For anyone who thinks that, years later, the 9/11 scars for New Yorkers are healed, think again! As with any traumatic event, the scars are not so toughened over. Especially for those who have chosen to continue living and working on the outskirts of 9/11. I am appalled that the Obama Administration is insensitive enough to think that just because they choose to forget, that others have as well. While they continue to ignore the very real possibility that another 9/11 is possible, there are millions in the New York area who will never be able to erase the horrific events of that day. For an administration that would love to make 9/11 go away, they certainly have a unique way of going about that!
Last summer, we met a family while visiting my mom who had a house in Fairfield that was their summer country beach home. They were New Yorkers with a beautiful place just blocks from the World Trade Center. They were there that morning and would only tell us that it was unbelievable. They were quick to tell us that they never talk about it because the memory is too fresh, too unbearable to speak about. In the short time that we sat with them, I got the sense that these were people who intentionally chose New York as a home for the realistic view it gave their children of the world we live in, a couple who would, in a heartbeat, move back if they felt their family could trust that place again. She a Norwegian former model, he a record producer, not unfamiliar with working hard to accomplish life's goals. Clearly, 9/11's impact on their family will not soon be forgotten.
We should be careful not to shrug off the wounds that were opened by yesterday's stunt. It's a haunting reminder that we live in an unpredictable world during an unpredictable time when the most unexpected things, like your own government scaring the heebie jeebie's out of you, can happen. Way to go, O!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Vampires and Souls
Never in my wildest dreams would I have guessed a vampire saga could engross me the way the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer did this past week. I literally could not put the books down... it too me one week to read the 4.5 gargantuan books. While they are not exactly for the faint of heart, they present an overwhelming number of themes, wonderful character development, spiritual undertones and a great storyline to boot! I was completely drawn in, and agree that the movie did not do the book justice. Some interesting things I've been pondering/processing while reading them....
The idea of losing one's soul is a common thread throughout each of the books. Obviously, in the world of vampires and werewolves this is already a bizarre theme, but it still brings up questions about the journey of the soul in alignment with the conscious choices between good and evil in respect to your "lot in life", so to speak. Intriguing!
T called me from Catalyst West to share a few thought provoking ideas, such as the suggestion by Deb and Alan Hirsch that the nuclear family is the idol of ... the Western World? (I actually can't remember if it was the western world or the evangelical church???) Anyway, I was curious about that idea and am looking forward to reading more about it in their new book... but that idea combined with this vampire stuff got me thinking.... is "human nature" also an idol for Christians? Can we not fathom life beyond earth, or eternal life, enough not to covet our life on earth? Just a thought. It's a theme that is integral to the entire series I read, as Bella appears to be the first "mortal" who will willingly choose to become "immortal"... and for love.
Also, I had to chuckle throughout the books at the amazingly adept character and group mentality development this author wove throughout the saga. I was already seeing the potential for T to be personality typing each character, guessing their strengths and analyzing how well they worked as a team. A bit of fun for those types out there!
Finally, there is a bit of a redemptive theme as well involving the character patriarch of the "good" vampires, Carlisle. The son of a minister, who hunted down evil vampires until he was struck down by and transformed into one... (Paul...?) He then spends hundreds of years perfecting the very compassionate practice of being a "vegetarian" vampire, feasting only on animals, not humans. He is by far the most compassionate and gentle of the family, always erring on the moral high road in all vampiric affairs (LOL).
There are so many other subplots and themes throughout this book, it would be impossible to share each of them. I can only say that for me, it was well worth the read. While I would love for there to be more to the story (given their immortality, ingeniously this saga could continue forever!), I'm not sure my feeble little mind can absorb much more for now. I would highly recommend this whole series for anyone who has a week where they can devote hours of time to reading. =) Such as, a week where your husbands decides to go to LA for a conference! (perfect timing!) Enjoy!
The idea of losing one's soul is a common thread throughout each of the books. Obviously, in the world of vampires and werewolves this is already a bizarre theme, but it still brings up questions about the journey of the soul in alignment with the conscious choices between good and evil in respect to your "lot in life", so to speak. Intriguing!
T called me from Catalyst West to share a few thought provoking ideas, such as the suggestion by Deb and Alan Hirsch that the nuclear family is the idol of ... the Western World? (I actually can't remember if it was the western world or the evangelical church???) Anyway, I was curious about that idea and am looking forward to reading more about it in their new book... but that idea combined with this vampire stuff got me thinking.... is "human nature" also an idol for Christians? Can we not fathom life beyond earth, or eternal life, enough not to covet our life on earth? Just a thought. It's a theme that is integral to the entire series I read, as Bella appears to be the first "mortal" who will willingly choose to become "immortal"... and for love.
Also, I had to chuckle throughout the books at the amazingly adept character and group mentality development this author wove throughout the saga. I was already seeing the potential for T to be personality typing each character, guessing their strengths and analyzing how well they worked as a team. A bit of fun for those types out there!
Finally, there is a bit of a redemptive theme as well involving the character patriarch of the "good" vampires, Carlisle. The son of a minister, who hunted down evil vampires until he was struck down by and transformed into one... (Paul...?) He then spends hundreds of years perfecting the very compassionate practice of being a "vegetarian" vampire, feasting only on animals, not humans. He is by far the most compassionate and gentle of the family, always erring on the moral high road in all vampiric affairs (LOL).
There are so many other subplots and themes throughout this book, it would be impossible to share each of them. I can only say that for me, it was well worth the read. While I would love for there to be more to the story (given their immortality, ingeniously this saga could continue forever!), I'm not sure my feeble little mind can absorb much more for now. I would highly recommend this whole series for anyone who has a week where they can devote hours of time to reading. =) Such as, a week where your husbands decides to go to LA for a conference! (perfect timing!) Enjoy!
Monday, April 20, 2009
I Confess!
I am in every kind of rut imaginable! You name it, I'm stuck in it. It's quite sad. I'm in a blogging rut, I'm in a bit of a spiritual rut, I'm in a parenting rut - or so it seems, I'm in a life rut. I don't remember having one this long before, but it's just really, really annoying. I was hoping Spring Break would be a great encourager of getting out of all these ruts, but it was no help at all. I'm actually tracing it all the way back to when I started taking Lipitor, so maybe it's my anti-cholesterol rut. Maybe some of us just need our cholesterol! LOL
Fortunately, I'm not in a professional rut - I like my job and I still like to go to work! =) That is a great thing, because the people I work with are about to become my advocates. It would appear that my years of feeling like Em has some kind of learning disability/processing disorder are finally translating into something that is hopefully productive. We've had a drastic turn of events for this poor child that have brought to light the possibility that we're dealing with more than a little girl who can't draw and has terrible handwriting. I can see it will be a long journey, and it's painful getting to this spot - where we had to fail something simple to get anyone's attention - but I'm praying it will pay off in the end. At some point this year, we will have an "IEP 1" meeting, or internal review, to see if we can't convince someone that she needs some kind of intervention and testing. Finally!=)
Maybe this will put me back on track... and some sunshine, maybe?
Fortunately, I'm not in a professional rut - I like my job and I still like to go to work! =) That is a great thing, because the people I work with are about to become my advocates. It would appear that my years of feeling like Em has some kind of learning disability/processing disorder are finally translating into something that is hopefully productive. We've had a drastic turn of events for this poor child that have brought to light the possibility that we're dealing with more than a little girl who can't draw and has terrible handwriting. I can see it will be a long journey, and it's painful getting to this spot - where we had to fail something simple to get anyone's attention - but I'm praying it will pay off in the end. At some point this year, we will have an "IEP 1" meeting, or internal review, to see if we can't convince someone that she needs some kind of intervention and testing. Finally!=)
Maybe this will put me back on track... and some sunshine, maybe?
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Rejuvenation
UPDATE: Madi made it through surgery like a champ and everything went "picture perfectly"! She should be home by Wednesday with lots of tubes everywhere!! It's a very long recovery process, so everyone appreciates more prayer. Thanks!!
I actually think that's a better word for this season of Spring - at least in my life. It's so refreshing to go for a walk when cherry blossoms are falling, birds are chirping, the sun is glistening off the remnants of yesterdays downpour. It inspired me get my act together!
I have a million things on my mind, going on in my life, but today only one thing really takes precedence over it all: I am asking for intercessory prayer for Em's friend and our neighbor, Madi. She is leaving shortly to head over to Hopkins for some more major surgery tomorrow. This is to hopefully fix some issues she's been having since her last major surgery three years ago for a condition she was born with, bladder exstrophy. Your prayers for her and her family would be very much cherished, and hopefully in a week or so she will be home, but begin a 6-8 week recovery. As you can imagine, this will not be easy with spring upon us, all her friends out bike-riding and swimming and going to school. We are very hopeful this will be the culmination of years of preparation!
Pray for:
- Madi - that she can endure this as bravely and courageously as she has everything in her life.
- her family - that logistics, their two younger daughters and family would be supported and that everything would go smoothly
- insurance - for that past year, this has been an issue. So far, so good, but please pray that each aspect of their visit, hospital stay and after care will be covered by their insurance.
- doctors - Madi is "fortunate" to live here, as the premier doctor for this condition is at Johns Hopkins. We pray that each person who comes in contact with Madi and her family are as excellent and encouraging as they have been in the past.
- recovery - we pray for a speedy recovery and for a successful procedure!
Thanks for thinking of them!
I actually think that's a better word for this season of Spring - at least in my life. It's so refreshing to go for a walk when cherry blossoms are falling, birds are chirping, the sun is glistening off the remnants of yesterdays downpour. It inspired me get my act together!
I have a million things on my mind, going on in my life, but today only one thing really takes precedence over it all: I am asking for intercessory prayer for Em's friend and our neighbor, Madi. She is leaving shortly to head over to Hopkins for some more major surgery tomorrow. This is to hopefully fix some issues she's been having since her last major surgery three years ago for a condition she was born with, bladder exstrophy. Your prayers for her and her family would be very much cherished, and hopefully in a week or so she will be home, but begin a 6-8 week recovery. As you can imagine, this will not be easy with spring upon us, all her friends out bike-riding and swimming and going to school. We are very hopeful this will be the culmination of years of preparation!
Pray for:
- Madi - that she can endure this as bravely and courageously as she has everything in her life.
- her family - that logistics, their two younger daughters and family would be supported and that everything would go smoothly
- insurance - for that past year, this has been an issue. So far, so good, but please pray that each aspect of their visit, hospital stay and after care will be covered by their insurance.
- doctors - Madi is "fortunate" to live here, as the premier doctor for this condition is at Johns Hopkins. We pray that each person who comes in contact with Madi and her family are as excellent and encouraging as they have been in the past.
- recovery - we pray for a speedy recovery and for a successful procedure!
Thanks for thinking of them!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Sound of Music
This movie is a family favorite, as my parents were engaged just after going to see it. Every time it was on TV, we all watched it! My best childhood friend and I also used to Doe a Deer over and over. I don't think I could ever get tired of listening to it or singing it- such a classic!! Enjoy!
Friday, April 10, 2009
8 year olds!
Em came in this morning from riding her bike. Her best friend lives across the cul-de-sac, so I asked her if her friend was out. She said, "No. They have a note on their door not to ring the doorbell, that the girls will be out later. I knocked on the door a few times but they didn't come." Why is everything SO LITERAL?? We had a little talk about this one! ;-)
Spring Break
We have had a fun Spring Break so far! We started off with a quick night in DC for the Cherry Blossom Festival and Parade. I imagine that would have been more impressive, if not for the wind storm that eliminated the large balloons. We were also sorely disappointed (and stayed until the very end!!) when the headline Mama Mia stars failed to make an appearance. That was truly a bummer! The Tidal Basin also was overcrowded - note to selves: go on a weekday next year!
After our little DC trip, we went up to Connecticut for a few days. Lots of fun, relaxing, hanging out with family and meeting up with some old friends made for a great trip. We also fit in a [freezing!] day at Mystic Aquarium. Em was really in need of some animal time and she chose that over visiting the American Girl store in NYC. We'll try that some other time! Because I forgot my camera, we had to take pictures the old fashioned way - I'm not sure when I'll be posting any of those!
We are now home, doing laundry for my family - extended family, that is. My mom's washing machine broke and she is heading down to Savannah tomorrow from here. I'm getting some clothes ready for her to take on her trip. Then we will have Uncle D here for Easter - the girls are VERY excited!!
Happy Easter, everyone!
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Who Told You You Were Naked?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)