because it's starting to make the front entrance smell funny
How to tell if a software program, like a Spanish program, is lying when it says you can learn a language in 15 minutes a day, before you pay $45 for it
Why do lovebirds like to chew on leather straps?
Why do you have leather straps in your house?
How do you wake a sleeping teenager without being attacked?
50 ways to procrastinate
There, that should get you started! Now, blog!
Thanks, Crystal! You provided today's post.
Wow, you hardly ever blog anymore. It used to be almost daily, now it's more like twice a week. I hate to tell you this, but you no longer have the moral authority to scold FF for not posting more. :)
But, since I'm a friend and want to help you out as much as I can by finding things for you to do, here are some topics you can blog on and regain that moral authority:
My favorite crockpot recipes that even Crystal could do
Places I would like to live where the weather is warm all year, the beach is nearby and hurricanes never come
The Joy of Tree Hugging
My favorite places to visit in Oklahoma that would make a good field trip for someone homeschooling a teenager
Plants that can survive indoors with someone who doesn't like to take care of them
How to stop your dog from peeing on the bush right outside the door whenever he goes outside, because it's starting to make the front entrance smell funny
How to tell if a software program, like a Spanish program, is lying when it says you can learn a language in 15 minutes a day, before you pay $45 for it
Why do lovebirds like to chew on leather straps?
Why do you have leather straps in your house?
How do you wake a sleeping teenager without being attacked?
50 ways to procrastinate
There, that should get you started! Now, blog!
Thanks, Crystal! You provided today's post.
Monday, October 17, 2005
SHE DID IT AGAIN!
Jean (henceforth referred to as The Beast) memed me again! The woman has no mercy! None! Particularly when you consider that I will be passing the pain on.
Here's the meme:
THE SEARCH FOR JOY
Search your blog for the word "joy" used in the context of "happiness." If you cannot find the word in your weblog, you may use any of the select list of synonyms below.
joy, amusement, bliss, cheer, comfort, delectation, delight, ecstasy, elation, exaltation, exultation, exulting, felicity, gaiety, gladness, glee, good humor, gratification, happiness, hilarity, humor, jubilance, liveliness, merriment, mirth, pleasure, rapture, regalement, rejoicing, revelry, satisfaction, wonder
If your weblog does not include a built-in search engine, then you can use Google to search it only for the word you wish to find.
If you've found the word and it was not used facetiously or sarcastically, good for you. All you need to do is link to your earlier entry, and write a few words about that joyous moment. If, however, you have no joy (whole words only) in your weblog, you must dig deep in your soul and find something wonderful in your life right now. One little thing that fills you with warmth, that bubbles you over with quiet happiness, or tickles you with its good-hearted hilarity, or makes you glad you just took a breath, and are getting ready to take another. It doesn't have to be anything big. A smile someone gave you; your cat on your shoulder; the way the light angles through your window and casts rainbows on your floor. All it has to be is something genuine, something real, something that matters to you.
Because we all need joy in our lives, and need to take the time -- from time to time -- to recognize it. And sometimes, we need to pass it on.
Even if we're a big pain in the ass when we do.
When you've dealt with your own joy, pass the quest on to five other bloggers.
First, the five I'm going to pass it on to:
1. Trixie
2. Michelle
3. ER
4. Night-Rider
5. And of course, Frenzied!
In searching my blog, I discovered that I had only used the word "joy" once in my blog and not in a context where it was joyous. Well, I meant joy to mean joy, but the post wasn't joyous.
So I decided share a couple of joys in my life.
Four-year-old Mikey came to visit the other day. While I was carrying him into the house, he raided my shirt pocket and found a red pen. Immediately he asked for some "white paper." I got him some paper. He sat down at the coffee table and proceeded to write his name! He was excited that he could, and I was excited that he could. We had a grand time as he wrote his name over and over. He explained to me that M's go "up and down and up and down" and I's go "up and dot." Naturally I saved the pages. I want to remember that joy for a long time.
And here's something else that's enjoyable. I made a huge pot of Many Can Soup last night. It's now resting in the fridge, flavors mingling, waiting to be heated up tonight and devoured with plenty of cornbread. I'm looking forward to it. Here's the easy recipe.
MANY CAN SOUP
Brown one pound of lean ground beef in a soup pot and drain off the grease.
Add two cans of condensed minestrone soup and one can of water.
2 cans of Veg-All, drained.
1 can of corn, drained.
1 can of pinto beans. You can use Southern Style beans for more spice.
1 can of green beans, drained.
1 can of diced tomatoes.
A sprinkle of diced galic.
Simmer until hot.
Serve with Mexican or regular cornbread. Absolutely delicious, and even better the second day. It will freeze well, although I rarely have left-overs.
Make the soup and share my joy. And I'll guess I'll forgive Jean ... this time ...
Here's the meme:
THE SEARCH FOR JOY
Search your blog for the word "joy" used in the context of "happiness." If you cannot find the word in your weblog, you may use any of the select list of synonyms below.
joy, amusement, bliss, cheer, comfort, delectation, delight, ecstasy, elation, exaltation, exultation, exulting, felicity, gaiety, gladness, glee, good humor, gratification, happiness, hilarity, humor, jubilance, liveliness, merriment, mirth, pleasure, rapture, regalement, rejoicing, revelry, satisfaction, wonder
If your weblog does not include a built-in search engine, then you can use Google to search it only for the word you wish to find.
If you've found the word and it was not used facetiously or sarcastically, good for you. All you need to do is link to your earlier entry, and write a few words about that joyous moment. If, however, you have no joy (whole words only) in your weblog, you must dig deep in your soul and find something wonderful in your life right now. One little thing that fills you with warmth, that bubbles you over with quiet happiness, or tickles you with its good-hearted hilarity, or makes you glad you just took a breath, and are getting ready to take another. It doesn't have to be anything big. A smile someone gave you; your cat on your shoulder; the way the light angles through your window and casts rainbows on your floor. All it has to be is something genuine, something real, something that matters to you.
Because we all need joy in our lives, and need to take the time -- from time to time -- to recognize it. And sometimes, we need to pass it on.
Even if we're a big pain in the ass when we do.
When you've dealt with your own joy, pass the quest on to five other bloggers.
First, the five I'm going to pass it on to:
1. Trixie
2. Michelle
3. ER
4. Night-Rider
5. And of course, Frenzied!
In searching my blog, I discovered that I had only used the word "joy" once in my blog and not in a context where it was joyous. Well, I meant joy to mean joy, but the post wasn't joyous.
So I decided share a couple of joys in my life.
Four-year-old Mikey came to visit the other day. While I was carrying him into the house, he raided my shirt pocket and found a red pen. Immediately he asked for some "white paper." I got him some paper. He sat down at the coffee table and proceeded to write his name! He was excited that he could, and I was excited that he could. We had a grand time as he wrote his name over and over. He explained to me that M's go "up and down and up and down" and I's go "up and dot." Naturally I saved the pages. I want to remember that joy for a long time.
And here's something else that's enjoyable. I made a huge pot of Many Can Soup last night. It's now resting in the fridge, flavors mingling, waiting to be heated up tonight and devoured with plenty of cornbread. I'm looking forward to it. Here's the easy recipe.
MANY CAN SOUP
Brown one pound of lean ground beef in a soup pot and drain off the grease.
Add two cans of condensed minestrone soup and one can of water.
2 cans of Veg-All, drained.
1 can of corn, drained.
1 can of pinto beans. You can use Southern Style beans for more spice.
1 can of green beans, drained.
1 can of diced tomatoes.
A sprinkle of diced galic.
Simmer until hot.
Serve with Mexican or regular cornbread. Absolutely delicious, and even better the second day. It will freeze well, although I rarely have left-overs.
Make the soup and share my joy. And I'll guess I'll forgive Jean ... this time ...
Friday, October 14, 2005
MEMED!
Jean memed me some time back, and somehow I missed it. I wouldn't want her to think I backed down from it, although I don't know why she memed me because I had NEVER memed her before and have NEVER done anything like that to her ... yet.
Anyway, here's the meme. And remember it's JEAN'S fault.
1. Delve into your blog archive.
2. Find your 23rd post (or closest to).
3. Find the fifth sentence (or closest to).
4. Post the text of the sentence in your blog along with these instructions. Ponder it for meaning, subtext or hidden agendas.
5. Tag five people to do the same.
Okay, here's my entry:
"Any poet, if he is to survive as a writer beyond his twenty-fifth year, must alter; he must seek new literary influences; he will have different opinions to express."
-T.S. Eliot
That's the entire post from back then. I was only posting quotes that I liked and recipes with the occasional poems and snippets from books in progress, not any personal stuff. Eventually that would change for good or ill.
The quote itself is still one that I like and think it holds a lot of wisdom. I know I have to prime the writing pump before the words flow. I like the best want to do that is have a new experience, be it travel, a new author, exploring a river, etc. The more in, the more out.
And now I have to choose five victims -- participants, I mean.
1. Frenzied
2. Jamie
3. Joel
4. Mark
5. Michelle
Well, it's over. I've been memed and memed myself. I feel so cheap ...
(P.S. I'm aware some of you have already done this meme. Just remember that once is never enough.)
Anyway, here's the meme. And remember it's JEAN'S fault.
1. Delve into your blog archive.
2. Find your 23rd post (or closest to).
3. Find the fifth sentence (or closest to).
4. Post the text of the sentence in your blog along with these instructions. Ponder it for meaning, subtext or hidden agendas.
5. Tag five people to do the same.
Okay, here's my entry:
"Any poet, if he is to survive as a writer beyond his twenty-fifth year, must alter; he must seek new literary influences; he will have different opinions to express."
-T.S. Eliot
That's the entire post from back then. I was only posting quotes that I liked and recipes with the occasional poems and snippets from books in progress, not any personal stuff. Eventually that would change for good or ill.
The quote itself is still one that I like and think it holds a lot of wisdom. I know I have to prime the writing pump before the words flow. I like the best want to do that is have a new experience, be it travel, a new author, exploring a river, etc. The more in, the more out.
And now I have to choose five victims -- participants, I mean.
1. Frenzied
2. Jamie
3. Joel
4. Mark
5. Michelle
Well, it's over. I've been memed and memed myself. I feel so cheap ...
(P.S. I'm aware some of you have already done this meme. Just remember that once is never enough.)
Thursday, October 13, 2005
Gift
Speaking of my earlier post about evolution, a friend asked me how I stayed informed about so many things. Well, actually she asked, "How come you know so much about so many things and still have no common sense?" I'm assuming that was said in jest as we waited my roommate to bring me my extra car keys since I had locked the car doors with the keys inside the car -- and the engine was running.
I can at least answer the first part and have a good idea on the second (I was dropped on my head a lot when I was child). I read a lot of books and magazines. Each month I read Popular Science, Discover, National Geographic, Smithsonian, PCWorld, PCMagazine, Scientific American, Byline, The Writer, Writer's Digest, Poet, Popular Mechanics, The New Scientist and Archaeology. I make the magazine recyclers very happy. Yes, I subscribe to them all. Why? Because they all cover subjects that interest me. And then I read at least four non-fiction books a month if I can find ones that interest me at the library. So really, if I know that much -- and actually I just know a little about a lot of things, a jack of all trades, master of none -- it's because of reading.
I think one of the reasons I write is that I'm conscious of how reading has blessed my life. Books are a great gift to humanity and one that I wish more people took advantage of. I know so many people who simply don't read anything other than maybe the newspaper. Otherwise, it's TV all the way. If humanity is truly getting dumber as some believe, it's because we're not reading. And on that somber note, good night and have a great tomorrow.
I can at least answer the first part and have a good idea on the second (I was dropped on my head a lot when I was child). I read a lot of books and magazines. Each month I read Popular Science, Discover, National Geographic, Smithsonian, PCWorld, PCMagazine, Scientific American, Byline, The Writer, Writer's Digest, Poet, Popular Mechanics, The New Scientist and Archaeology. I make the magazine recyclers very happy. Yes, I subscribe to them all. Why? Because they all cover subjects that interest me. And then I read at least four non-fiction books a month if I can find ones that interest me at the library. So really, if I know that much -- and actually I just know a little about a lot of things, a jack of all trades, master of none -- it's because of reading.
I think one of the reasons I write is that I'm conscious of how reading has blessed my life. Books are a great gift to humanity and one that I wish more people took advantage of. I know so many people who simply don't read anything other than maybe the newspaper. Otherwise, it's TV all the way. If humanity is truly getting dumber as some believe, it's because we're not reading. And on that somber note, good night and have a great tomorrow.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)