A spot of poetry

I've been reluctant to create a new post, mostly because I've loved pulling up the blog and seeing David's cozy picture of our den (sigh) at the top of the page. I love his photography. You can see some more of in tucked in the archives of this site. If you go there, you might also want to read his latest blog entry. It's very touching. Okay, plug is over. --But the race is on: the Christmastime flavor poll has heated up, with pumpkin spice and eggnog neck and neck. Poor tabasco.

Let's have a little poetry. Before I inflict my latest scribbles on you, though, I'd like to pay tribute to one of my favorite wordsmiths. ...A giant of a man immortalized in the classic movie, "The Princess Bride." Yes, I'm talking about Fezzik, the great rhymer. Let's listen in...

Inigo Montoya: That Vizzini, he can *fuss*.
Fezzik: Fuss, fuss... I think he like to scream at *us*.
Inigo Montoya: Probably he means no *harm*.
Fezzik: He's really very short on *charm*.
Inigo Montoya: You have a great gift for rhyme.
Fezzik: Yes, yes, some of the time.
Vizzini: Enough of that.
Inigo Montoya: Fezzik, are there rocks ahead?
Fezzik: If there are, we all be dead.
Vizzini: No more rhymes now, I mean it.
Fezzik: Anybody want a peanut?

Genius. I'd hate to go up against Fezzik in a Rhyme-Off. Do any of you have the gift for rhyme? Anyway, that movie always brings a grin to my face, and I'd thought you'd like a smile, too.

Okay, (big, sudden transition)...here's some other stuff I wrote tonight:

Eyes search, looking into inky blankness
Peering for Something
--sensing nothing.
Only consuming chill and cavernous echoes provide company.

Yet in time the day comes and gently washes away the opaqueness,
Revealing it all - much closer than life - it startles,
Filling the horizon and sky
reclining regally on a throne of ancient rock,
yet also
seeming to
Lean in over all below--watching, and
Watching over.
It displays the sifting of snow like powdery hair that was
Always pale with wisdom, soft hairs without number.

Gossamer crown of cloud in place, it
Whispers
(to those who take notice)
that it will be unmoved from this throne,
Even as darkness returns for a moment.

Oh, Christmas Tree

Is your Christmas season already hectic and hurried? In the midst of it of all, I hope there's a place in your home or your memories that is restful and comforting. Here's mine: this is a picture that David took in our house last Christmas. I love our little Christmas tree forest and our fireplace. The sight of the trees and the sound of the crackling fire never fail to relax me.

I wish I had some impressively deep insights for you in this post. Instead, I offer simply a prayer that you can carve out a time and place to rest in the warmth of Christmas and its true meaning.

Yee haw!

My inner Texan has been unleashed! I've been enjoying a "girls weekend" in Texas with three very good friends and the kind husband of one who tolerates all of us invading their house. I'm so thankful to God for these weekends with them, although I do miss my sweet husband very much.

...But even though I love my New Mexico home, it does this Texas girl's heart good to see the Lone Star flag flying lots of places. My only disappointment has been the absence of the famous Cinnamon Roll cappuccino at the Chevron in Colorado City. (sigh--What happened, Chevron? It was just there a year ago!)

So life is pretty good when you get to have new adventures with wonderful friends and your biggest worry at the moment is where to get a tasty caffeine fix. These are times to treasure.

John McClane and Snow Days

It's Tuesday already? Wow, time flies, doesn't it? I hope your week has started off well.

You may be keeping tabs on the latest poll about Christmas specials. Apparently a few have strong feelings about this issue. ...And despite some thoughts to the contrary (ahem), "Die Hard" is not a Christmas movie, no matter how hard (ha ha) you men campaign! There, I've said it. Will you ladies back me up?

Goodness, how do I transition from that topic to this post's main topic? I'm not sure there is an effective way, so I'll just jump into it. Did you get snow this last week where you live? Much of the region here saw snow--anywhere from two to 12+ inches. Ahhh....a white Thanksgiving. I'll take it! Thanksgiving Day we were able to gaze out of large windows as big, fluffy flakes drifted down and enrobed everything.

Our dog, Daisy, preferred to run around in it instead of just watching. She bounded around the white yard, would slow some, then abruptly bury her long nose about two inches down in the snow. Doing this always seemed to start a launch sequence: with a miniature mountain on her nose, she would suddenly take off like a NASCAR driver, racing furiously in circles against invisible canine competitors. When she came inside, the yard looked like a snowy version of crop circles.

...But before she was unleashed on the untouched snow, everything looked perfect. Have you ever noticed that snow tends to beautify and highlight things around you that you normally don't see? Everything is different in white. Here's an example: on the property of where I worked my previous job, an ordinary evergreen tree stood near the road. I passed it hundreds of times as I hurried back and forth from work assignments, but I hardly ever really looked at it. Because of my haste it might as well have been invisible, despite the fact that I love to look at trees.

But then a couple of times a year something magical would happen... A dusting of snow would grace the land, and that tree suddenly became breathtaking. I marveled at its beauty, driving a little more slowly just to drink it in a few seconds longer. Each individual, delicate branch was showcased because of the dazzling white. I wondered at not noticing the tree more often, and I smiled at the sight.

That reminds me of the wonder of how God transforms our lives. On our own we may be ordinary like that tree. Seemingly nothing special. We can choose to start a relationship with Him, though, and He transforms us -- instantly and literally. Our loving Father showers on us the costly, whiter-than-snow gift of His righteousness and love. We are now different. And like the tree, who we really are becomes undeniably evident. We are who He created us to be all along... for the purpose of showcasing His glory.

And He smiles at the sight.

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT)

A post about nothing (almost)

For you are the words ever right there on the tip of your tongue, but you just can't get them out?

I have a couple of posts stirring around in my mind. It's just a little too late right now to think (or write) them coherently. Hopefully I'll have one posted Monday morning. Now, doesn't that make your week so much easier to start? =) In the meantime, meander on down to the new poll. Hope you had a wonderful weekend.

A Thanksgiving Hmmm...

I couldn't resist one more haiku in honor of Thanksgving. Have a wonderful day of gratefulness!

Thanksgiving is for
ev'ryone ...creatures as well
...tur-duck-en is served

Haiku-a-Thon...the Finale! (or Finally?)

Here is the conclusion to this week's haiku jamboree. In the midst of busy days and life's concerns, I hope that in a small way this has been a temporary reprieve. Have a great weekend.

Quiet, deafening--
Countless droplets sound applause
like liquid worship

(With Daniel's permission--thanks, Dan!)
Gleaming expanse shines
in Mr. Clean-like glory
...Brother-in-law's head


Spectators cheer for
what seems like eternity--
Cloud of witnesses

Haiku Hibernation

In case you're following the haiku fandango this week, you've probably noticed that new ones haven't appeared the last couple of days. I wish I had some interesting reason, like uncovering a local underground mime ring... or threats from a rival haiku-writing blog (which I suspect is related to the Van Buren Boys, for those of you who of know them). Nope, it has just been things like work and dilated eyes. Anyway, I'll post a plethora of haikus later today. Stay tuned!

Haiku-a-Thon, Day Four

The fourth day's haiku pays homage to the winner of the latest poll, the best scented candle never made...

Aroma marine
Gorton's bearded laborer
--Foul market o' fish

Haiku-a-Thon, Day Tres

Fingers of light grasp,
Pulling back the sleep-covers
...The land breathes, wakens

Haiku-a-Thon, Day Two

Here we go with the second day of the one-week Haiku-a-Thon. Since this is a special occasion, today's offerings come in honor of our nation's veterans and their families.

A grateful nation
offers feeble thanks for that
which remains priceless


Carefree children laugh --
Melodious tributes to
higher sacrifice

Haiku du jour

Mornez mahaha.
--What? You've never heard "good morning" in Bridigian, the language of western Ireland? =) Oh, okay, I'll admit that I'm not that smart-- a previous job is where I learned that oh-so-useful phrase.

I hope that you are enjoying a good weekend. This upcoming week will be a liiiitle different here in Blogopolis. I've been challenged to post a haiku a day for the next week. The gauntlet has been thrown down. So...(sound of echoing bugle call) let the First Annual November Haiku-a-Thon begin! And if anyone cares to join in, we can even have a Haiku Off. (cue "West Side Story" music with snapping)

80s trivia
Makes me feel quite trivial
Newhart's "dream bathroom"?

Sweet Justice

Just a quick note to let you know the results of the fall sports poll-- hockey wins! And, no, I didn't vote more than once despite popular opinion to the contrary (I simply pay off people well). If it makes you feel any better, football fans, football did make a courageous rush for the end zone, only to be met at the five yard line by fight-hungry hockey players. Well, at least most football players have all of their teeth.

This is an autographed picture of my favorite hockey player, former Dallas Stars goalie Ed ("The Eagle") Belfour. He was a feisty one and helped the Stars win the Stanley Cup in 1999. Ah, those were the days.
Anyone else have some favorite sports memories?

Reese's Snickerbutter Cups

The poll about the best candy ended in heated debate (well, as heated as you can get in a simple blog poll). It came down to Reese's and Snickers, with Reese's winning by a cup--er, nose. Insider info tells me, though, that a certain person voted more than once for their favorite. I guess they may have been worried that my favorite, Almond Joy, would win out. Probably not. Ahhh, in today's world isn't it nice sometimes to take a break and talk about pointless things?

...Which leads me to a big change of subject. David and I have a friend named Joe who is a missionary many thousands of miles away. This morning David mentioned to me that Joe now has a U.S. phone number that calls his phone in his apartment. Amazing! We could be connected to our friend fairly instantly, the gap closed without international operators, etc. I have almost no reason not to keep in touch.
But I've never had a reason not to pray for Joe and the people God touches through him. Isn't it so easy to forget to pray for our brothers and sisters across the world? And so many live in danger daily just for taking the name of Christ.
It's encouraging to me to hear of their faith and bravery. And we can be an encouragement to them--even if their faces and names won't be known to us until heaven. Each time we intercede for them in prayer, we instantly join God as He wraps His strengthening arms of love and comfort around each precious one.

(By the way, you can go to Joe's web site here.)

"Costumes" o' the 70s

Well, I guess it's that dress up day again. Most of us will see lots of little ones today, all dressed up and ready for goodies. While I'm the first to admit that I'm not Halloween's biggest fan, I do have fond memories of costumes and the candy that came our way.

Another type of "costume" came through my e-mail this week. Originally it was from someone who came across a big ol' 1977 JC Penney's catalog, complete with the dapper, fashion-forward getups of the day. The pictures almost defied description. My sister and I were laughing through e-mail (that's possible, isn't it?) about what we used to wear back then, too. I think we can all use a chuckle, so I'm willing humble myself (sigh). In honor of "dressing up" this week, here's a fashion parade from the 70s. Ah, childish, blissful ignorance...


Although grinning, little did I know that I had just been chosen as the spokesperson for Grey Poupon-colored eskimos everywhere.

My sister's plaid coat with its jaunty collar, topped with the ample cap, speak of a quiet elegance.

Remember how thick those polyester shirts were? At night this one stood up on its own in the corner of the bedroom.

And remember wearing fairy outfits to school everyday? ...What--that was just me? Okay, you got me. This was a favorite dress-up outfit,

complete with floppy fairy wings in the back. This one shows my shock that I was actually allowed in the picture by the cool big girls, what with the gauchos, Shaun Cassidy album, Laura Ingalls outfit, and all. Ask me another time about why I have a boy's haircut. (sniff)

I saved the best for last...David and his twin brother, Daniel. What confidence. What haberdashery. I'm sure they were quite the pair with the ladies of their kindergarten class.

When seeing this do any outfits of yours from this decade come marching out of the fashion tombs you've locked them in? Do tell. If y'all like this, we may just have to do an 80s flashback sometime.

Stream (or river or creek) of Consciousness

Off and on all week I thought about what the next post should include. I tried to come up with something deep and chin-rubbing-worthy. As the week went on, though, it was just too entertaining watching the brouhaha in the comments of the last post. I sat back, crossed my arms, and grinned with bloggish glee. (whatever that is)

And here we are at the weekend. This morning I had the treat of a mocha, so most of the day I floated around in caffeine-induced giddiness. The day was actually quite productive. Perhaps I should make more visits to the coffee house (but perhaps not)...it was a great day, and I'm in no mood to be somber.

So instead, I'm going to channel that caffeinaline (Can that be a word? Let's say it is for now.) and let my mind wander. Christi's blog today addressed a succession of various topics. Very nice read. I'm not going to be so organized. You're invited to join me now on a float down the stream of consciousness...you may have seen this before, too. In school when teaching us creative writing, this was a technique used for sparking thought in which you wrote down whatever came into your head, no organization or editing necessary. Enough jabbering; let's go.

-(Crickets chirping; brain silent, awaiting thoughts to pass by.)
-It's funny to mute the TV and imagine what else actors could be saying.
-Their slogan is, "ABC Family...A 'New' Kind of Family." Why don't they just be honest and say, "The morals of what we show now are anything but 'family,' but we're too cheap to change the station's name because we'd have to change all of our stationery."
-There's actually a car dealership named "Sexy Super Cars" (El Paso)
-It's funny and uncomfortable at the came time to be writing this post when I'm so tired...there's no telling what might come out.
-"Jabbering." Sounds like "jabberwocky." That sounds like "Jabba the Hut" and wookie.
-That lady co-host on the infomercial is the same one we saw a year or so ago when Esteban the guitar guy was on then, too. Wow. It's so sad that I know and remember that. I need to get out more often.
-What to do around here, though? Hmmm, small city...there's ring-twirling contests, Balderdash, and eating wasabi macadamia nuts. I can't believe I didn't just bite into that first one. Talk about (Three Stooges sound) woohoo! Oh, no...I just referenced one of my sworn enemies-- in a very strange way at that.
-We were just talking about how giving our dog physical boundaries within the house calms her down and she's more content. Isn't it comforting knowing that God gives us boundaries, too, so that we can rest and enjoy life within them?
-Mmmm. Pumpkin pancakes sound good right now.

Aaaaand on that note, I'll wrap up the river cruise. Thanks for joining me in that experiment. =) By the way, my hands are twitching to edit what I wrote above. (sigh) Guess that's the fare you pay to take that ride. Okay. That's really over now.

On a different note, for some great recommendations for chilly fall evenings see what David wrote here.

I've had a request for a picture of our dog, Daisy. Here's one of my favorite photos of her, taken a few months ago by my sister-in-law, Kara--a very talented photographer. Daisy has grown quite a bit since this time.

Liza's Tears

Poor Liza Minelli. No one wanted to see her trot out her rapping skillz. Instead, you pollsters chose the Gaithers doing Bon Jovi. Very intriguing choice! Well, I'm sure Liza will recover soon. By the way, some of you may know that she had a very funny cameo role in a few episodes of "Arrested Development."

That's about it for now, unless you can suggest other singer/song pairings. ....Hmmm?

Dishwashers and dark chocolate

Do you find that when God wants to teach you something, you're reminded of it almost everywhere you go? No, that never happens to me, either. Actually, this week I've been nudged, encouraged, (hammered!) to look for simple reasons to be joyful and thankful. Things seem so much brighter when we look past temporary circumstances, don't they?

In light of that, here is a short-ish list of some things for which I'm thankful (how do ya like that proper grammar? Impressive, huh?). As I write, in the back of my mind I'm hearing strains of "...these are a few of my favorite things..." You can thank me later for having that stuck in your head, too. Here we go:

• Fall mornings at Blue House, our local coffee house
• Friends
• Friends' laughter
• Friends' laughter with (at) me =)
  
• Curiosity
• Dishwashers
• New magazines
  
• Snuggling up with a fleece throw to watch a movie
  
• Office supply stores
• Forgiveness from God and others
• Velvety dog ears
• Dark chocolate
• David's patience and sense of humor
• David's patience with my sense of humor
• A child's perspective
• Funny-sounding words
  

So, what makes you thankful?

For your new week...

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
my hope comes from Him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation;
He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God;
He is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Trust in Him at all times, O people;
pour out your hearts to Him,
for God is our refuge.

Psalm 62:5-8

Isn't it amazing to know that whatever we are going through, He is our "mighty rock," "salvation"..."refuge"? Not could be or might be--He is those things. Whatever troubles we are shouldering, we must surrender them to Him as you "pour out your hearts to Him." May you find rest in Him alone today.

One more of my favorite passages from Psalms, the greatest book of poetry...

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go,
for to you I lift up my soul.
Rescue me from my enemies, O LORD,
for I hide myself in you.
Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God;
may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.

Psalm 143:8-10

Short (and Sweet?)

...And now back to our regularly-scheduled blog posts. This week I had a hiatus from the internet courtesy of our DSL provider--much of our area was off line for a couple of days. Very disruptive. Although I had internet withdrawals and started getting a nervous tick that made others hide their frightened children, I think it was healthy to be low-tech for a couple of days.

Apparently I didn't list your favorite superheroes. Besides the mighty Tick, who did I leave out?

Anyway, I'm so proud of how many of you rose to the Balderdash challenge! And for all of your trouble, here are the top-secret true definitions of the words:

Piebald:

adjective

having sections or patches colored differently and usually brightly; "a jester dressed in motley"; "the painted desert"; "a particolored dress"; "a piebald horse"; "pied daisies" [syn: motley]

WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.

Farrago:
a confused mixture; hodgepodge; medley: a farrago of doubts, fears, hopes, and wishes.
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.

And the race is on...

I've heard some strong opinions from some of you about the current poll. You take your superheroes seriously! Glad to hear it. =) One comment offered was that The Tick, the revered hero of all things blue, was woefully excluded from the choices. This was an oversight--The Tick is near and dear to my heart--but perhaps it's for the best. He would've whooped the competition unfairly, methinks.

Let's shift gears and start the week with a game, shall we? No, not Texas Hold 'Em, 42, or even the Bathroom Tile Game (that's for another post). Have you ever played Balderdash? It's a great board game that uses real words that almost no one has heard of. Players are given the word without knowing the real definition. Each player then makes up a definition. Then all of the "definitions" are read--with the real definition slipped in somewhere--and players vote to guess the real one. It's almost always worth a chuckle or even a chortle. Other ways to play include guessing the plot to an obscure movie, based on the title only.

For example, if given the word "pettifogger," I might say that it is "a specialized tool to rid petticoats of bowl weevils." The real answer is that it is "a petty, unscrupulous lawyer; also, who quibbles over trivia."

We'll play the movie version soon, but let's warm up with the words. Come on, take a chance and play a nerdy thinking game! Ready? Good. I'll give a couple of words. If you play you can make up definitions for one or both; post them in the comments section. In a couple of days I'll give the real meaning. Yeeessss, I realize you can look them up, but where's your sense of fun?

Here we go: Word #1: farrago
Word #2: piebald

Deep thoughts, I imagine

The sprightly young squirrel paused, sitting upright and still by the curb as he flicked his bushy tail. "Hmmm," he pondered after awhile. "I thought I heard a possum nearby. ...Must've been my imagination." He resumed his task of hunting broken pecans. "If there had been a possum," he wondered, amusing himself as he worked, "what would he be doing in this neighborhood? Visiting possum cousins? Taking a stroll? Hiding out in a garage in order to scare some poor, unsuspecting human?"

He stopped to sample a meaty piece of pecan then scurried on his way.
###

I'm feeling very weird and quirky writing this post, so hang on! Whaddya think of my little squirrel story? I spent hours working on it. (And if you'll buy that...) But what if it really happened? What if the squirrel used his imagination?

To put it bluntly, I don't think so. But it was fun imagining the story.

I've been thinking this week about the miracle of imagination. Have you ever wondered about that? I believe we're the only creation that God endowed with imagination. For example, somehow I doubt that javelinas sit around spinning yarns.

And don't you think that is part of how we're created in His image? He has the ultimate imagination--He created the universe, for goodness' sake--and imagination is part of His amazing fingerprint on each of us, I believe.

I like to think that He loves it when we use our wonderings as He intended. We had such great imaginations as kids, didn't we? Too bad our time now is often too crowded with errands, e-mail, and other day-fillers to see the invisible.

I'll try to remind myself of that the next time I see a twitchy-tailed squirrel on my curb.

Crucial Information

Happy Friday, everyone! Hope you're all kicking off the weekend in a fun and relaxing way if possible. David and I are painting the town red. ...Wellll, part of our living room is painted red. Does that count? We turned down multiple social engagement offers in our metropolis to be present for the season premiere of Stargate Atlantis.

Whilst awaiting the big moment (I said that with a British accent), I'm taking inspiration from a great blog, Altered Ambitions. Christi was challenged to share seven random things about herself. So I thought to myself, "Why not mooch off of this idea?" (also said with a British accent)

So for your weekend reading pleasure (or pain), here are seven random things about me...

1. My left thumb is double jointed.
2. I think Worcestershire sauce on mashed potatoes is quite tasty.
3, When I was born I had black hair and blue eyes. (very different now - no comments!)
4. Despite a fear of heights, I'd love to try parasailing and the trapeze.
5. I've been on Texas' death row. Don't ask me how I escaped.
6. I think it's fascinating how owls can turn their heads so far around.
7. I have never understood the appeal of the Three Stooges.

...There you have it. Now, what about you?

The Narcoleptic Aviator

It can be really interesting at times to live in this world of ours. Don't you love it when something a little odd or amazing captures your attention?

"Like what?" you ask. Thought you'd never ask. Like when I was leaving the post office yesterday and noticed a well-written flyer by the door. It explained the help this certain group offers and listed how a person with this need can get in touch with them. Great--except that the well-written information was intended for illiterate people; it was a literacy group. ...I knew you'd catch the irony.

And each day brings new promise of the unusual! Just this morning before the sun made its daily debut, I was reading about something from World War II. A unique group called the British Air Transport Auxiliary had the mission of ferrying aircraft to and from military installations around Britain and "the continent." The Auxiliary members' service freed up combat pilots for just that. It was a pretty remarkable group; for example, it was the first instance of women (many of them American) piloting military aircraft.

But that's not what caught my eye and imagination this morning. Here's the quote from the web site:

As the ferrying demands grew, the ATA actively recruited pilots to handle the workload, and limitations that might bar a pilot from service in peacetime were no barrier when every capable aviator was sorely needed. Most of the men who flew were in their thirties, forties and fifties. Many physically challenged pilots also found employment with the ATA. There were a few men who were color-blind, and one who suffered from narcolepsy, who but for the unfortunate tendency to nod off at the most inappropriate times was quite a good pilot. (On his ferrying trips he would take along an "assistant" to shake him awake if he happened to fall asleep at the controls.) There were several one-armed pilots, and a one-armed, one-eyed pilot, Stuart Keith-Jopp, who was one of the first 30 men to join the ATA at its inception. He was also over 50 years old, a veteran of World War I, and an extraordinarily skilled and capable pilot who flew with the ATA until the war's end. Click here if you want to read more about the ATA.

Wow. I can't help but chuckle and be amazed. What brave people! (Especially the "assistant.") I'm so grateful for their service. In this case the British knew how to put people to good use. ...And aren't you glad that God's the same way? He uses all of us, despite our flaws and foibles--seen or invisible. There are no excuses for laziness because He can use us all for extraordinary purposes, despite ourselves.

Now, on my next flight somewhere, if I hear on the intercom, "This is Captain Turner, and we'll be depart-- ZZzzzz..." then I just might volunteer to be the "assistant."

Falling for Fall

Ahhhh, this is a great time of year.

Some people plan months in advance for Christmas decorating; I practically salivate over fall. Come September as other people are squeezing out the last remnants of summer at Labor Day cookouts, I'm giddily pulling down my plastic bin stuffed with autumn leaf garlands and pumpkin-laden decorations. I'm oblivious to the fact that it's still 95 degrees outside. In our house, it's already autumn. I love the vibrant colored leaves, the chilly evenings, the sunlight that is a little softer, and the energy and excitement that the season brings.

It wasn't always this way with me. In fact, until about the last ten years or so I reveled in summer's heat and dreaded "sweater weather." Do you see changes in your life--big or small--and wonder when the tide turned? In this case, I have no idea what changed me. ...Perhaps it was a mission trip years ago to crisp, fragrant, appropriately-named Pine, Arizona. Perhaps it was marrying a man who adores fall. Perhaps it was discovering the joys of flavored cappuccinos. Or maybe it was realizing that 105-degree summer days really aren't fun. Oh, well--it doesn't matter if I figure it out. I'll just concentrate on enjoying these wonderful, fleeting days of fall.

So...what is your favorite season?

The Mob

Every morning I take a deep breath and prepare to be mobbed by a throng of admirers. These enthusiastic followers await my appearance and greet me loudly, crowding me as soon as I come into view. I can't escape the adoring attention.

Now, before you envy my celebrity status, I'll share a little more about my fan club. I even know their names: Dan, Ann, Daisy, Abby, Smokey, and little G. Gordon Kitty. Yep, in addition to our three animals, we're temporarily taking care of three more fuzzy ones. No matter how much time David and I spend with them they would love more attention. And we're not complaining much--they're pretty cute.

I got to wondering once as they hounded me (I can hear the groans)...in some tiny way was this what Jesus felt like each time the crowds pressed in on Him? Almost everywhere He went, "large crowds followed him." (Matt. 8:1) He ministered to them and loved them, no matter how tired or busy He was.

And as I stood pondering that thought (and excited puppy legs pummeled and almost felled me), I felt kinda smart for contemplating such a deep, spiritual analogy. But no sooner had that snarky thought snaked its way across my mind did this one hit me like a cat paw landing a strike on a dog's nose: How often do I seek Jesus in that persistent way? How eager and anxious am I to pursue Him each morning and throughout the day? Is it sometimes more of a ritual? I sadly imagined these pups nonchalantly giving me nod, then taking a pencil in their paws and checking me off of their to-do list for the day, right after "roll in the dirt" and "chew on something." That wouldn't seem very genuine. (Okay, please tell me that I'm not the only one with a weird imagination--I know some of you!)

Hmmm... I'll have to think about this, especially when I feel little puppy mouths nipping at my heels.

No Recovery

Sigh. Well, I guess Spielberg got impatient and went off this week and named his own movie: "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull." Had waited for you, the voters, it would've been "Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Fridge." Now you tell me-- which one sounds more swashbuckling? Let me tell you, at times those daring to go into my fridge find (unpleasant) adventures. Oh, well, we can all hum with contentment over the newest poll.

Back to that matter about the "no recovery" moment I mentioned a couple of posts ago. Do you ever get braver when you're around your friends?

Twenty-four hour donut shops and college students are often a perfect match. Like I mentioned already, it was late one weeknight years ago when a few friends and I decided to make our way to Jack and Jill Donuts at North First and Willis in Abilene, Texas. Well, actually some of us had kidnapped a few others and we needed a place to take them and feel triumphant, but that's another story.

We bought our superbrain goodies and settled onto stools looking out of the big plate glass windows, very much like the donut shop pictured in my September 9th post. Another great feature to donut shops is when they have a drive-through window, like this one did. As we laughed and had a good time, the line of several cars for the drive-through never died down--not surprising in a town with three universities.

I should mention that by this time David and I had been dating for almost a year. I should also mention that David thinks donuts are the fifth food group. So for a guy who's a night owl, this donut shop was heaven. It was no surprise when, through the glare of the parking lot lights, I saw him pull up to the end of the drive-through line in his white '87 Mercury Lynx. He had yet to spot me, though. So my friends and I kept on having a good time while I waited patiently, plot already hatched in my head.

When the time was right - David's car was only one away from the drive-through window - I used the famous last words of many redneck guys while horsing around with friends: "Hey, y'all, watch this!" My friends put down their donuts and looked as I slipped out the front door and around the side to the cars in line. I prepared to impress my buddies and have fun in the process; they had the perfect vantage point from inside the shop. As I moved I could see out of the corner of my eye that David's car window was rolled down-- also perfect, I thought to myself. I went to the end of the line of cars and dropped down with military-like stealth. Still crouching, I quickly made my way up the line until I was right below David's driver-side window. I grinned while glancing back into the shop; my friends watched expectantly. ....Then I made my move, springing into David's view, inches away from his face.

You probably guessed it. I don't know whose surprised eyes were bigger, mine or the stranger's staring back at me from inside what had to be the only other white '87 Mercury Lynx in Abilene. In my shock I managed to utter something brilliant like, "Oops, sorry--wrong person." Apparently he was too shocked himself to offer much reply. Tail tucked between my legs, I retreated back into the shop. Even before I opened the front door I could feel the sonic wave of my friends' laughter as they rolled on the floor, gasping for air. I could feel a smile come across my face, too.

Now, after I've opened up, doesn't that make you want to share one of your "no recovery" moments?

Never Forget Them

The continuation of the story from the last post was what I had planned to write about today, not making the connection ahead of time what today actually is. Right now it just seems a little hollow and inappropriate to finish that story in light of today's anniversary; I'll continue it next time. By the way, there's a link to a great web site at left; you may have heard about it this week.

Like almost every American, I'll never forget where I was when I first heard the news. David was driving me to my job at Cargill Associates; we were on Alta Mesa Boulevard in Fort Worth when Jody Dean came on the radio and announced a plane's fate - of course, soon known as the "first plane." Then as the morning unfolded in the office, each horrific event came across the radios, TVs, and computers that we were all glued to.

And I'm wondering about you...where were you that day?

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalm 46:10

Making Seuss Proud

Here's a first in the long history of this blog: we had a tie in the funniest word poll. Apparently you voters were steadfastly divided between the words "razzlefrazzle" and "foofaraw." (sigh) Ah, Dr. Seuss would be proud of your taste.

Tonight I was talking with a good (and very funny) friend named Libby. Something that happened to her recently reminded me of a "no recovery" embarrassing moment I had long ago at Jack & Jill Donuts in Abilene. --What? I've never told you about that? Well...it was late one week night... Oops, gotta go. Maybe next time.

In the meantime, if you haven't had a chance yet take your shot at naming the next Indiana Jones movie in the new poll. Spielberg is anxiously awaiting the verdict.

Target and Garrr, Part II

On Wednesday I said that I would let you know what happened at Target. Here it is.

This Tuesday night, I stopped in at Target as a break during a road trip. That's a great place for a break-- right, any ladies reading this? As I was shopping I came across a particular lady - a stranger - a couple of times. Not much interaction, maybe a smile and a few words. The next time our paths crossed in the store, somehow we struck up a conversation. And somehow I went from stranger to confidant in no time flat. She opened up to me about struggles she's had lately. The flow of the conversation then shifted easily to God; she heard some simple words from me that she said she'd needed to hear. ...And shortly afterwards our paths parted. I felt joy in being used by Him in a small way.

Now, some of you may be saying to yourselves, "What--that was it? Why did you make a big deal about this in the last post?" And you're right. It shouldn't be an unusual event. I didn't tell you about this to sound like a great Christian. The point is that this was somewhat unusual for me--I often use shyness as an excuse-- and happenings like this could be a daily occurance for any Christian. The truth is that usually I'm too busy or lazy to share with others.

But it did happen so easily this time. As I continued driving, I thought about why that might be. (Do you ever over-analyze things afterward? =) ) Of course, the main reason for this meeting was that it was God's will and He orchestrated it. No question about that. Beyond that, though... my mind drifted back to earlier in the day. During my significant length of time in the car that day, I found myself listening a lot to a great CD by Daniel Kirkley. By the way, if you happen to be looking for a Christian version of Josh Groban, he's it. But because of things like listening to him, I spent a lot of time with God. I walked, well--drove with Him through most of the trip. Sadly enough, sometimes it takes hours in a car for me to be focused on God throughout the day! By the time my car took a breather at Target, however, the overflow passed on to this woman was natural.

Wow...have you ever noticed that sometimes the simplest, most basic lessons have to be learned over and over again? As I neared home I was reminded of my second favorite passage: "Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." - 1Thessalonians 5:16-18 (italics mine) When I simply show up and keep in step with God throughout the day, those "chance" meetings seem to happen so naturally. I pray that every morning I answer His invitation to join Him on the walk.

(P.S. Happy Anniversary to my parents and to Daniel and Kara.)

Target and Garrr, Part I

The "garrs" have spoken: International Talk Like a Pirate Day has won as the Best Non-Major Holiday. I'll make sure I remind ye all when the day arrives, mateys. Speaking of speaking, if you go to Google.com and click on "Preferences," in the language menu you can choose such languages as "Elmer Fudd" and "Pig Latin." Also, a new poll is now in place.

As for the "Target" part of the title, I wish I had time right now to tell you what happened there last night. Hopefully soon I can fill you in.

Across the Miles...

Happy Labor Day weekend to you all--any fun plans?

And...Happy 64th Birthday, Daddy (Sunday)! I hope it's a great day for you. You're the best father a daughter could hope for. I just wish I could be there for you today, the way you've been there for me.

P.S. To the (ahem) talented poet who has the most recent comment on "Poet, Interrupted," calling herself "number 1" - not Commander Ryker, I assume...if you want to rejoice in being old(er) than me, have at it. =) hee hee By the way, thanks for letting me share birthday parties with you (picture at right).

Miscellaneous, etc.

Poll update: Capt. Crunch was grateful to tears for being elected the "Next Great Lunch Box." Be proud, all of you who exercised your freedom to vote. However, Capt. Stubing more than hinted to me that he's miffed at being slighted in this poll.
And to those who took on the trivia challenge, you sure know your train robbers. Big Mouth Billy Bass was...not it. I'd better admit it was Sam before he comes back and sets me straight. Neither was it hockey player Cody, nor would-be astronaut/N'Sync alum Lance. (I'm so sad that I know that.)

Random topic: "The Bourne Ultimatum" was a good movie. David and I saw it at our drive-in last weekend (which has the best popcorn, by the way), and we both liked it. I hadn't seen the previous two. Despite warnings from an anonymous friend (initials K.C.) not to do this, I just read the plot summaries of those first two online and was able to keep up with this third movie. What movies have you all seen (or want to see) lately, either in the theater, DVD, or TV?

Did anyone catch the lunar eclipse this week? I didn't, but Del Tackett from The Truth Project has an interesting blog entry about it - and great picture - here.

One last item: "dd pk" from a couple of the comments - show your identity! I have my ideas, and you obviously know me... Speak up and let me see if my guess is correct. =)

Pickles and Gravy

I've always wanted to name a cat "Pickles." Don't ask me why.

Well, okay, here's why: It's such a funny word and would be a funny name, don't you think? It would be a tongue-twister to say quickly, though. "Heeeeere, Pickles, Pickles, Pickles..." Anyway, speaking of funny names...then came the day that I had a cat named "Gravy." He had long, cream-colored fur, just the color of chicken-fried steak gravy. Very appropriate name, and I was reasonably sure that no one would copy me when naming their cat.

...And as I was petting Gravy, the weirdest thing happened that I've kept a secret until now: I was an undercover p.i. with all of Magnum's buddies, scuba diving to find clues and solving all kinds of crimes. But it came to a sudden end when the tour we were taking halted abruptly in front of Sanford & Son's house.

Then (you guessed it) I woke up. What? You mean that didn't sound believable?

All of the above are parts of several weird dreams I've had. All, except for the fact that I want to name a cat "Pickles." And I will someday, mark my words. In the meantime I'll just enjoy my odd trips to Dreamland. ...But surely some of you would also like to share your weird/funny dreams, right?

I can almost guarantee that tomorrow I'll have another funny dream to share from tonight.

Taking notice in Cloudcroft

Yesterday David and I took a day trip to Cloudcroft, NM, to see David's parents. They were there for a few days of relaxation. They chose a great place to do just that; many of us know that Cloudcroft is a beautiful mountain village surrounded by towering pines--a perfect escape from the summer heat.

While there they took us to a nearby campground to see something in particular. The day before, a big thunderstorm unleashed on the area, bringing lots of rain and hail. ...And lightning, evidently. We stopped our car nearby what they wanted us to see: In the middle of the campground stood the thick trunk of what used to be a huge pine tree. I say "used to be" because during the storm a lightning bolt whiplashed it, felling the tree and exposing the pale, fleshy lumber inside. A car was also its victim; in that same split second, the same bolt flung an arc to a nearby car and incapacitated it. The aftermath was a pretty impressive sight. Thankfully no one was hurt.

As we drove away it struck me (pun partially intended) how powerful God really is. He is God. His power and glory can be seen all around us, especially in nature. We left that campsite and went about our day. But other things kept catching my notice, from the fragrant wildflower bouquets decorating the edges of the highway, to a photo of a double rainbow my mother-in-law showed me on her camera, to the perfectly round, pea-sized hail cascading outside while visiting The Lodge hotel. Each reminded me of His awesomeness, creativity, and love (yes, somehow the hail even reminded me of His love!). I knew He was there.

Have you noticed that sometimes He wows us with a mighty display of His majesty? Often also it's the smaller, everyday things we see that He uses to invite us to gaze at Him. I'd love to hear from you: When was a time that God used something--maybe in nature, big or small--to remind you of who He is?

Poet, Interrupted

Have you ever been on the verge of something brilliant when you were suddenly interrupted? In a different vein, have you ever read a story and felt like, between the lines, you gained insight into current events in the writer's life?

A few weeks ago my mom was here. With her she brought a small box which held random papers and things from long ago that belonged to me. To be honest, I'll get rid of most of it, but I did happen upon something a little different than the other forgotten-significance artifacts. My highly-honed handwriting analysis skills tell me that I penned this around age five or six. I've had a request for more poetry; I hope this gives some intellectual satisfaction.
(Translation: A Poem Written by Alison Raymond
The world so beautiful
and the flowers are growing
when-I-go-2-bed-I-don't-like-2
The End.)

Can't a writer catch a break? Speaking of breaks, I hope everyone has a good weekend.

The Eyes Have It

This is what you've been waiting for: After a much-debated contest, (drumroll) "The Eye of the Tiger" has emerged as the champ of the Best 80s Song poll. Rest assured that I will notify and congratulate Survivor immediately.

Some disagreement did surface during this intense debate, however. Some of you suggested that perhaps the best 80s songs didn't have a chance because they weren't listed. Well, here's your chance!

Tell me what songs you DO think should've been on the list. ...And as much as you might be tempted, don't try to suggest anything by Menudo, please. While you're thinking please check out the new poll, below and left.

There was some poetry

Good morning, all! To start off the week, here is some poetry from a very young, teenage Alison Raymond. The assignment in class (Kasey and Courtney, remember Mrs. Hamilton?) was to pattern a free-verse poem after Walt Whitman’s “There was a Child went Forth.” Walt Whitman’s personal life doesn’t make me a fan, but his writing style wasn’t too shabby. Anyway, the first four lines had to be verbatim from his; the rest is mine. Our class was told that the poem was intended to reflect the writer’s memories/images/influences up until that point in life.

There was a child went forth every day,

And the first object she look’d upon, that object she became,

And that object became a part of her for the day or a certain part of the day,

Or for many years or stretching cycles of years.

Curious kittens catching butterflies,

Fingers feeling the cool grass while cloud-gazing,

The tender lullaby with the hand stroking the hair,

Carefree shouts bouncing off pavement,

The Pop! of the baseball as it sails up to the sun,

The scrape of tar-chalk on sun-baked sidewalks,

And big people and big pews,

Friendly greetings weaving a warm cocoon of security,

These things became a part of her.

The groans of pain emitted from workers moving furniture,

The tape that screeches as it seals boxes shut,

And the sad tears that fall during the last glance around the barren house;

Each was saved and treasured in her heart.

Shy glances around rooms full of strangers,

The first bashful conversations,

Then secrets gigglingly whispered among friends,

The sporadic crackle of the campfire piercing the cool night’s silence,

The myriad of voices singing praise skyward,

The melodic jibber of the Hispanic children,

And the dusty, bumpy roads,

The winkling of stars against the spread of black velvet,

And the rhythmic, whispering lap of the waves tickling the shore,

The cool water over their feet as their toes sink cozily in the sand,

All these things became part of her when she closed her eyes and

determined to absorb every magnificent, minute detail.

Howdy

Apparently I've now joined the 21st century. At times I've read the first posts on others' blogs, and many of them say something along the lines of what I'm about to say: I never thought I'd set up a blog. I feel kind of sheepish asking others to humor me by visiting it.

Nonetheless, here it is...we'll see what this evolves into. I'll post on a variety of things that catch my attention. If they catch your attention, too, I really hope you'll comment. (Then maybe I won't feel quite as sheepish!) And between you and me, I'm also using this to challenge myself to dust off my writing habit (poetry, etc.). At times some of those writings may appear here as well. For now, thanks for visiting, and I hope you check back soon!

P.S.: I hope you take a second to weigh in on my (ahem) purely scientific poll on the left.