Reading Frenzy

I am in one of my "reading frenzies." I get in these from time to time where I will read book after book. After a time, I will then quit reading altogether for a while. Maybe one of these days I'll learn how to read in moderation again, but for now the frenzy is on.

The latest book I completed was "Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister." This book was written by Gregory Maguire - the same author of "Wicked" (which I haven't yet read.) Since "Confessions" relates to Cinderella it caught my eye. This is a tale of Cinderella told from the viewpoint of one of the stepsisters. Or to be more exact, it is the "true" story that developed into the fairy tale. The tale is set in Dutchland and follows the life of Margarethe and her two daughters, Ruth and Iris after escaping from England. The escape was made after the dikes broke and the countrymen laid blame on Margarethe's husband Jack and Margarethe. Upon their arrival in Dutchland they discover their relative, whom they were counting on to take them in, is dead. The story then develops into what Margarethe will do to insure their surrvival. While Margarethe does become the mean step-mother, the step-sisters in this story are kind, gentle girls. Thus the twist in the tale. I don't want to give too much away of the plot. (I was always bad at book reports as I never wanted to give away the plot and therefore I have a hard time of telling enough to pique interest.) I think you will find it interesting how Maguire tells a story that is a fun tale but is full of many morals. It is a well written book that I recommend for those of us who grew up on fairy tales and fables.

A Lesson From Sports Radio

Since I've already confessed to my MTV viewing habit I might as well confess to my radio listening one. While getting ready in the morning and sometimes during the day in the car I like to listen to sports radio. I find it entertaining and amusing. All football season here in Baton Rouge the talk has centered around the LSU head football coach and how the "program is headed in the wrong direction." Never mind that the team is 10-2 and going to play Miami in the Peach Bowl. Also disregard that Les Miles is the first coach to coach the Tigers to wins over Florida, Auburn and Alabama in the same season. After all, he inherited Nick Saban's team and anyone could have coached the team to that. Recruiting will be the true gauge. Of course now that it appears he will have at least a top 5 recruiting class it will be interesting to see what the comments will be.

Most of the callers appear to be just regular guys with an interest in sports. They have an opinion and like to express it. But there are times I wonder about some of the callers. Yesterday was one of those mornings. JaMarcus Russell, the LSU quarterback, will not be traveling to the Peach Bowl. The reason given is that he is staying home to rehab his separated shoulder. The rumor that surfaced yesterday was that he is really suffering from depression. I was amazed at the comments from people who thought that may be the real reason. They ranged along the lines from "LSU should have divulged this" to "He should go to Atlanta. That would be the best thing for his depression" to "He needs to quit thinking of himself and think of being a team leader." Excuse me, we're talking about a young college man here who may or may not be suffering from depression - remember it's a rumor - but if he is, how callous can a person be? I was surprised at the total disregard for a person and their life. All the while I kept thinking of the lost that Tony Dungy is suffering from the suicide of his 18 year old son. Surely these sports fanatics have heard of that. Their passion for sports has clouded their view of everything else it seems.

On and off for the rest of the day I thought about those comments trying to figure out how people can get on the radio and say calloused things like they did. I think they don't realize how important words really are. Then I started thinking about myself and wondering if I realize how important words really are. The book of James tells us "...Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire..." and that the tongue is "a restless evil, full of deadly poison." No wonder he also says that we should be "quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." So, what did I learn? That I need to be a better listener and slower to speak this next year. Resolution #1.

Found - My Christmas Spirit

I found my Christmas spirit. I think it was there all along, I just didn't recognize it. I'm use to Christmas meaning that you are running yourself ragged trying to get all the gifts bought, the decorations out, the cards sent, the breads and cookies baked, etc. Well, this year the kids lists were short so it wasn't such a hassle shopping, I pared down the decorations - but it still looked nice, and I baked some Apple Bread on Christmas day. Unfortunately the cards didn't get sent, but I'll start early on that next year.

For all my "bah-humbug" this season this year still brought me a really enjoyable Christmas. Bekah got home last Friday and Justin got here for Christmas on Thursday. It's been nice having them both home. Christmas morning we got up and opened gifts. It wasn't the excitement of little kids tearing open the packages and screaming in delight, but it was a very nice time together. Afterwards Jack cooked the traditional Christmas breakfast of bacon and pancakes. We then headed off to church. To be honest I was not that excited about church. I was afraid that the crowd would be extremely sparse, but I was wrong. There was a nice crowd and it was especially nice to see so many friends on Christmas day. After church we headed home and just enjoyed our day together. I baked the Apple Bread and Justin baked us a Fudge Pie from one of his new recipe books. Jack and Justin charcoaled some steaks for us for dinner and then we watched The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. Well, I actually missed about half of it because my dad called - which was a nice way to end the day. It wasn't the 4:30 a.m. excitement of many years past, but it was a great way to celebrate the day.

I think I have found that just because I don't get caught up in the hustle and bustle, it doesn't mean I don't enjoy Christmas. It must be a sign of getting older - or as I like to say, maturing - to be able to chill out a little and just enjoy things as they happen. I'm actually kind of looking forward to next Christmas!

Happy Reading!

After Christmas is a good time to curl up with a good book, so I thought I'd give a quick review of the books I've recently read.

"High Expectations" examines churches who are able to not only reach out to people and convert them, but also close the back door and keep them. One of the most interesting things to me was the importance of Sunday School and also the importance of letting people know what exactly you, as a body of Christ, believe. An interesting read for anyone that is interested in that sort of information.

"Joshua and the Flow of Biblical History" is a book I read as a study aid for the book of Joshua. I don't agree with all of the doctrinal statements made, but a good resource to tie the old law and the new law together.

"Pop Goes Religion" was not what I thought it would be. It is a series of articles written by Terry Mattingly about our culture from a religious standpoint. Nothing spectacular or that made me think - but that's just me.

"Revolution" is a mixed bag of sorts. The king of research paints a picture of the future where the church is a group of people who for the most part have left "organized religion." These are people who live the Christian life every day in every way. They are immersed in Bible reading, loving and serving their fellow man, developing the fruits of the spirit, etc. Kind of a novel concept uh? Seems like I've read about people like that before - like maybe in the Bible. Anyway while reading the book I kept wondering why people have to leave "organized religion" to be able to live the Christain life. Isn't that what it should be encouraging and helping people to do? Definitely a book that makes you think and one I plan on reading again after Christmas.

"Through Painted Deserts" is an easy book to read. It is the tale of 2 young men that leave Texas for Oregon and their trip along the way. There is a spiritual tone to the journey but it never got too deep. I wish it had gotten a little deeper, but it is an overall enjoyable book that will make you think just a little.

"A Million Little Pieces" is the "rawest" book I've read lately. It is James Frey's story of rehab. It is not as raw as it could be given the topic, but is real life. It was an eye opener to me as I have been somewhat sheltered from addicts. This book is not an easy read, but one that left me wanting to read more. I plan on getting his other book - My Friend Leonard after Christmas.

"Hot Fudge Sundae Blues" is a southern story, so I enjoyed reading it. It is about a pretty dysfunctional family, but that's what makes it enjoyable. I can't say that it brought anyone to mind that I have known in my life, but I could relate to the small town feel. Another one that I recommend.

The Simple Life

Jack and I went to Arkansas to pick Bekah up for Christmas. At the end of the break she will be going to Gulf Coast Getaway and riding back with the ATU Christian Student Center group, so we left her car up there. Anyway, we were riding around Thursday morning while she was taking her exam and I think I found our retirement house. What do you think? Fresh air, good view, garage, outside "staircase" - what more could you ask for?!

Happy Birthday to You!

Today is Jack's birthday. For the next 6 months he will be an old man - until I catch up to him. Then he always miraculously becomes young again. They had quite the celebration for him at work I think. No major celebration here though. Both kids called him and we went out to eat tonight. I am so thankful for Jack. He balances me. He supports me in every way. He is a compassionate, giving man with a wonderful dry sense of humor. I thank God that we are together and I look forward to our many years to come.

Ho! Ho! Ho!

Computers and Christmas Trees

There's something going on with the old computer. I'm not sure exactly what. It first started out where I was getting pop-ups to install Winfixer. Those only happen occasionally when I first get on the internet. I have ran every program I have or know of - Norton, Trend Micro, Adaware, Microsoft Spyware Blaster - and either nothing shows up or it doesn't appear to be related to that problem. Now I'm starting to get some of those dreaded pop-up screens for other things. Not a lot - but enough to be annoying. I have pop-up's blocked to the highest level, but still get a few. Figure it's all related to the same problem, but don't know what to do to get rid of it. Guess I'll just keep trying.

Well, the tree is up and the stockings are hung - kind of. When I say the tree is up - that is all it is. No lights, no decorations and the top branch is bent over. The stockings - well, Justin's holder fell and broke, so his stocking is being held by a broken holder. And my holder is stocking-less because I can't get it to stay on the mantle this year. I'm taking all of this as a sign that I should not drag out a lot of decorations this year. I do have my Snow Babies - including the ice skating scene - set up. Guess I'll try to get the tree done today or tomorrow and see if that changes my mind. For now I leave you with a hearty bah-humbug.

Fashion Police

I've been hit by the "fashion police." Those of you who know me are aware that I'm not the "hippest" person on the face of the earth. But I don't think my fashion sense is the worse out there. I have watched "What Not to Wear" from time to time and so far nobody has sent my name in as a candidate. So I like to think that I'm pretty main stream and age appropriate with my style and that I do ok. Today something happened that makes me wonder.

I was checking out at a department store when a woman - around my age - waiting in line behind me began to question my purchase. She started pointing out that it wasn't the "latest" style. Now as I said, I'm pretty mainstream. I wasn't looking for the latest style. Never mind that I told her that - she expounded on what was in, how Louisiana is the last place to get it, how the internet is starting to change that because people will just order on the internet, etc. The last statement being to the effect that I must save a lot of money since I don't have to have designer named items that cost $500 each. What do you say to that? A stranger who has no idea how much money I make or spend and who has no business knowing. And to top it off, she was not dressed in any way special. In fact, my first inclination was to tell her if she spent $500 for what she had on, she needed to file a report with the AG for price gouging. Instead I just smiled and told her that I was happy with the things I have. I guess if Stacy and Clinton come pay me a visit I'll have to re-think things.

Teenage Blogland

Do you ever read random blogs? Sometimes I hit the "Next Blog" button and browse other blogs. I don't do this very often because it's a crap shoot as far as what will pop up. Call me a prude but I don't want porn in my house. But I digress. The blogs that I have found interesting when I do browse are those written by teens. It is an eye-opener to see what today's teens are thinking, reading, watching, hearing, drinking, taking, etc. What is more interesting is how they write about these things and post them for the world to see. It makes me wonder if they are crying out for help, if they are proud of the life they are living and are bragging about it, or if their life is just all they know so it seems normal to them and they would be surprised that anyone would wonder abut it. It can be sad to read too. Some of these teens are really at rock bottom. It's a scary thing to think about.

I know that each generation thinks that the next generation is worse. I don't think that's the case. I just think with age our eyes are opened and we can see the pitfalls and the perils that abound. We see how the younger generation is so sure of themselves and so unafraid of life and what it brings. We see the selfishness that often occurs at that age. It's all a part of growing and maturing. But it is also part of choosing paths for later in life. That's the scary part.

A Little Music Review

I've been listening to Kelly Clarkson's Breakaway CD. That girl has a range that I can only listen to and envy. I am really enjoying the music even though most of the songs have a depressing theme to them - a lot of heartbreak. The first 3 tracks are already hits with the 4th track getting air time. If the trend continues, Kelly won't have to record another CD for a long time.

My favorite track has not gotten air time yet. It's the 6th track - "Addicted." This song has a bluesy quality to it. It's not about drug addiction, but "love" addiction. This is one of the songs that Kelly co-wrote and really showcases her talent. When listening to it I can almost feel the pain that is being sung about. I also like the 11th track - "Hear Me" and the 9th - "You Found Me" is pretty good too. This CD is a change from my standard Dave Matthews Band. But it's a nice break for a change of pace. I don't buy a lot of CD's but would highly recommend this one.

Bah-humbug!

Christmas isn't as much fun as it use to be. It seems that each year I become more "bah-humbug." Since High Fidelity was playing a lot over this past weekend, I decided to follow "Rob's" lead and do a couple of top 5 lists to try to figure out why.

Top 5 Reasons I Don't Like Christmas:

1. Shopping - I don't mind shopping when I'm in the mood to shop and know what I'm shopping for. I also like to go when there are no crowds. None of this describes my Christmas shopping.

2. Getting the decorations out - It takes a while to sort through them and decide which ones I want to use each year.

3. Putting the decorations up - This has to be the worse part! They never fit back in the way they should and I don't know how I get them all back in the closet. It gets harder every year.

4. The busy-ness of the season - Seems like the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas go by faster than any other weeks of the year.

5. Having to work hard to schedule a time to go see my family for Christmas - It shouldn't be that hard!

Top 5 Reason's I Like Christmas

1. The perfect gift - Coming up with the perfect gift for someone and surprising them with it.

2. Seeing all the Christmas decorations - Both other people's houses and my own.

3. The smells of Christmas - The cinnamon, spice, fir, baking smells. Ahhh!

4. Wrapping presents - This one use to be on my dis-like list, but now I kind of enjoy it. I think it's because for most occasions I throw it in a bag so actually wrapping and putting a pretty bow on it is strictly a "Christmas thing."

5. Christmas cards - Sending them but also receiving them. Some people I only have contact with this one time of the year. I love hearing from them, seeing pictures of their family and catching up.

6. Being with family - Need I say more??

7. The busy-ness of the season - Being out in the crowds, going to concerts, seeing the lights, etc.

8. Getting the decorations out - Seeing the ornaments we have collected during the years and the memory that each one contains.

9. Seeing the excitement of the children this time of year - and they're all being good since the big guy is watching. :-)

10. Hearing Christmas music - but only after Thanksgiving!

Guess I'm not as "bah-humbug" as I thought. I might even pop a Christmas CD in, get the decorations out, knock out my shopping and get it all wrapped today....or maybe not.

Diet and Exercise

I've been wanting to lose a little weight. Of course I think the way to do that is to watch what I eat and to exercise. I've been pretty good at doing a little of both until Thanksgiving hit. Throw out the little bit of self-control I was starting to have over food and forget walking on the treadmill since it's in the spare bedroom. So yesterday was going to be start-up day again. Of course when I got up yesterday morning, I decided that Tuesday would be a better start day because I had a lot of catching up to do with work and house cleaning. This morning has come and it will be yet another day before I start. I'm not sure if it was a little virus, a touch of food poisoning or just my body rebelling from all I've eaten these past few days. Whatever the reason, that is not my choice of how to lose weight. It almost makes me look forward to the exercise - tomorrow.

Pictures from Thanksgving Week

Miho and Bekah at Mike the Tigers cage. We went over to LSU after taking Miho on a tour of our state capitol. Mike was back there prowling around, but hid during the picture.

Thursday night we went down to the river and walked around. It was really pretty down there and I was a little surprised at the number of people that were down there enjoying the river.

Chrissy, Miho and Bekah. We had to explain to Miho what this little house is. Notice she didn't go in it. That night we took her to Boutin's to listen to some good old Cajun music, so she really was experiencing a taste of Louisiana.

Dad, Cliftena, Bekah, Chrissy and Miho under a large oak at San Francisco Plantation. After our tour there we drove in to New Orleans. The city had some signs of life with several stores along Magazine street open. We didn't drive into any neighborhoods except the Garden District, but can tell there is still a lot of cleaning up to do.

Holidays

Well, the Thanksgiving crowd has come and gone and my house is emptier again. It was a wonderful week. Bekah and Miho got here early Wednesday morning, Dad, Cliftena and Chrissy got here Wednesday evening and Justin and Melissa dropped in on Thursday morning. We spent our time eating, shopping and showing off our city and state. Everyone left in shifts too - in reverse order. Bekah and Miho were the last to leave after church yesterday. On their way back they barely missed some horrible weather that hit Arkansas. There was actually a motorist killed when a tornado hit a lumber yard along the interstate by the town I grew up in. Bekah drove by as they were cleaning up. I wonder how many near misses we have had in our lives and have not even known it.

Now it's time to hit the stores, decorate the house and get ready for Christmas. The kids will be out on break in 3 short weeks. I'm looking forward to that time together. Knowing they will be home so soon makes seeing them leave to go back not so hard.

Making Groceries

Today was one of my annual trips to the grocery store. I am one of those people who don't mind cooking. In fact I kind of enjoy it. (Not that a lot of that gets done around our house.) What I hate is going to the grocery store. I'm not sure why that is. I've searched my memory for some traumatic thing in my life that has caused such feelings of dread, but have come up empty. In fact as a young girl I loved going to the grocery store. There was a little neighborhood store a block from my house - Burris' Grocery. Jackie and I loved to go there. We would beg our mom to let us go just to look around even. Now it would be punishment.

But today wasn't bad. I got there early, had my list and knocked it out quickly. The main reason it wasn't bad was because I was going to get groceries for Thanksgiving. We are going to have a house full - for us anyway it is. There will be 9 of us here. It will be nice having Justin and Bekah home for a few days. And I always look forward to seeing my parents. This year a cousin and Bekah's roommate will be with her and Melissa will be with Justin. So our house is going from empty nest to overflowing. Makes going grocery shopping not such a chore when I focus on the goal.

Now if figuring out where everyone is going to sleep would be so easy....

Ah! The Theater

This past weekend I spent searching and struggling over scripts. Each year our kids at church participate in Leadership Training for Christ. One of their favorite events is Video Bible Drama. In the past I've had a wonderful friend that has taken this event, found and/or written scripts, worked with the kids and just basically ran it all. I've been the scheduler, helper, etc. Well this year it has fallen into my lap and while I'm sure I can be a drama queen at times, I'm not dramatic. I use to think I was and even aspired to be. In High School I was a stage hand for the Junior play and then was actually one of the lead characters in the Senior play. I learned a lot about it back then, but now I feel like I'm at a lost. I haven't even been able to settle on scripts! You would think that would be the easy part. We're under a time crunch of sorts as 2 of our kids are moving next month and they want to be in the video one last time. So, here I sat on Monday morning with several scripts to consider, but none of them feel like the "right" one. Any aspiring Christian script writers out there with a few hours on your hands?

The State We're In

Wednesday I went to a business expo luncheon. At the luncheon Dr. Loren Scott made a presentation of the Louisiana Economic Outlook for Louisiana for 2006 - 2007. It was not an upbeat report due to the effects mainly of Katrina, with Rita added in. To be honest, the overall outlook did not surprise me. There were a few facts that the assumptions were based on that did surprise me. The most startling was that in one fell swoop 11 years of employment growth was wiped out. That is almost incomprehensible. How do you recover 11 years quickly enough? I guess what makes this even sadder is that although Louisiana has stayed in the national spotlight longer than I thought they would, it is beginning to wan and by the first of the year will just be a byline every now and then. Our recovery is going to be a long process. I know we will recover. I'm also sure that the landscape of Louisiana is changing - physically and otherwise. Pray for us to have wisdom, trust and optimism as we go through these changes.

MTV and Me

Confession time - I watch Laguna Beach. Yes, I know that I am probably their oldest fan. I started watching it with Bekah when she was home and I just got caught up in the lives of Kristen, L.C., Jessica, the 2 Alex's, Josh, Stephen, Talan, etc. What can I say? It is my one T.V. vice. Well, you might could add MADE to that vice list, but I miss it more than I watch it.

Last night was the season finale for L.B. It was what I would expect for a show targeting the teen/young adult crowd. A lot of crying, hugging and music as they all move on. Kind of a let down as the season finale. Maybe I'm getting too old for the show. Guess I'll have to check it out next season, oh and the spin-off too, before I can know for sure. :-)

Another Photo Trip

Marilyn, June and I headed downtown to the levee on Thursday for a photo trip. It was a foggy day so there was no pretty blue sky. I really didn't apply a lot of the things I have learned. Don't know why but I was having a hard time thinking things through. I did try to remember to change aperture settings and I did a little with exposure, but at times I forget things I should do - like check white balance or film speed. I didn't think I had taken much that I'd like, but was surprised with a few pictures. They aren't necessarily the best overall, but here are some of my favorites that I got home with. I hope you enjoy them and comments are welcome.

I've been trying to think of a good title for this picture. I was pleased with the way it looks partially framed.

There's something about this picture that I like. I think it's the lines, the colors and the ripples in the water all together. I'm not sure though, it just appeals to me. I think I was in a "geometric mood."

I liked the way these lights seem to go on forever. They are down along the levee walk.

This dove was sitting on top of a lamp posing for me. I had to clean it up a lot with Photoshop and you can still see how nasty it was. But thought the bird was a good shot.

Bringing Back Memories

Our plans for the weekend got changed. We were going to the last SLU home football game tonight. We have always been able to drive over there and buy tickets before the game. This morning we read in the paper that the game was going to be a sale out. Seems the opponents are bringing a lot of fans in addition to it being homecoming and senior day. We called over there today and found that they are selling standing room only tickets. Since we're old and we go for half-time only, we aren't going.

Otherwise our weekend has gone great so far. We started with going to a LSU basketball game on Thursday night. It was an exhibition game and it took LSU a while to get going, but they ended up winning by 20. Jack was off for Veterans Day yesterday. We spent it running errands and doing things around the house. Last night was a hayride, bonfire party for the 3rd - 5th graders from church. One of the mom's planned it and Jack and I just showed up to help. She did a great job and the kids really had fun.

It brought back memories of my childhood. My family use to go camping every weekend during the summer - except the ones my dad had guard drill. The days were filled in the lake and around the campground exploring. The evenings were usually spent sitting around the campfire. At least when Jackie, Paula and I weren't trying to sneak off. The most memorable time around the campfire was one July 4th weekend when Mr. John decided to throw fireworks into the fire. I don't think I had ever seen my mom move so fast. Of course we were out of harms way and found it funny.

It is amazing how God has made us where senses will bring back pictures of the past. I often take sights and smells for granted, but then something as simple as the sight and smell of a fire transported me back to the carefree days of my childhood. We are truly "fearfully and wonderfully made."

Wednesdays Revisited

What did I post earlier about Wednesdays? Something about enjoying the kids being hyped up and ready to learn? Can I take it back?

Last night was "one of those nights." It wasn't that the kids were bad they were just a few of them wound up a little. I felt like I had lost control a time or two as we veered off into other areas. But after a night like that I have to look at myself and figure out what I need to do differently. For one thing I need to remind myself that the enthusiasm of kids is a good thing and the challenge is to channel it in the right way. I need to make sure I am 110% prepared when I go in that class. I need to make sure I have things to keep them interested. I need to cover them in prayer throughout the week. I need to know that there are going to be those times after class that I wonder what was accomplished. But I also need to know that if God's love has been shown, it was a success.

And for those of you who wonder - I still like Wednesday nights.

Fall Colors

We don't get much of a burst of Fall color here in Baton Rouge. In fact, this is a pretty good example of it. Lots of green going directly to brown. You have to find beauty in what you have.

Something's Missing

I miss my kids. Every now and then I realize how much I miss my kids. I've been cleaning out - a very little at a time. In that process I run across things that remind me of my kids. Some of them are from younger days - a paper with a phone number of one of Justin's old friends, a "color-me" mug that Bekah did. Some are from recent times - one of Bekah's senior pictures, a recipe that Justin wrote down. Little things that are reminders. Don't get me wrong - I'm glad that my kids are where they are, doing what they are doing. I love seeing them grow into the man and woman they are becoming. I like having "adult" conversations with them. I'm glad they are growing in independence. These are all things you want for your kids. After all, the goal of a parent is to be able to send them out into the world and watch them make it on their own.

But that doesn't mean I can't miss them.

The Weekend

We had an enjoyable weekend. We started it out by going to see Good Night and Good Luck on Friday night. It was a very good movie. David Strathairn did a great job in his role of Edward R. Murrow. It made me start thinking about our newscasts today and how much is news and how much is editorial. From the movie, it seems that the editorializing began with Murrow. That wasn't a bad thing for what he was dealing with. McCarthy had everyone frozen in fear of him and someone needed to step up and show the other side. I'm just not sure I like the way it has evolved over the years to the newscasts we now have. I don't mind editorializing as long as it is presented as such. I don't like it when it is presented as fact and news.

Saturday I went to a brunch with the women from church. The brunch was at a plantation here in town. It was a fun time to enjoy each other's company for a morning. That evening Jack and I went to Boutins for supper. They have some good food and we enjoy listening to the bands they have too. We haven't learned to Cajun dance yet, but we enjoying watching those who can.

Sunday was a good day. We stopped by Krispy Kreme on our way to church. I limited myself to one donut. I'm proud of that. That afternoon I went to a baby shower and then came home and watched the Saints lose yet another game. Several days ago I heard a deejay comment that if he ever had kids he was going to prepare them to be Saints fans by giving them a toy on Christmas, letting them play with it and enjoy it for 59 minutes and then he was going to rip it out of their hands and break it in front of them. At least yesterday we got to have our hopes up for 59 minutes and 50 seconds.

Thoughts While Walking the Dog

Our neighbor's house has been pretty much abandoned. There's been nobody living there or taking care of the yard for at least a month. Then one day this week a crew came and mowed, trimmed and weeded the yard. (Seems the neighbors are going to either sale or rent out the house.) It looks so much better now - the best it's looked since they moved in. But even as good as it looks, there are still problems. Due to lack of water, the grass is brown and the rhododendrons are dying.

When I passed by on a walk with Trevor I thought that there has to be a metaphor there on a spiritual level. I thought about when we abandon our walk with God how quickly things grow that must be trimmed and weeded out or else it will destroy us. Getting rid of those things can be hard - impossible if we don't let God come in and do it. And they almost always leave their mark. But how wonderful that God can cover those sins and see us as pure. Thank you, Lord.

In My Own Little Corner

Many years ago, in a land far away, I use to look forward to the annual TV showing of "Cinderella." Lesley Ann Warren was Cinderella and Stuart Damon was Prince Charming. For those of you who are not old as dirt, this was the Rodgers and Hammerstein's rendition, so it was a musical. I loved this show. I'm not sure why, but I did. In fact I loved it so much that one year I skipped church, with permission from my dad, to watch it on a Sunday night. Years later, when I had young kids, I rediscovered this show. Imagine my surprise when I realized that Allen Quartermain from General Hospital was once Prince Charming! My, he has changed.

My favorite song from Cinderella was always "In My Own Little Corner." Cinderella sings that there "I can be whatever I want to be." How wonderful to be someplace that you can be whatever you want to be. A place where anything is possible and you do not have to worry about other people and what they think of you.

Now that I'm all grown up I find myself thinking about that little corner. I wonder if I could go into it and be whatever I want to be, what would I want to be? Overall, I think I would want to be what I am - only better. And maybe younger.

Oh well - at least I have a chance for the better part.

Trevor

Trevor spent the morning at the "doggie spa" otherwise known as In the Doghouse. They always do a great job of cleaning and trimming him up and he smells so good when I pick him up. I think he enjoys his time there.

New Car

Jack and I made a trip to Houma today to pick up a new Honda Accord Coupe. It will be Justin's new car. It's a pretty metallic blue and I had fun driving it home. It has more features than my Acura and the interior is just as pretty if not more so. But I wouldn't trade my car.

Going to Houma brought back memories of this past summer and softball. Little did we know that would be our last season of watching Bekah play. Houma, like many cities in this area, has grown since then. They have many evacuees that are becoming citizens there it seems.

Our trip took us down I-10 to the Kenner area. Of course we didn't go into New Orleans. We did see a lot of downed trees. One of the houses that has been along the interstate for years was off of it's foundation and just a mess. We were both surprised at the amount of water in Ponchatrain and just in the general area. We are so dry here that I just didn't expect it. It really brought home how much water there was in that area during Katrina. We saw a lot of blue tarps too. But not much damage to houses and businesses where we traveled. I did keep thinking of the people from that area and what they are facing. My prayers are still with them all.

Blue Skies Smiling on Me

Today was one of those Fall days that I dislike - cloudy, cool enough to almost need a sweater, but warm enough not to. No rain in the clouds - just dreary. At least that was how most of the day was. This afternoon I took Trevor out and there was a break in the clouds revealing one of the prettiest blue skies I think I have ever seen. I ran in (or at least walked fast) and got my camera. It was such a small break that I barely got a picture. You can see the clouds moving in. But it was a welcome sight on a dreary day.

Thank you God for breaks in the clouds!

The Lord's Good Promises

"Not one of all the Lord's good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled." Joshua 21:45 NIV

This verse has been sticking in my mind for about a week now. How wonderful to know that out of all of the Lord's good promises, not one of them will fail. Even to me, who has broken promises both to other people and to God. God's righteousness does not depend on my righteousness.

Thank you, God, for all your good promises. Thank you for loving me and desiring that I love you. Thank you for your patience with me. Help me to know your good promises.

The Sound of Music

Jack and I have been able to listen to some wonderful music these past few days. Thursday night was the SLU Wind Symphony Fall Concert. Justin got us some wonderful seats in the balcony. With the acoustics in the Columbia, everything was so well blended when it got to us. One of the foremost saxophone players in the world, Eugene Rousseau, performed several pieces with them. Afterwards, Justin and Melissa went out to eat with us. We enjoyed getting to spend some time with them. It was a very enjoyable evening.

Sunday afternoon the SLU Wind Symphony performed again at an event known as Picnic and Pops. There were several ensembles, duets, etc. Even singing by the cast of The Sound of Music that is being performed there in Hammond. This performance was in the University Center - which is the basketball coliseum. Not the best acoustics, but once again they sounded great.

Of course, I took my camera Thursday night. Hard to get pictures from that far away, with the lighting and no tripod. I got a few decent shots, as long as you don't look too close.

Justin and Melissa after the concert.

Back to the BREC Botanical Garden

Since our photo trip to St. Francisville yielded no pictures, I decided to go back to the BREC Botanical Garden on Thursday for a short time and practice my exposures and depth of field. I also played around with my new spot filter some. (I found out that if you put it on top of a polarizing filter, you get a circle in your picture.) As usual I got some decent shots and some lousy shots, but I'm learning. I'll just share a couple of the pictures here. Enjoy!

These Black- eyed Susans were dying out, but what a pretty color in the midst of the bug eaten leaves.

One of my favorite pictures from this time out there.

Our Photo Adventure

Tuesday ended up being quite the adventure. Things started out promising - sunshine, no wind to blow the plants, coolness in the air. We even left on time! We got to St. Francisville and I knew Afton Villa was on the main highway, just not what part. Before leaving I checked a web site - bad idea - and it showed it close to the Myrtles. Of course it was not drawn to scale, so I allowed a little. After driving through St. Francisville and not seeing it, we decided to turn around and look again. After heading back the other way, I thought of the address I had written down. Of course we then realized that we had not gone far enough. Afton Villa was about 1/2 mile from where I had turned around. All this put us a little later getting there, but don't worry. That didn't matter. We got there and were greeted by a gate and a sign stating they are closed until March 1st. It'd be nice if that were posted on the kazillion websites that stated they opened Oct. 1st for a Fall showing.

We didn't want to come home without pictures, so we decided to go to Cat Island and find the giant Cypress tree. The map to Cat Island was worse than the one to Afton Villa. After a drive in the boonies - which is where a Wildlife Refuge generally is - we found Cat Island. A drive down the dusty, bumpy road was getting us closer to our goal. We finally saw the sign we were waiting for - "Cypress Trail - 1/4 Mile" When we got about 1/8 mile past that sign we came to a stop thanks to a tree in the road. Tammy, adventurous one that she is, got out and was our scout. She found the parking and the trail, but by the time she made it back my car was being swarmed by mosquito's. Marilyn and I decided we did not want to see the large Cypress that badly. We drove back the 1/8 of a mile and parked in a parking area by a culvert. We took a few shots there of basically nothing.

By then it was lunch time, or really past lunchtime. After a few detours on the way out of Cat Island (read wrong turns) we made it to St. Francisville to eat at Lola Blues. Their specials were posted on the board and we were all three eyeing the Turkey Stew. Of course right as we sat down, they erased that from the board. Seems they had sold out. Big surprise.

You know even though nothing worked out as I had planned, I had a great time on Tuesday. Marilyn, Tammy and I enjoyed being together and even though there wasn't much to photograph, we did have God's creation around us. I think there's a lesson in this trip that runs much deeper than anything I would have learned with my camera. If we had been taking pictures, we probably wouldn't have visited as much or had as many laughs. The trip would have been fun, but not as much fun. Thank you God for plans that go awry!

Random Thoughts on a Fall Day

I think the Fall weather is here to stay for at least a week! Fall is my third favorite season behind Spring and Summer. I would put Fall before summer except that Fall signals that Winter is on it's way. I don't like Winter - even down here in Baton Rouge. Here instead of disliking the cold, it's the many dreary, cloudy, depressing days. I like sunshine! So for now I'll enjoy the sunshine, wind and crispness in the air and think about Winter another day.

Tomorrow we are going on our photography field trip for the week. We are headed over to a garden in St. Francisvile. We may go to a wildlife area too if we have time and are so inclined. I hope the wind has died down a little by then. I went by to get a hood for my camera. I like those reflective sunspots in some shots like the trumpet flowers before, but it'll be nice to be able to get rid of them. I got another polarizing lens because I don't like having to switch it between lens when I change them out. (Read - "I'm lazy") Of course they had a special, so I ended up with a couple of effects filters. Not sure how much I'll use them, but thought it may be fun to play around with. I got a spot filter and a 4 point cross screen one. They weren't expensive and I do like to play around to see what happens with my camera.

Wednesday will be a busy day as I try to get everything organized to turn in the education department wish list for our new church building. It's exciting to think about everything that can be done. We have big dreams! Going through this process has also made me focus on what we have and how we can best use it. It's always a challenge to see outside of the box and a bigger challenge to take that step out. Sometimes we need a little push and I think I feel the hands on my back. I'm not sure where I'm being pushed so I'm just praying that I'll let God guide me.

Time for Fall Cleaning

Where to start with the clutter? I currently have "Mission Organization" on the TV and it is reinforcing how much I need to clear out things. Living in this house for 17 years has been a blessing, but it's easy to accumulate things (junk) when you know you don't have to deal with it. My closets are overflowing and it's past time for a clean sweep. I have started to a small extent in cleaning out some things in closets and drawers. Contrary to popular advice I am sweating the small stuff. If I look at the big picture I get overwhelmed. I find if I just concentrate on one small area at a time I can make more progress. I'm not even setting a time table to have it all done. But I am trying to deal with some clutter - no matter how small - each day. Maybe in the next 17 years I'll get it under control.

A pretty hibiscus. See the bee down in the cup? 

The bees were everywhere!  

Trip to the BREC Botanical Garden

Today I went to the Botanical Garden that is kept by our recreation department here. It is mainly a rose garden with many different varieties but also has many different flowering plants. It really has quite a few plants for the size. I wanted to practice my correct f-stops for depth of field and exposure settings. When I got ready to go I couldn't find my handy exposure scale that I got from class so I tried to guess. Overall I think I did ok with the exposure. I really didn't have any way off. I did learn that I need to do more than carry the tri-pod around - I need to use it! Since I didn't use it much, I had a few pictures with the shakes.

This was my first solo photo trip. I really enjoyed the time out in the quiet with just me, the bugs, bees, butterflies and flowers. I'm already thinking of other places I can go solo. But it is more fun to go with someone else.

Next week Marilyn and I are going to Afton Villa Gardens in St. Francisville. I am looking forward to that trip. In the meantime here a few pictures from my trip today. Enjoy!

Roses... 

Roses.. 

And another rose! 

Thought I'd get a different angle on the trumpet flower. A little motion due to the wind gently blowing them, but pretty flowers. 

A little clearer shot of the trumpet flower. 

This little fellow was up high in a bush. Hard to get a good angle, plus I didn't get my tripod out, so I didn't get a lot of great shots, but a few decent ones. 

A REAL REDTOP HEDGE

Jack was outside watering the lawn when he came and got me to take a picture of this large cardinal that was enjoying the mist. I only got two quick shots and then he flew away and didn't return. I was hoping that he was an omen that St. Louis would win today, but that didn't happen. 

Weekend Ramblings

The weekend is almost over and I'm wondering where did it go? Jack and I went to see a local production of A Chorus Line Friday night. Saturday evening Justin came home and spent the night. It was good seeing him. While he was here we went to a car lot to look at cars he might like. It's getting close to time for him to have a new car. Not sure what we'll end up with but I think he's excited about it. Of course today was church and then just a lazy day. Weekends are nice even when there's not a lot going on. I can see why God commanded a day of rest for His people. In fact it kind of saddens me when I see how Sunday has become almost like any other day. Not that I think we are still commanded to "observe the Sabbath" in the same way, but I do think we would be better equipped for life if we observed a day of rest more often.

Wednesdays

I really like Wednesdays. Even though it's the middle of the week, it just feels like the weekend is about to start. That's a good thing. But most of all I like Wednesdays because of our Wednesday nights at church. The kids that come on Wednesday are so ready and willing to learn. They are excited about how their week has gone and they are ready to share. You would think they would be subdued and sleepy, but that's the Sunday morning crowd. The Wednesday crowd is hyped up and ready to go. Plus they don't wear their "good clothes" on Wednesday so we get to do messy, gooey things. My favorite way to teach.

I know there is no command to meet on Wednesday and to some people it just isn't that important. I'm not judging that in any way. I just know for me that Wednesday is a time of encouragement. To see like minded people, to get hugs from the kids and to hear them share not just things that has happened to them, but the ways they see God in their lives is just amazing. In fact the kids often teach me more than I teach them. Thank God for Wednesdays!

Football in Hammond

We had a good trip over to Hammond yesterday. The weather wasn't as cool as I thought it'd be, but it was nice for being out in it. We got to SLU in time to watch the band march to the stadium. They moved the band to the sideline stands and we ended up sitting directly across from them. They sounded good and had a good pre-game and halftime show. The football game on the other hand was pretty sad. SLU had a lot of penalties and the defense spent most of the game on the field. We made it through 3 quarters then decided we'd head home and catch the St. Louis baseball game on TV. Afterall, we really only went to the game for the halftime show. I'm sharing a few of my pictures that I took.

Marching to the stadium. Here's Justin - 2nd over. 

Here comes Melissa. She's on the opposite end from where I was.  

The Spirit of the Southland taking the field for pre-game. 

They moved the band to the sideline this year. They ended up being directly across from us, so that was a nice treat. 

Play on brass! 

I just liked this shot of some of the players on the sideline so thought I'd share it.

This pretty much tells the story of how the football went for Southeastern.  

Justin and Melissa getting ready for halftime.