Dec 17 2006

Wow-the last time I blogged was Dec 17 2006. 3 years before, to the day, that my daughter was born. So much has happened since then. There's no way to catch up and the 2 people that maybe still follow this blog know me and will know pretty much what's been happening with me-so there is really no need. Sometime I miss the old me. I wonder where she is. . . The new me has a lot going for her though.

Hope and Fear in Advent

We are now in the midst of Advent. It is also the anniversary of the day my cousin killed himself last year. I know this will be a tough day for his mom, but I'm not really sure how to reach out to her. So many people are sad this time of year. The losses of the past years come back to haunt them.

I'm serving at my church today. I really love being a part of the service. All distractions fall away and the essence of the Eucharist is all I see.

Last night I read some of the scripture which we will use today in our service. It is so beautiful and full of hope. It is a balm for the sad, weary, and disillusioned: "The Lord has taken away the judgements against you, he has turned away your enemies...the Lord is in your midst; you shall fear disaster no more..He will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in His love."

Murder on the Links

I've made a mistake-I'm listening to Murder on the Links rather than Murder on the Mews. Both are by Agatha Christie and both are Poirot mysteries. In fact many of her books have similar titles. For example: Murder in Mesopotamia, A Murder is Announced,Murder on the Nile, Murder at the vicarious, Murder, She Said, Murder at the Gallop, Murder Most Foul....You get the picture.

I do enjoy Poirot, but Ms. Marple may be my favorite Agatha Christie character. Both characters are doubted by others because of their age, but their quick wit and inexplicable insight solve the crimes that baffle the police.

So back on my Christmas list-Murder on the Mews!

Books and Tea

I've found it so hard to write with time constraints, but now that the semester is almost over I can actually write a bit about books and tea. I think I've spent enough of my blog time on me!

Twinings English Breakfast is simply wonderful tea. Basic, no frills, but comforting and refreshing-like the first time you "discovered" bottled water.

As for books I wish I had more time to read. Now I'm listening to the audio book, Murder on the Mews by Agathia Christie. She is an author I don't get tired of, like a nice comfy t-shirt.

What a lovely combination-Twinings tea and a nice paperback Agatha Christie. Great Christmas idea!!!! As C.S. Lewis once said, "You can never get a cup of tea large enough or book long enough to suit me!"

Feeling Brand New

I've been sick the past week. It got progressively worse first just a scrachy throat, then a tiredness I could not shake, and nausea. I finally called the doctor and he mercifully called in some medication (rather than me having to drive over an hour to see him). Without health insurance the meds we unbelievably expensive. One could say it was the perfect end to a money hemorrhaging week.

Somehow I have a peace about where we are, even though it is not a great place financially. Emotionally, I'm feeling so much better than a few days ago when I was stressing over so many things. The self inflicted pressures and worries have subsided. Seeing some friends on Wednesday helped. "A" loaned me a book, gave me a cup of tea and prayed with me. She is a rare person that honestly shares her hopes and pain with others.

The problems are still here, but the pain and fear is being replaced with hope and trust.

When my Granddad was dying I listen to the same songs over and over again. At the time some of the words seemed like they were from me to Grandaddy, some were from God. Now when I listen to one of these songs especially I can hear Granddady (he called us baby alot) and God reminding me, through the words of U2's "Original of the Species"

"Baby slow down
The end is not as fun as the start
Please stay a child somewhere in your heart...

You are the first one of your kind

And you feel like no one before...

I want the lot of what you got
and I want nothing that your not

Everywhere you go you shout it
you don't have to be shy about it...
And you'll never be alone
Come on now show your soul"

On the surface some of the lyrics may sound strange coming from God and or my Granddad, but to me it's like they are saying "enjoy life, relax, and be yourself, because I love you no matter what.

Truman Capote

Last week I watched the movie Capote. It was interesting and very enjoyable. Three years before, I read In Cold Blood, and almost from the begining, was drawn into the book. The movie Capote gives the viewer insight into Capote the man and the methods he employed to research and write his book.

Phillip Seymour Hoffman mastered the role of Capote and his voice (I listened to audio of Capote reading his short story A Christmas Memory and can vouch for Hoffman's skill).

Of course after watching the movie Capote I had to read more about him on Wikipedia. The first photo caused a huge controvery when Capote used it for the back of his first book Other Voices, Other Rooms, in 1948. If you would like to learn more copy and paste this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Truman_Capote#Biography

And that's the way it is....

I think Bob Schifer is great! When I was a kid my family watched the news every night. I loved Dan Rather and always defended him when my parents called him a communist (that's a blog for another day). I thought Bob and Dan were good buddies having fun and doing the news. He was the regular substitute for Dan Rather (until John Roberts came along) To me, the only good thing about Dan Rather leaving was Bob Schifer taking his place. Finally the guy gets his chance as anchor. Then after only a year CBS in their divine wisdom (ha) decides to get Katie Couric as their anchor. I have nothing against Katie, but come on.

Well, just had to share that thought. This is Library Lizzy, good night.