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Wednesday, 28 October 2009

Halloween Help

I don't get it. This Halloween thing has me seriously perplexed.
Oh, I understand dressing up like a cute, fuzzy animal or a favorite superhero. Even I'd like to do that. And I get the candy. Who doesn't enjoy an excuse to eat candy? But what I can't grasp are the ghosts, witches, skeletons and all other grotseque-looking netherworldly creatures. How is it those things are fun? Why would you want to decorate your house with cobwebs, or make punch that looks like swamp slime or cookies that resemble eyeballs?
I cannot wrap my mind around such things. And I would like to. Let me clarify: I would like to understand what drives a person to do those things. Is it all in the name of "fun"? What is it then, that makes the very same thing "fun" to some, and "un-fun" to another? Is it just preference, personality, or spiritual position? Where does good and evil play in here?
And, no, I don't ask these questions with any pre-formulated responses in mind (like I usually do in asking questions!); I'm truly curious- what is it that makes Halloween a day worth celebrating?

Tuesday, 20 October 2009

Autumn 2009

I couldn't stop and smell the flowers today, since there aren't any to smell this time of year. But I did stop and take some pictures.

October gave a party;
The leaves by hundreds came -
The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples,
And leaves of every name.
The Sunshine spread a carpet,
And everything was grand,
Miss Weather led the dancing,
Professor Wind the band.
~George Cooper, "October's Party"
_ _ _ _ _ _ _
For a fall-themed family night, go with apples!
You can do an apple race:

Each child must run with an apple on a large serving or wooden spoon from one location to another without dropping their apple!
Decorate them:

Pretzel sticks for arms or legs, marshmallows for hands or heads, raisins for buttons, grapes for noses, and cream cheese to glue it all together!
And dip them!

Using a melon baller, create apple balls. Poke onto popsicle sticks and dip in melted (and slightly cooled) chocolate or caramel. Roll in chopped nuts or coarse sprinkles.
_ _ _ _ _
No spring nor summer beauty hath such grace
As I have seen in one autumnal face.

Friday, 16 October 2009

The Honest to Goodness Truth

I read a fascinating book to Julia recently (or at least as fascinating as children's books can be) called "The Honest To Goodness Truth". The little girl's mother in this book warned her to never lie but always tell the truth.
True enough.
So, the main character strove to tell the whole truth- no matter how, no matter when. This made obvious problems. Like when she saw a hole in her friend's sock and blurted it out in front of everyone on the playground! She quickly found herself friendless and frustrated at this truth telling business.
I relate, for I too have pondered exactly what it means to be honest.
Quite honestly, being honest is a complex thing. For it is more than just relaying facts; there are emotions involved.
If a friend asks me for my impression of her new house and the honest truth is less than positive, what do I say? I have enough wits about me to not spout out all the things I think are ridiculous with the place. But, I wonder, if I find a genuinely positive aspect of her abode and use that as my reply, and no more, is that truly being honest?
I also know people for whom being honest means they feel it necessary to inform me of every detail on a given subject. Whether asked about or not, they delve into a liturgy of their latest ailments, aches and pains; or the most recent findings on the life of their sister, friends, dog, or bedspread. Does the truth require me to listen? Even if I think they might be better served by the truth residing in my heart that for most circumstances, a summary is sufficient.
There's the adage that "sometimes the truth hurts". We all know this to be a true, and yet necessary part of life. So, how do you go about being the deliverer of such a truth, and yet "speak it in love"?
If we truly love someone, we won't allow fear to dictate how we communicate with them. "Perfect love drives out fear." And there's honestly an awful lot of truth-telling that's tinged with fear. It seems Jesus had plenty of negative things to say. Even to his disciples, He spoke more than just flowery words.
And yet I remain just a bit afraid. Like the story's main character, I'm not a fan of friendlessness or frustration. So still I ponder, what does telling the Honest To Goodness Truth, truly mean?

Monday, 12 October 2009

Desiderata

I read these words at a lawyer's office this morning. Beautiful. And much to ponder . . .
Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let not this blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams; it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

--- Max Ehrmann, 1927

Saturday, 10 October 2009

Hmm . .

They say if you haven't ideas to blog about, just post pictures.
Well . . .
What do you do if you have neither ideas NOR pictures to work with?
Hmm.