It has been quite a while hasn't it? Just a quick update: I am currently working to save the world, one elderly person at a time. In a world that puts value on those that make money or produce a future work force, those that are seniors or disabled can find it difficult to recognize their own importance and contribution in life. Over and over again, in my line of work, I hear people talk about their struggles and thoughts of ending it all. The line most often heard revolves around being unneeded or having nothing to do.
The body or the mind break down, but that doesn't mean a person doesn't still have hopes and dreams. These are individuals who have done many things in life and suddenly, they find their days are supposed to revolve around bingo and that once-a-week ice-cream social with sugar free ice-cream. The human soul doesn't downsize that fast. What did not content us as a child will not content us as adults until we no longer have the ability to imagine possibilities. That is, after all, what propels children into the world; the curiosity to see more and the belief that we can achieve it.
Yet daily, I speak with those who determine that the world might be better off without them. It is difficult to help people understand the worth of the soul when a soul is no longer considered of value inherently just for existing. If you remove the concept of a soul, then the value of existence can be redefined. It is no longer of worth because it is a soul. Now, we must justify and validate our very existence. And there are only too many who are willing to redifine the value based on what they want or what they fear most.
This is why we see organizations and governments and programs and individuals put emphasis on what we do, how much we earn, how many children we raised...these are all attempts to justify our lives. It is also why there is talk about overpopulation. When a person has no value except through what they can produce or create, then talk about resources and how they should be distributed gains traction. When you know someone has a soul and that soul is valuable, you would never discuss a world population of 500 million people (eliminating 5.5 billion of the rest of us instantaneously). You would no longer view those society might consider 'broken' (no longer or never functioning to an outsider's standard)as a burden that perhaps, in hard economic or global times, we can no longer support.
I have talked with these individuals. Every day for over 2 years now. And I can say without any hesitation that each person is unique. Each has a soul. Each, just by being, is of value.
Time is the last gift we were given in mortality, the first being life and the second being agency. If we take this gift from others, they have no ability to reflect, to decide, to gain peace and make right all the things they realize they can and want to. We remove the last mortal opportunity a soul has for progress. Even those who would do it out of mercy (Let us not mistake the fact that actions loudly proclaimed to be done out of thoughtfulness are not always as pure as claimed; there are some who will always sing "I'm Only Thinking of Him" while really considering only their own place in society) demonstrate a change in the compass of humanity and value. Perhaps only by a degree or two, but still differing from our guiding light. One cannot reach perfection by missing the mark.
Although one could argue that life of the elderly is valuable b/c they have already contributed or b/c we can learn something from them, these are ultimately still justifications. And justifications mean that one is still unsure of the foundational argument's veracity. There need be no justification beyond this: they live. "We hold these truths to be self evident: that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalieable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." (Declaration of Independence)
To hold a truth self evident means that it does not require proof or justification beyond itself. It is truth and truth is fact. It exists. Our agreement or disagreement, our desire to justify or nullify, our need to polish to feel important is irrelevant. The truth does not need us. It is. We are the ones in need of it. My sister once said that 'truth is truth, and though it can be villified, it cannot be nullified.'
Our foundation is beyond reproach. We are created equal. Without adding in the importance of a job, or a body, or social class or marriage status. We are equal because we are. And our lives have been filled with rights. One of these is Life. Not just life, but Life. Not just liberty. Liberty. And Happiness, not the Pursuit or struggle of which is emphasized, but the Happiness itself, which means so much more than we often wish to admit. The Founders were not just speaking of those who were Anglo Saxon Protestants. Review their own writings. Review those who founded this country. There were men and women of all races and religions and social classes. Those who say otherwise are either ignorant of our foundation or deliberately obfuscating.
When you see someone, whether young or old, whether working at home or 60 hours or too 'broken' to work at all; remember that their very existence reaffirms Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. It is hope. And though people without hope are easy to control, those with it create an ever expanding universe where all can rise and reach dreams. Even dreams that come to us as we age. We are not Broken. We are a part of the Great Clock and each piece is purposeful in the Eternal Now.
We only need to understand and remember.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
The Power to Change the World
Although heroes often have 'greatness thrust upon them' some of us seek for it because we want to do something important in the world. Ah, but what? Renewable energy is already a current project for the entire world. Eliminating hunger...removing disease...world peace.... Even the big 3 (Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman) haven't achieved these yet. But remember one of the first things Superman did in Metropolis? He rescued a cat out of a tree. Doesn't seem like the stuff of heroes and legends. In fact, it's only about a 2 minute clip in the movie. Doesn't even get as much air time as Lex Luther's secretary swimming in her pool (as if THAT'S important).
There is a scripture that says 'by small and simple means are great things brought to pass.' Don't believe me? Well, let's look at an example from moviedom. Remember LOTR? The whole thing, not just the first one. We all know Frodo is going to be a hero of sorts, he has the ring. And Arragorn--obvious. As are Legolas and Gimli and even Sam. But what about the 'plucky comic reliefs' found in Merry and Pip? They spend a lot of time being funny and not really getting it (remember the tomato scene at Weathertop?). And yet, how often does the humor lift the hearts of those who are unable to lift their own? Or how each of them says something which inspires others to take up the fight against darkness and shadow. The Ents go to war my friend. Even Pip is noble and loyal and brave where it matters. Heroic deeds can sometimes be as small as lighting one tiny fire or looking for a friend who is lost after a battle.
Recently, I had this brought back to me in a very touching way. While at the Missionary Training Center for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I met another sister whom I had known at BYU in the Tree Streets. She was going to a European mission and I was headed for NYC. I bumped into her right before I left, and then I wrote her a letter. I may have seen her one other time, but I don't recall. In fact, I didn't recall this incident at all until yesterday. You see, she wrote me all these years later, to talk to me about it. And I'll be honest, it really touched my heart. Her thank you meant the world. And it meant a lot to know that one letter mattered. I had no idea that one letter would make a difference like that; it certainly wasn't my intention when I wrote it. I just wrote it because I wanted to tell her some things. And I bet she had no idea that when she wrote that thank you, it was exactly when I needed to hear it. Over the course of my life, I have found an accumulation of evidence which leads me to know that Heavenly Father is incredibly aware of us and what we need in our life. And that He send the Holy Ghost to prompt us, to touch our minds and hearts to reach out to others in small ways which touch deep into our core and lift us in those moments when we cannot lift ourselves. We are not alone. And the God who is aware of a sparrow, is aware of us. Never be afraid to do something kind, whether in the moment, or in a moment of reflection. No truly good deed is in vain.
Did that girl ever write Superman? I don't know. I'd like to think she did. And I'd like to think that on a hard day, he pulled that letter out--that 'thank you' from one small girl. That 'thank you' meant more to him than any Daily Planet kudos or letter from the Mayor or day named in his honor. Because that one, that letter with the kitty paw print in the corner, came straight from the heart about something that mattered in her life and in her cat's. It isn't the big things, it's the little things done because we mean them. Do a good turn daily isn't just for scouts. It's for heroes and heroes in training and sidekicks too!
Thanks to this sister, who felt inspired to send a thank you out into the universe. And thank you Superman, for getting the cat out of the tree.
There is a scripture that says 'by small and simple means are great things brought to pass.' Don't believe me? Well, let's look at an example from moviedom. Remember LOTR? The whole thing, not just the first one. We all know Frodo is going to be a hero of sorts, he has the ring. And Arragorn--obvious. As are Legolas and Gimli and even Sam. But what about the 'plucky comic reliefs' found in Merry and Pip? They spend a lot of time being funny and not really getting it (remember the tomato scene at Weathertop?). And yet, how often does the humor lift the hearts of those who are unable to lift their own? Or how each of them says something which inspires others to take up the fight against darkness and shadow. The Ents go to war my friend. Even Pip is noble and loyal and brave where it matters. Heroic deeds can sometimes be as small as lighting one tiny fire or looking for a friend who is lost after a battle.
Recently, I had this brought back to me in a very touching way. While at the Missionary Training Center for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I met another sister whom I had known at BYU in the Tree Streets. She was going to a European mission and I was headed for NYC. I bumped into her right before I left, and then I wrote her a letter. I may have seen her one other time, but I don't recall. In fact, I didn't recall this incident at all until yesterday. You see, she wrote me all these years later, to talk to me about it. And I'll be honest, it really touched my heart. Her thank you meant the world. And it meant a lot to know that one letter mattered. I had no idea that one letter would make a difference like that; it certainly wasn't my intention when I wrote it. I just wrote it because I wanted to tell her some things. And I bet she had no idea that when she wrote that thank you, it was exactly when I needed to hear it. Over the course of my life, I have found an accumulation of evidence which leads me to know that Heavenly Father is incredibly aware of us and what we need in our life. And that He send the Holy Ghost to prompt us, to touch our minds and hearts to reach out to others in small ways which touch deep into our core and lift us in those moments when we cannot lift ourselves. We are not alone. And the God who is aware of a sparrow, is aware of us. Never be afraid to do something kind, whether in the moment, or in a moment of reflection. No truly good deed is in vain.
Did that girl ever write Superman? I don't know. I'd like to think she did. And I'd like to think that on a hard day, he pulled that letter out--that 'thank you' from one small girl. That 'thank you' meant more to him than any Daily Planet kudos or letter from the Mayor or day named in his honor. Because that one, that letter with the kitty paw print in the corner, came straight from the heart about something that mattered in her life and in her cat's. It isn't the big things, it's the little things done because we mean them. Do a good turn daily isn't just for scouts. It's for heroes and heroes in training and sidekicks too!
Thanks to this sister, who felt inspired to send a thank you out into the universe. And thank you Superman, for getting the cat out of the tree.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Thanksgiving
Wow. It has been a long time since I last blogged. Life has kept me busy. It is now raining steadily, as Oregon winter weather demands. But I hear snow is on the horizon.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Small Miracles
So, this past weekend, I flew to Montana to pick up my stuff and flew back. I say 'flew' because it was a very fast trip. Wednesday night, my dad and I made it to the Tricities. The next day, at 5am, we took off to Missoula. We got in at about 10:30a.m., picked up the U-Haul at 11, and finished packing by 2:30pm. Then, by 3pm, we turned around and headed back to the Tricities, pulling in at about 9pm. Like I said, fast trip.
Now, for the miracles. There is no way we should have been able to pack in such a short amount of time. I had enough stuff to fill a 2 bedroom apartment and it was just my dad and I. But Heavenly Father gave us the strength and we did it. Second, do you know how much stuff I have? Yet it all fit in to the 14 foot truck with maybe an inch only to spare. The weather was looking pretty bad, but after our prayers, the rain held off until just after we finished. Turns out, a friend told me it snowed the next day. If we had waited, we'd have had a hard time driving safely.
I love how the Lord cares about the things we do in life. Not just massive, life changing moments, but little things that would make life a bit harder or easier for you. I remember shortly after my mission that I came home and tried a single's ward in Oregon. It was fast and testimony meeting and the Bishop got up and said that the Lord doesn't care about your wants. He only takes care of your needs. It felt really wrong to me then b/c, throughout my life and especially on my mission, I saw the Lord grant many tender little mercies that were not 'needed' but certainly made a difference. I still hold to that. The Lord has granted me a sunny day on my birthday when I prayed for it and He notices when a sparrow falls. Miracles happen in big and small ways, in the big picture and in the tiny details. Maybe you just have to know how to see His hand in everything. Like Alma, I have all things as a witness. And now, I have one more to add to the list.
Now, for the miracles. There is no way we should have been able to pack in such a short amount of time. I had enough stuff to fill a 2 bedroom apartment and it was just my dad and I. But Heavenly Father gave us the strength and we did it. Second, do you know how much stuff I have? Yet it all fit in to the 14 foot truck with maybe an inch only to spare. The weather was looking pretty bad, but after our prayers, the rain held off until just after we finished. Turns out, a friend told me it snowed the next day. If we had waited, we'd have had a hard time driving safely.
I love how the Lord cares about the things we do in life. Not just massive, life changing moments, but little things that would make life a bit harder or easier for you. I remember shortly after my mission that I came home and tried a single's ward in Oregon. It was fast and testimony meeting and the Bishop got up and said that the Lord doesn't care about your wants. He only takes care of your needs. It felt really wrong to me then b/c, throughout my life and especially on my mission, I saw the Lord grant many tender little mercies that were not 'needed' but certainly made a difference. I still hold to that. The Lord has granted me a sunny day on my birthday when I prayed for it and He notices when a sparrow falls. Miracles happen in big and small ways, in the big picture and in the tiny details. Maybe you just have to know how to see His hand in everything. Like Alma, I have all things as a witness. And now, I have one more to add to the list.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Charlie Brown
So, as you may or may not recall, last year there was a shortage on waffles, which I blogged about in 'wailing for waffles'. This year, the shortage is...wait for it...
Pumpkin. As in, pumpkin pie, pumpkin. That's right. There are only a few (read, I think, 2) pumpkin factories in America. As I understand it, one was shut down and something happened to the other. Or maybe it was the crops. There is no Libby can of pumpkin at the local Fred Meyers. Or Wal Mart.
I feel like we have entered the Depression shortage years, the beginning of the Communist bread lines. First no waffles, now no pumpkin. It starts out small, what you eat in the morning. Then it moves to a national holiday. Next, it will be toothpaste and insulin.
Is there no way to fix this? Aren't there literally hundreds of thousands of people without jobs in America? Don't tell me there isn't a demand for it. This is PUMPKIN we are talking about. It's been in demand since food in America was. They ate pumpkin in Plymouth people. (Yes, I liked the alliteration too.) I have horrifying visions of mothers with 5 kids and little old ladies shoving each other for the last can so they can make cookies and breads and pie. I worry for the state of the Union.
The pumpkin we tried to grow never made it due to a late summer, an early fall, and some vampire squirrel that left incisor marks. (Think Bunnicula. Great children's series, by the way.)
Now, I'm not saying that no pumpkin will ruin the country. But I do think it's telling. And when you sit around with your family this fall and there's no pumpkin pie (presuming the issue isn't resolved), I think you'll notice. It's like that Kenny Rogers' song "we even lost Superman". Something in America has been floundering a long, long time. But it's taken some pretty hard knocks to get the majority of people ready to get out of the house and do something about it. A pumpkin shortage isn't the first indicator, nor will it be the last. But it is an indicator.
Once again, it's essential that we know our leaders, understand history and economics, and be willing to fight to keep integrity and the founding principles. It's not just big things, like freedom of religion and speech (though those are, without question, essential to liberty), it's the little things too...things that are a part of our national identity and creation. Removing that one piece of pie seems a bit more significant.
Let's hope, like Linus, that we see The Great Pumpkin this year.
Pumpkin. As in, pumpkin pie, pumpkin. That's right. There are only a few (read, I think, 2) pumpkin factories in America. As I understand it, one was shut down and something happened to the other. Or maybe it was the crops. There is no Libby can of pumpkin at the local Fred Meyers. Or Wal Mart.
I feel like we have entered the Depression shortage years, the beginning of the Communist bread lines. First no waffles, now no pumpkin. It starts out small, what you eat in the morning. Then it moves to a national holiday. Next, it will be toothpaste and insulin.
Is there no way to fix this? Aren't there literally hundreds of thousands of people without jobs in America? Don't tell me there isn't a demand for it. This is PUMPKIN we are talking about. It's been in demand since food in America was. They ate pumpkin in Plymouth people. (Yes, I liked the alliteration too.) I have horrifying visions of mothers with 5 kids and little old ladies shoving each other for the last can so they can make cookies and breads and pie. I worry for the state of the Union.
The pumpkin we tried to grow never made it due to a late summer, an early fall, and some vampire squirrel that left incisor marks. (Think Bunnicula. Great children's series, by the way.)
Now, I'm not saying that no pumpkin will ruin the country. But I do think it's telling. And when you sit around with your family this fall and there's no pumpkin pie (presuming the issue isn't resolved), I think you'll notice. It's like that Kenny Rogers' song "we even lost Superman". Something in America has been floundering a long, long time. But it's taken some pretty hard knocks to get the majority of people ready to get out of the house and do something about it. A pumpkin shortage isn't the first indicator, nor will it be the last. But it is an indicator.
Once again, it's essential that we know our leaders, understand history and economics, and be willing to fight to keep integrity and the founding principles. It's not just big things, like freedom of religion and speech (though those are, without question, essential to liberty), it's the little things too...things that are a part of our national identity and creation. Removing that one piece of pie seems a bit more significant.
Let's hope, like Linus, that we see The Great Pumpkin this year.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Montana
Well, gang, the time has come to finally bite the bullet and move all my stuff from MT. I held it there because 1) it was cheaper than a storage unit 2 states away and 2) there was the possibility I would come back. Now the second is still true, but if that happens in the future, hopefully it won't happen within a few months so I wasted the $600 it'll cost. In the meantime, I get to head out on a roadtrip with my dad. He's awesome like that. Every time I've needed stuff moved or, say, driven to a middle-of-nowhere state to see if there's a job available, he's come with me. And that means a lot. I love getting to have some one-on-one time with him and talk about philosophy, religion, and life in general in a way that we never get to do when we're busy with school, jobs, families, jobs, church, jobs, house painting, jobs...you get the idea.
I also love that I am going to be in MT (albeit for the briefest span of two days) in the fall. Fall is already my favorite time of year in the Rockies b/c of the changing leaves and the crisp morning air and all the good social events that occur (from fall harvest, to corn mazes, to bonne bouche, to pumpkin carving). I love Oregon for the green, but I do miss those blazes of color you find up in Missoula's Rattlesnake. Maybe some day I'll take a vacation that doesn't involve moving or looking for a job and just really enjoy the town, events, and mountains like I used to.
I also love that I am going to be in MT (albeit for the briefest span of two days) in the fall. Fall is already my favorite time of year in the Rockies b/c of the changing leaves and the crisp morning air and all the good social events that occur (from fall harvest, to corn mazes, to bonne bouche, to pumpkin carving). I love Oregon for the green, but I do miss those blazes of color you find up in Missoula's Rattlesnake. Maybe some day I'll take a vacation that doesn't involve moving or looking for a job and just really enjoy the town, events, and mountains like I used to.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Wedding
Apparently, I skipped the entire month of August this year. Crazy. And September will fly by as well. This weekend I have a wedding to attend. Congratulations to the couple in love! After that, I head off to MT to pick up my stuff I've had stored there for over a year and make the official close on Montana. Within two weeks I will have seen a beginning and an ending. And have lots of car time to think about a lot of things.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Cape Disappointment Part 2
It's been a few weeks since I wrote last. And in that time, I finally took the plunge and decided to go see Cape Disappointment. Early one Saturday morning, I got up, packed some snacks, borrowed my sister's small backpack, and took off into the unknown. Driving down Oregon's highway 30 to the coast, I passed narrow, winding roads, nestled in between forests. About halfway there, I drove into a bit of mist and fog. That, coupled with the dense forests and dark pine, I felt like I was truly escaping my world and traveling into a world known only to Lewis and Clark.
The drive was about two hours, but it was worth it for the view. I must say, I am not a fan of the incredibly long bridge in Astoria which spans the Columbia River's mouth and seems like you are really driving across water (minus the faith to keep you up in the storm).
On the other side, it is not far to Ilwaco, WA and that is a town I must explore another day. A combination of cute beach and state park town, it has the feel of people who live where most of us only vacation. The winters might be cold and gray, but what a way to go.
When I got to the park, I had most of it to myself. Those who camp there were located in another area and the Interpretive Center hadn't opened up yet. So, I took off to see the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse. On my way up and down forest trails, I saw a fluffy brown bunny (who would show up randomly throughout my day in other parts of the park--either he is really fast, or he has a lot of siblings), hundreds of beautiful birds, and scenery I wished I could stay forever for. The lighthouse on this side isn't open to the public (that's the one on the other side of the Cape) but you do have a small beach cove that, had I not been alone, I would have climbed down for and spent some serious time. At one point, I climbed up a seated platform area and watched the waves crash on rocks where seagulls and cormorants landed and took off from, waves swirl around underwater caves, and always the cries of the gulls and the sound of the surf. I have always loved that sound. Here, there was nothing to block that. I spent quite awhile just sitting, listening.
After that, it was off to the Interpretive Center where, prior to its opening, you can hear Native flute music playing on the wind. Look quick enough, and you'll find the guy who plays around the abandoned fort section. He ducks out of sight, so you'll have to be sneaky. It took me a few minutes to realize it was not music piped in over hidden loudspeakers. I was both amused and perplexed, but mostly amused. The Center itself costs $5.00 and is worth visiting once for the history, the bathrooms, and the tourist trap charging you a ridiculous amount for postcards and all things a state park will try to sell you. (Giant stuffed crap anyone? I got one. My border collie loved ripping it's eyes out. It is still fun to play with.)
Next I checked out the other lighthouse. Very windy stairs. Do not go up if you are prone to dizziness or motion sickness. Even I felt a little lightheaded by the top. And of course, don't forget to skip the flip-flops if you want in. But spectacular views. If only the tour guide stopped talking and removed that little rope that prevents you from going outside.
I ended my park trip by driving to Dead Man's Cove (Which is no longer really a cove, nor is there a dead man--at least as far as I could tell. This seems like false advertising and I am still tempted to write a letter but, Oregon being in a budget crisis like every other state, I decided to forego it. They'll never get around to answering me anyway. Bureaucrats.) But if you want to hike a very long trail that I am told does actually lead to a beach somewhere or just stand on the bridge, listening to a lot of new bird songs and see hummngbirds and a 1 inch long yellow bird zip around while munching on reeses pieces, I recommend it as well.
Driving home I stopped by a Lavender Garden. I must say that I thought it had some of the most picturesque areas of any garden I've been in (outside of my family's, of course). And I thought the chickens and rooster worthy of a prize. The turkey was fun too, though I felt sad for the little quails. I wanted to let them all go. Then I wanted to chase them. I swear, I'm half four-legged deep down. You can rent out the guest house and there is even an outdoor tub. If you don't connect that with the telescope up in the treehouse about 50 yards away, you'll probably have a great time. Artists are always welcome and they have an annual tea party. An overpriced gift shop will sell you tea sets for $40.00 or slightly crumbly, dried fudge, which I passed on. Go for pictures, not for fudge, but DO leave a donation. The efforts of this couple for the past 30 years is well worth a few dollars out of your pocket. And you get free samples of mint, plus the overwhelming urge to take a nap on the grass as the lavender wafts through the air and caresses you into sleepy acceptance. You just might find yourself nodding to fudge or, like myself, almost taking a sample spoon out of the discard jar instead of where they are cleverly hidden inside a covered sugar. Whoops!
Home again, home again, jiggity jig. The ride home was in sunshine and good tunes. It was very worthwhile and I can't wait to go again.
The drive was about two hours, but it was worth it for the view. I must say, I am not a fan of the incredibly long bridge in Astoria which spans the Columbia River's mouth and seems like you are really driving across water (minus the faith to keep you up in the storm).
On the other side, it is not far to Ilwaco, WA and that is a town I must explore another day. A combination of cute beach and state park town, it has the feel of people who live where most of us only vacation. The winters might be cold and gray, but what a way to go.
When I got to the park, I had most of it to myself. Those who camp there were located in another area and the Interpretive Center hadn't opened up yet. So, I took off to see the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse. On my way up and down forest trails, I saw a fluffy brown bunny (who would show up randomly throughout my day in other parts of the park--either he is really fast, or he has a lot of siblings), hundreds of beautiful birds, and scenery I wished I could stay forever for. The lighthouse on this side isn't open to the public (that's the one on the other side of the Cape) but you do have a small beach cove that, had I not been alone, I would have climbed down for and spent some serious time. At one point, I climbed up a seated platform area and watched the waves crash on rocks where seagulls and cormorants landed and took off from, waves swirl around underwater caves, and always the cries of the gulls and the sound of the surf. I have always loved that sound. Here, there was nothing to block that. I spent quite awhile just sitting, listening.
After that, it was off to the Interpretive Center where, prior to its opening, you can hear Native flute music playing on the wind. Look quick enough, and you'll find the guy who plays around the abandoned fort section. He ducks out of sight, so you'll have to be sneaky. It took me a few minutes to realize it was not music piped in over hidden loudspeakers. I was both amused and perplexed, but mostly amused. The Center itself costs $5.00 and is worth visiting once for the history, the bathrooms, and the tourist trap charging you a ridiculous amount for postcards and all things a state park will try to sell you. (Giant stuffed crap anyone? I got one. My border collie loved ripping it's eyes out. It is still fun to play with.)
Next I checked out the other lighthouse. Very windy stairs. Do not go up if you are prone to dizziness or motion sickness. Even I felt a little lightheaded by the top. And of course, don't forget to skip the flip-flops if you want in. But spectacular views. If only the tour guide stopped talking and removed that little rope that prevents you from going outside.
I ended my park trip by driving to Dead Man's Cove (Which is no longer really a cove, nor is there a dead man--at least as far as I could tell. This seems like false advertising and I am still tempted to write a letter but, Oregon being in a budget crisis like every other state, I decided to forego it. They'll never get around to answering me anyway. Bureaucrats.) But if you want to hike a very long trail that I am told does actually lead to a beach somewhere or just stand on the bridge, listening to a lot of new bird songs and see hummngbirds and a 1 inch long yellow bird zip around while munching on reeses pieces, I recommend it as well.
Driving home I stopped by a Lavender Garden. I must say that I thought it had some of the most picturesque areas of any garden I've been in (outside of my family's, of course). And I thought the chickens and rooster worthy of a prize. The turkey was fun too, though I felt sad for the little quails. I wanted to let them all go. Then I wanted to chase them. I swear, I'm half four-legged deep down. You can rent out the guest house and there is even an outdoor tub. If you don't connect that with the telescope up in the treehouse about 50 yards away, you'll probably have a great time. Artists are always welcome and they have an annual tea party. An overpriced gift shop will sell you tea sets for $40.00 or slightly crumbly, dried fudge, which I passed on. Go for pictures, not for fudge, but DO leave a donation. The efforts of this couple for the past 30 years is well worth a few dollars out of your pocket. And you get free samples of mint, plus the overwhelming urge to take a nap on the grass as the lavender wafts through the air and caresses you into sleepy acceptance. You just might find yourself nodding to fudge or, like myself, almost taking a sample spoon out of the discard jar instead of where they are cleverly hidden inside a covered sugar. Whoops!
Home again, home again, jiggity jig. The ride home was in sunshine and good tunes. It was very worthwhile and I can't wait to go again.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Cape Disappointment
This weekend, my sister and I, along with a friend, and friends of the friend, were going to hike Cape Disappointment and see the lighthouse. But, alas, northwest weather being what it is, it didn't happen. The website warned that the trails get "mucky" when it rains. I always find that when the actual website warns about unpleasant hiking conditions, you should probably listen.
So that was disappointing.
Know what else is disappointing? When people lie to you. Case in point: raisinets.
My love affair with these chocolatey-covered pieces of fruit began as a fifth-grader, selling easter candy. Mint meltaways were good. Chocolate covered raisins were better. Then I grew up and realized that there was a company that made them year round. Oh the joy! Each bite in my mouth was, as they say, "chocolate covered sunshine."
Except it wasn't. Somewhere along the way, it began to rain. They're not sunshine, they're actually chocolate covered shadows. A deep, dark secret that someone doesn't want to get out. And now I'll tell you why. Let's grab a package and read the label. Let's take a dark chocolate raisinet package (though this is also true for milk chocolate, trust me). On the back it says "Dark Chocolate Raisinets contain raisins made from lush green grapes."
Stop right there. No need to look further into antioxidant claims or how these sugary bites help maintain good health. The lie has already been told in those first few words. Green grapes.
Have you ever seen what a green grape looks like when dried out? Golden raisin. That's why they say chocolate covered sunshine. B/c the raisins are golden. Here's where it gets really sad and the rain starts pouring down on us. They aren't. They're regular red or purple grapes. Which make the typical browny-black raisin we know as Sunmaid (sidenote: my roommate had a Sunmaid halloween costume once, pretty darn clever if you ask me). How do I know this? Well, chocolate comes off. Go buy a bag. Lick, cut, and/or bite off the chocolate on these babies. You'll see what I mean. Not a golden raisin to be found anywhere. I once went through half a bag that way just to see if I was right.
I was, of course. Three years later I buy them again and have my sister independently test my theory. Still true. Still no golden raisins.
Do you realize the depth of depravity to which this country has sunk when you can't even trust a label to tell you the truth about a raisin? A RAISIN????
Maybe they don't have a catchy slogan or commercial for the truth. Maybe it's time we, the forces of good, help them out. So here's my challenge to all of you: come up with a catchy slogan and/or commercial for raisinets. Make sure to point out the fact that they are, in fact, not made from green grapes. Send it to me and I will post the slogans and/or videos on my blog. Then, the best one, will be credited and sent to Raisinet, along with a letter and evidence of their deception. (Yes, I will actually take a bag of raisinets, lick off the chocolate, and send every single one of those licked on raisins to corporate. That's what you get for lying to the public. Chocolate licked off raisins. That'll teach you.) Hopefully, we'll help turn this country's dishonesty around. One raisinet at a time.
So that was disappointing.
Know what else is disappointing? When people lie to you. Case in point: raisinets.
My love affair with these chocolatey-covered pieces of fruit began as a fifth-grader, selling easter candy. Mint meltaways were good. Chocolate covered raisins were better. Then I grew up and realized that there was a company that made them year round. Oh the joy! Each bite in my mouth was, as they say, "chocolate covered sunshine."
Except it wasn't. Somewhere along the way, it began to rain. They're not sunshine, they're actually chocolate covered shadows. A deep, dark secret that someone doesn't want to get out. And now I'll tell you why. Let's grab a package and read the label. Let's take a dark chocolate raisinet package (though this is also true for milk chocolate, trust me). On the back it says "Dark Chocolate Raisinets contain raisins made from lush green grapes."
Stop right there. No need to look further into antioxidant claims or how these sugary bites help maintain good health. The lie has already been told in those first few words. Green grapes.
Have you ever seen what a green grape looks like when dried out? Golden raisin. That's why they say chocolate covered sunshine. B/c the raisins are golden. Here's where it gets really sad and the rain starts pouring down on us. They aren't. They're regular red or purple grapes. Which make the typical browny-black raisin we know as Sunmaid (sidenote: my roommate had a Sunmaid halloween costume once, pretty darn clever if you ask me). How do I know this? Well, chocolate comes off. Go buy a bag. Lick, cut, and/or bite off the chocolate on these babies. You'll see what I mean. Not a golden raisin to be found anywhere. I once went through half a bag that way just to see if I was right.
I was, of course. Three years later I buy them again and have my sister independently test my theory. Still true. Still no golden raisins.
Do you realize the depth of depravity to which this country has sunk when you can't even trust a label to tell you the truth about a raisin? A RAISIN????
Maybe they don't have a catchy slogan or commercial for the truth. Maybe it's time we, the forces of good, help them out. So here's my challenge to all of you: come up with a catchy slogan and/or commercial for raisinets. Make sure to point out the fact that they are, in fact, not made from green grapes. Send it to me and I will post the slogans and/or videos on my blog. Then, the best one, will be credited and sent to Raisinet, along with a letter and evidence of their deception. (Yes, I will actually take a bag of raisinets, lick off the chocolate, and send every single one of those licked on raisins to corporate. That's what you get for lying to the public. Chocolate licked off raisins. That'll teach you.) Hopefully, we'll help turn this country's dishonesty around. One raisinet at a time.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Look for the Best
Yesterday I had a training at the state Capital. The one thing I really took out of that entire 8 day training (and 3 hours in the car) was the 'bonus' video they played the last 20 minutes of the class. It was about a photographer for National Geographic named DeWitt.
The entire film was about remembering and finding what is good and right in the world. Be the best, not IN the world, but FOR the world. He pointed out that no matter where he went in the world, if he was prepared to find a beautiful landscape to photograph, he did. And if he was prepared to photograph interesting and wonderful people, he did. So often we look for and focus upon what is wrong with the world, the scam, the liar, the environmental disaster. As he pointed out, first look at what is right. That will give you the inspiration and energy to then fix what is wrong.
In my line of work people come to me in the low moments. No one comes because they are doing well and happy to see me. This is a tough thing they are going through and I am not someone they ever wanted to deal with. Yet here we are, sitting across from one another. And sometimes dealing with that day after day you forget to look up, breathe deeply, and remember that there are still so many beautiful right things happening out there. So many wonderful stories of people and families pulling together and dreams coming true.
It was nice to be reminded. And yes, it really did fill me with a sense of happiness and energy to come back and keep going. I hope you find what is right in the world today.
The entire film was about remembering and finding what is good and right in the world. Be the best, not IN the world, but FOR the world. He pointed out that no matter where he went in the world, if he was prepared to find a beautiful landscape to photograph, he did. And if he was prepared to photograph interesting and wonderful people, he did. So often we look for and focus upon what is wrong with the world, the scam, the liar, the environmental disaster. As he pointed out, first look at what is right. That will give you the inspiration and energy to then fix what is wrong.
In my line of work people come to me in the low moments. No one comes because they are doing well and happy to see me. This is a tough thing they are going through and I am not someone they ever wanted to deal with. Yet here we are, sitting across from one another. And sometimes dealing with that day after day you forget to look up, breathe deeply, and remember that there are still so many beautiful right things happening out there. So many wonderful stories of people and families pulling together and dreams coming true.
It was nice to be reminded. And yes, it really did fill me with a sense of happiness and energy to come back and keep going. I hope you find what is right in the world today.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Word of the Day
And the word of the day is not...shredder. Have you ever said something only to have it blow up in disaster? And you didn't even realize at the time it would be offensive? Me neither. But for the rest of the world, let's take a, purely, hypothetical situation.
Let's take someone, let's call her Baleea, just for kicks. And let's say that she's talking with someone elderly and asking for certain documentation. What the hey, let's say a will. And let's pretend, since this is all just pretend, that she tells Baleea that she gave a copy of the will to the office already. And let's say that she gave that copy to the office in 1982.
Here's where it gets interesting. Baleea points out that it is unlikely the office has a copy of a document given almost 30 years ago. Most likely it has been shredded.
This is where Peewee's Playhouse Word of the Day works in reverse. Instead of people screaming, jumping up and down, and laughing, imagine someone inhaling in shock, tearing up. You have unwittingly reminded them that they are human, fragile, mortal. That they have survived lung cancer but their will (or at least the office copy) has not.
Imagine the tricky dance steps Baleea now has to do, sans music, to soothe a very hurt individual while still pointing out the slim chance (but yes!!! there IS a chance) that this document somehow has survived 30 years and over 10,000 other client files. There may, in fact, be some large warehouse that the government has been paying rent on, calmly maintaining every document ever received throughout the life of an individual. Think Area 51 for paperwork. It's possible.
The good news is, this hypothetical story ends well. With Baleea apologizing and smoothing things over and a happy client leaving Baleea with a hug and a promise that she will, in fact, send another copy (since she's had the original will since the 1980's), and not to have Baleea try and hunt down a document that went into government vaults 30 years ago since that would be a misuse of time and resources.
The moral of this made-up tale? Think before you speak. And then, think again. Sometimes an off-the-cuff comment can remind someone of personal tragedy. Though you may not have meant to, you still hurt someone. Apologize and show a bit more humanity in the future.
Let's take someone, let's call her Baleea, just for kicks. And let's say that she's talking with someone elderly and asking for certain documentation. What the hey, let's say a will. And let's pretend, since this is all just pretend, that she tells Baleea that she gave a copy of the will to the office already. And let's say that she gave that copy to the office in 1982.
Here's where it gets interesting. Baleea points out that it is unlikely the office has a copy of a document given almost 30 years ago. Most likely it has been shredded.
This is where Peewee's Playhouse Word of the Day works in reverse. Instead of people screaming, jumping up and down, and laughing, imagine someone inhaling in shock, tearing up. You have unwittingly reminded them that they are human, fragile, mortal. That they have survived lung cancer but their will (or at least the office copy) has not.
Imagine the tricky dance steps Baleea now has to do, sans music, to soothe a very hurt individual while still pointing out the slim chance (but yes!!! there IS a chance) that this document somehow has survived 30 years and over 10,000 other client files. There may, in fact, be some large warehouse that the government has been paying rent on, calmly maintaining every document ever received throughout the life of an individual. Think Area 51 for paperwork. It's possible.
The good news is, this hypothetical story ends well. With Baleea apologizing and smoothing things over and a happy client leaving Baleea with a hug and a promise that she will, in fact, send another copy (since she's had the original will since the 1980's), and not to have Baleea try and hunt down a document that went into government vaults 30 years ago since that would be a misuse of time and resources.
The moral of this made-up tale? Think before you speak. And then, think again. Sometimes an off-the-cuff comment can remind someone of personal tragedy. Though you may not have meant to, you still hurt someone. Apologize and show a bit more humanity in the future.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Break Up
Recently, I was reminded by someone of how much I used to like the movie Labrynth, with David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly. And I had to laugh a bit, because, yeah, I did like that movie. I had a crush on King Jareth, The Goblin King. Keep in mind, I was just a kid. He was cool because he had magical powers and he gave Sarah a pretty dress and he could have turned out to be a good guy and made the Labrynth a beautiful place to live. As a child, it never occurred to me that he wouldn't. Not because he couldn't, but because he didn't want to. He had made significant choices in his life as to the nature of his character. He was never going to be the good guy my innocent mind believed he could be, if only he loved someone enough. Which, of course, would have been me. Uh-huh. Flash forward to my adult nature and I cringe just a bit. Not only for the fact that I so obviously misread human nature, but because I crushed on a guy who wore more makeup than I did (even in my college days) and would probably have wanted to date all the same guys I did.
Despite liking Jareth as a kid, I still loved the scene where Sarah realizes that she has done her best to fight through whatever obstacles have come, that he is NOT there to help her as he claims, that she does, in fact, have power over him and that she chooses to exercise her own personal power to drop kick him to the curb and get her baby brother back. It is a great moment. Properly amped up by synthesizers and 1980's special effects. Nice touch.
Have you ever needed to let go of someone or something like that? Maybe it's a person or even a habit. Maybe you thought it was a good thing once. Or, like me as a naive kid, that you could control the way this person or this habit manifested itself. Only, you can't. Because people and characteristics have a nature. Truth can't be a lie and a lie can't be truth. A friend of mine recently got engaged. And I am very happy for this person. And it got me thinking of how it could have gone the other way. Think of what happens when you try to keep a relationship in limbo for too long. It goes against the natural progression of a relationship to either continue to blossom and develop or end. Just hanging out for eternity in date mode is like all those people who could never get out of the labrynth. Think Garbage City.
Yet that made me think even more about the habits and character traits we hold onto, almost like someone we are dating. Some of them are love-hate relationships. Some of them are just quirky. And some are downright toxic. Would you keep a toxic boyfriend? Someone who you thought made you wonderful and happy but, as the relationshp continued, became more and more controlling and abusive. Someone who tried to change you, to destroy you. I'm talking really toxic here, not just someone who wants you to floss your teeth. Would you stay? Only if you had let this person destroy enough of your belief in yourself to think you didn't have the strength to leave or didn't deserve better. Bad habits, sins, are like that too. Why? Because there's a guy out there, we'll call him Uncle Louie, who wants to control you. Who wants to say, a lot like King Jareth did, "just love me, do as I say, and I will be your slave".
Catch the illogic of that? And yet we fall for it over and over again. Since the beginning of the history of man. You can't submit yourself to a vice and expect it to submit to you. So what should do? Break up. Quite literally if that will help you. Imagine the vice as a person. Imagine the vice the way someone who was truly that vice would actually look. Not the way you want the vice to look so you can pretend it's not really that bad. It is that bad. Remember? This is Mr. Toxic. Now, be Sarah. You are strong enough. You have fought your way through dangers untold and hardships unnumbered. You have fought your way beyond the Goblin City to take back the virtue He has stolen. Your will is a strong as His and your kingdom as great. He has no power over you.
Remember that. The light is always stronger than the darkness. Sarah was always more powerful than King Jareth. She just had to believe it and do it.
Despite liking Jareth as a kid, I still loved the scene where Sarah realizes that she has done her best to fight through whatever obstacles have come, that he is NOT there to help her as he claims, that she does, in fact, have power over him and that she chooses to exercise her own personal power to drop kick him to the curb and get her baby brother back. It is a great moment. Properly amped up by synthesizers and 1980's special effects. Nice touch.
Have you ever needed to let go of someone or something like that? Maybe it's a person or even a habit. Maybe you thought it was a good thing once. Or, like me as a naive kid, that you could control the way this person or this habit manifested itself. Only, you can't. Because people and characteristics have a nature. Truth can't be a lie and a lie can't be truth. A friend of mine recently got engaged. And I am very happy for this person. And it got me thinking of how it could have gone the other way. Think of what happens when you try to keep a relationship in limbo for too long. It goes against the natural progression of a relationship to either continue to blossom and develop or end. Just hanging out for eternity in date mode is like all those people who could never get out of the labrynth. Think Garbage City.
Yet that made me think even more about the habits and character traits we hold onto, almost like someone we are dating. Some of them are love-hate relationships. Some of them are just quirky. And some are downright toxic. Would you keep a toxic boyfriend? Someone who you thought made you wonderful and happy but, as the relationshp continued, became more and more controlling and abusive. Someone who tried to change you, to destroy you. I'm talking really toxic here, not just someone who wants you to floss your teeth. Would you stay? Only if you had let this person destroy enough of your belief in yourself to think you didn't have the strength to leave or didn't deserve better. Bad habits, sins, are like that too. Why? Because there's a guy out there, we'll call him Uncle Louie, who wants to control you. Who wants to say, a lot like King Jareth did, "just love me, do as I say, and I will be your slave".
Catch the illogic of that? And yet we fall for it over and over again. Since the beginning of the history of man. You can't submit yourself to a vice and expect it to submit to you. So what should do? Break up. Quite literally if that will help you. Imagine the vice as a person. Imagine the vice the way someone who was truly that vice would actually look. Not the way you want the vice to look so you can pretend it's not really that bad. It is that bad. Remember? This is Mr. Toxic. Now, be Sarah. You are strong enough. You have fought your way through dangers untold and hardships unnumbered. You have fought your way beyond the Goblin City to take back the virtue He has stolen. Your will is a strong as His and your kingdom as great. He has no power over you.
Remember that. The light is always stronger than the darkness. Sarah was always more powerful than King Jareth. She just had to believe it and do it.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Good Triumphs
You know those moments in life where all of goodness is reaffirmed? The moment something really good happens to a really good person and you feel nothing but total happiness? This weekend was one of those moments.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Time for Love?
Aside from coming up with a cool name and costume, dating seems to be another difficulty for superheroes. I mean, aside from being your coworker or your archnemesis, where do you actually find that 'nice boy' your mother always hoped you'd find. Somehow, I just can't picture Superman at a single's bar. (Aside from the fact that he is America's Boy Scout and would never drink.) Can you imagine Batman posting an ad on some single's website? "SWM likes gadgets and fast cars. Looking for SF who likes flying mammals and masks."
In every story about superheroes, the one thing they can never seem to get down, is true love. Leaping over tall buildings. Check. Catching criminals. Easy. Finding and keeping true love while juggling the whole alter-ego persona? Uh-oh. Inevitably, there is one person they love who has no interest in their 'day-to-day' persona. Said person pines for the Superhero who can never reveal the truth. On top of that, when they finally do get together, villains always find out who the Superhero's special friend is and use him or her as a tool to get at the Superhero. Let's face it...dating is rough when you spend your nights chasing penguins, cats, or bald men.
Perhaps superheroes should have some kind of dating broker. Like match.com for those with special powers or skills. Of course you'd have the inevitable questions "Are you a villain? Check yes or no." "Have you spent more than 6 months in Arkham Asylum? If so, please explain how you got out and what you are doing now"... Or, they could always have a relative.
Relatives are funny things sometimes. They want what is best for you. And they're convinced that you could have the best if you just had a little helpful push. Who better to 'push' than them? Case in point: this Saturday, my aunt has set me up. What do I think? Well, I'll have dinner with a man I don't know, along with my aunt and uncle, 6 cousins, and my grandma. No matter what, you know this will make for a great story (which I won't share online). Whether it ends in late night flying over Metropolis or the realization he's my archenemy, relationships are what you make them. Best of luck in yours.
In every story about superheroes, the one thing they can never seem to get down, is true love. Leaping over tall buildings. Check. Catching criminals. Easy. Finding and keeping true love while juggling the whole alter-ego persona? Uh-oh. Inevitably, there is one person they love who has no interest in their 'day-to-day' persona. Said person pines for the Superhero who can never reveal the truth. On top of that, when they finally do get together, villains always find out who the Superhero's special friend is and use him or her as a tool to get at the Superhero. Let's face it...dating is rough when you spend your nights chasing penguins, cats, or bald men.
Perhaps superheroes should have some kind of dating broker. Like match.com for those with special powers or skills. Of course you'd have the inevitable questions "Are you a villain? Check yes or no." "Have you spent more than 6 months in Arkham Asylum? If so, please explain how you got out and what you are doing now"... Or, they could always have a relative.
Relatives are funny things sometimes. They want what is best for you. And they're convinced that you could have the best if you just had a little helpful push. Who better to 'push' than them? Case in point: this Saturday, my aunt has set me up. What do I think? Well, I'll have dinner with a man I don't know, along with my aunt and uncle, 6 cousins, and my grandma. No matter what, you know this will make for a great story (which I won't share online). Whether it ends in late night flying over Metropolis or the realization he's my archenemy, relationships are what you make them. Best of luck in yours.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Superhero in Training
Every couple of weeks now I go to the state capital for job training. The last time I went to the state capital I was in highschool and it was for a band competition. I remember it was hot and dry and kind've boring. But this go-around I have something to keep me occupied. Cousins.
This is a set of cousins who are much younger than me (by 10-20 years) and I grew up not knowing them at all. But while I'm down here, my aunt and uncle are letting me crash at their place (thank you!). So far I have learned that caramel, chocolate, and sprinkled covered pretzel sticks are REALLY sugary (and hard to chew); 17 year old girls don't eat chocolate cake in front of you; 11 year old boys will tell you just about everything; and cousins are cool.
This week, we are going to make popcorn balls (though I will have to call home for the recipe). Did you ever do this as a kid? SO much fun. Sticky, hot, messy. Fun. We are also going to hide jellybeans (I hope my aunt remembers she said we could). Growing up, this was a favorite at my house. Some of us were allergic to eggs, so we hid jellybeans instead. The good news: if you don't find them, it doesn't matter because they don't rot. The bad news: if you don't find them now, you find them ten years later and debate with yourself over whether you could still eat them. ;)
We hid jellybeans everywhere and so homes with lots of stuff are the best. (By stuff read: knick knacks with lots of color). Those small plastic grapes: perfect hiding place. The silk flower arrangement? Always a good choice. And the smaller the jellybean, the greater the challenge. Having been trained by a Jellybean Master, I find myself in the unusual position of being at the top of skills game. Which is important because my Aunt's house is done in lots and lots of neutrals, creams, and white. (With that many kids, why?) Oh well, I'll have to convince them to let me hide them in the bedrooms. (Yes, good luck with that, I know.) But, we'll see what happens.
Enjoy your week. And remember, no matter how bad it gets, jellybeans make it better.
This is a set of cousins who are much younger than me (by 10-20 years) and I grew up not knowing them at all. But while I'm down here, my aunt and uncle are letting me crash at their place (thank you!). So far I have learned that caramel, chocolate, and sprinkled covered pretzel sticks are REALLY sugary (and hard to chew); 17 year old girls don't eat chocolate cake in front of you; 11 year old boys will tell you just about everything; and cousins are cool.
This week, we are going to make popcorn balls (though I will have to call home for the recipe). Did you ever do this as a kid? SO much fun. Sticky, hot, messy. Fun. We are also going to hide jellybeans (I hope my aunt remembers she said we could). Growing up, this was a favorite at my house. Some of us were allergic to eggs, so we hid jellybeans instead. The good news: if you don't find them, it doesn't matter because they don't rot. The bad news: if you don't find them now, you find them ten years later and debate with yourself over whether you could still eat them. ;)
We hid jellybeans everywhere and so homes with lots of stuff are the best. (By stuff read: knick knacks with lots of color). Those small plastic grapes: perfect hiding place. The silk flower arrangement? Always a good choice. And the smaller the jellybean, the greater the challenge. Having been trained by a Jellybean Master, I find myself in the unusual position of being at the top of skills game. Which is important because my Aunt's house is done in lots and lots of neutrals, creams, and white. (With that many kids, why?) Oh well, I'll have to convince them to let me hide them in the bedrooms. (Yes, good luck with that, I know.) But, we'll see what happens.
Enjoy your week. And remember, no matter how bad it gets, jellybeans make it better.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Deanna Carter Curse
You know how sometimes you have a favorite song, something that everytime you hear it, something lucky happens? I have that. Only in reverse. Every time (and yes, I do mean EVERY time) I hear a song by Deanna Carter, the following string of events happen.
1. I meet a guy.
2. I like said guy.
3. Things start out swimmingly.
4. Things turn disastrous.
5. My heart is broken.
6. I slowly recover.
7. I am a-okay, happy with life, and everything is going well.
8. I hear Deanna Carter on the radio.
9. Cycle repeats itself.
(okay, maybe not quite so extreme)
I noticed this Deanna Carter curse in college. It started because I bought the cd and listened to it. Bebopping around like a typical college student. And then I got a boyfriend and I listened to the cd all the time b/c it just matched the mood. Then we broken up. And I couldn't listen to the cd for awhile b/c it reminded me of everything. Eventually, however, things were fine and I was ready to listen to Deanna. So I did. Bebopping around. Met another guy. Same thing. Eventually, I realized that maybe it was, in fact, the listening to Deanna Carter that triggered the demise of the relationship. I began to test the theory, as all sociologists do. Sure enough, I was right.
After that, I did the only logical thing I could do. I gave the cd away. (Of course, eventually, in an odd moment of defiance against fate, I bought another copy. Cycle ensued again. Now it stays in my cd collection, gathering dust.) But that didn't stop it. At the end of my mission, I drove to Montana, drove back to Oregon. On my way, I began thinking about one guy in particular and randomly, the Deanna Carter song 'Strawberry Wine' came on. I knew it was doomed. Sure enough, it did. Happened one other time while living in Montana. And just this weekend, while in Montana in a used book store, Deanna Carter's Strawberry Wine came on. There was nowhere to run, nowhere to hide. The song hit me full blast with its love curse rays. And I just took it.
So, stay tuned to see if the cycle repeats or if, at last, my superpowers have finally triumphed over the power of one country singer.
1. I meet a guy.
2. I like said guy.
3. Things start out swimmingly.
4. Things turn disastrous.
5. My heart is broken.
6. I slowly recover.
7. I am a-okay, happy with life, and everything is going well.
8. I hear Deanna Carter on the radio.
9. Cycle repeats itself.
(okay, maybe not quite so extreme)
I noticed this Deanna Carter curse in college. It started because I bought the cd and listened to it. Bebopping around like a typical college student. And then I got a boyfriend and I listened to the cd all the time b/c it just matched the mood. Then we broken up. And I couldn't listen to the cd for awhile b/c it reminded me of everything. Eventually, however, things were fine and I was ready to listen to Deanna. So I did. Bebopping around. Met another guy. Same thing. Eventually, I realized that maybe it was, in fact, the listening to Deanna Carter that triggered the demise of the relationship. I began to test the theory, as all sociologists do. Sure enough, I was right.
After that, I did the only logical thing I could do. I gave the cd away. (Of course, eventually, in an odd moment of defiance against fate, I bought another copy. Cycle ensued again. Now it stays in my cd collection, gathering dust.) But that didn't stop it. At the end of my mission, I drove to Montana, drove back to Oregon. On my way, I began thinking about one guy in particular and randomly, the Deanna Carter song 'Strawberry Wine' came on. I knew it was doomed. Sure enough, it did. Happened one other time while living in Montana. And just this weekend, while in Montana in a used book store, Deanna Carter's Strawberry Wine came on. There was nowhere to run, nowhere to hide. The song hit me full blast with its love curse rays. And I just took it.
So, stay tuned to see if the cycle repeats or if, at last, my superpowers have finally triumphed over the power of one country singer.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Out of State
Sorry for being out of touch lately. I have been in training at the state capital and will now be heading out of state for the weekend. Enjoy the good weather, and I hope to write again soon.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
The Word of Our Founders
There's been a lot of controversy lately surrounding the healthcare bill that just passed and whether or not it's constitutional. As a lawyer, I swore an oath (just like the President and members of Congress) to uphold the Constitution. And yet, to be completely honest, not once in my entire law school career was I ever required to read it. Not even in my TWO constitutional law classes. This, despite the fact that every lawyer, judge, and holder of political office swears to uphold it (or a state's constitution, as a lawyer admitted to both a state and federal court, I swore to uphold both). The Constitution is seen as our foundational document, the document upon which all other law rests. It is the supreme law of the land.
So it should come as no surprise that there is controversy about it. What does it mean? Those who wanted this healthcare bill stated that it was a constitutional right. Those who opposed it said it was not. Which is the truth? Unsurprisingly, it depends upon how you view the Constitution; whether you believe in original intent or a living document. Allow me to divert for a moment to another law that finds itself in this same debate: holy law.
There are several religions throughout the world that have scripture; holy text they consider to be the word of God. The Islamic religion has the Koran, Christians have the Bible, Jews have the Torah, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Pearl of Great Price, and Doctrine and Covenants (to start). All adherents to these religions are sometimes referred to by Muslims as "people of the book" because they all have written text (spiritual law) which they adhere to.
For a long time I have watched the debate surrounding Christianity and the Bible. Some say that the Bible is the word of God and should be followed literally. When it says stone someone, you pick up a rock; where it talks about hair length, beards, and clothing you follow; where it says to cover your head, you get a veil or hat. This side believes that scripture is the word of God and as such should be obeyed in even the "little" things. No one can add or take away from it without suffering God's wrath. They are, in my analogy, the extreme version of original intent. Look at the words, and only the words, held within the document and do not deviate. If it isn't there, it isn't a constitutional right.
There is another group that says that scripture were written, not by God, but by men (or by a God who has now abandoned us) because so much of what is in there is cultural only and does not apply to a modern, Western world. These people feel that you need to look at the words for how they apply today. And that can lead to any of the following: stating that some things are obsolete and should be ignored, reading current culture and opinions into what is written for new (and sometimes very different) interpretations, or cherry picking which parts of the holy word you choose to believe is holy and will obey. Those who believe this are those who would say that the sin of Sodom was inhospitality or that women covering their heads has no application at all today or that adultery isn't really that big of a deal. They are reading their own ideas and own views in to the religious text to create a religion they agree with. This is like those who believe the Constitution is a 'living document.' They believe that the Founders were mere men who wrote a document that does not meet current needs and so they look to the Constitution to see how it 'could' be read to protect or create something they wish to protect or create.
These two extremes in religious thought (and in constitutional debate) have existed since the beginning of both religious text and our constitution. Look into it. And yet, there is a third option. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes in holy writ. They have a LOT of it. These scriptures were written by prophets, holy men of God who declared and wrote His word, not their own. And yet, we have many things today that were never known then (internet, t.v., radio, etc.). The third option feels that you can look to holy writ to see a general rule and apply it to today's world. And then they go one step further. There are, today living, prophets and apostles who can receive further law directly from God for the entire world. And there are local leaders who receive revelation for their spheres of responsibility. And there are individuals (all individuals) who can pray and go to their Father in Heaven for revelation in their own lives (personal revelation, if you will).
This third option is also, in my belief, the way the Founders viewed what they wrote and the only option our country can take if it wishes to uphold its foundational document, stay as free as possible, and also continue to be relevant to the world around it. The Founders created the Constitution and created a way to amend it. But they also set up federal and state levels (and of course, local levels) so that problems could be addressed at the level in which they affected people (think prophets for the world, local leaders for state and city, and personal revelation for households) They said, in essence, that the Constitution was our foundation stone and in the future some things would be so important to the American people that it would need to be protected at the highest level. But that list would be quite small. And they created a process for it, an amendment process, which the American people have done before. Other things will be important to everyone (or to a region), but not an inherent human right; those can be created through federal law. Other things will matter to only the people within one state (state law) or city (local ordinance). In this way, the Founders showed great wisdom in understanding people and the changes that occur within the society. They provided a way for the Constitution to preserve and protect us and help us grow. Because within the Constitution they gave us the way to change when necessary; just as scripture gives us the way to maintain the truth and holy law and continue to grow.
"In the beginning was the Word. And the Word was with God. And the Word was God." Words are important. They create. Worlds. Nations. Hopes. Beliefs. This Easter, take some time to think about the Words you believe in and how the words that founded a nation should be considered and treated today.
So it should come as no surprise that there is controversy about it. What does it mean? Those who wanted this healthcare bill stated that it was a constitutional right. Those who opposed it said it was not. Which is the truth? Unsurprisingly, it depends upon how you view the Constitution; whether you believe in original intent or a living document. Allow me to divert for a moment to another law that finds itself in this same debate: holy law.
There are several religions throughout the world that have scripture; holy text they consider to be the word of God. The Islamic religion has the Koran, Christians have the Bible, Jews have the Torah, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Pearl of Great Price, and Doctrine and Covenants (to start). All adherents to these religions are sometimes referred to by Muslims as "people of the book" because they all have written text (spiritual law) which they adhere to.
For a long time I have watched the debate surrounding Christianity and the Bible. Some say that the Bible is the word of God and should be followed literally. When it says stone someone, you pick up a rock; where it talks about hair length, beards, and clothing you follow; where it says to cover your head, you get a veil or hat. This side believes that scripture is the word of God and as such should be obeyed in even the "little" things. No one can add or take away from it without suffering God's wrath. They are, in my analogy, the extreme version of original intent. Look at the words, and only the words, held within the document and do not deviate. If it isn't there, it isn't a constitutional right.
There is another group that says that scripture were written, not by God, but by men (or by a God who has now abandoned us) because so much of what is in there is cultural only and does not apply to a modern, Western world. These people feel that you need to look at the words for how they apply today. And that can lead to any of the following: stating that some things are obsolete and should be ignored, reading current culture and opinions into what is written for new (and sometimes very different) interpretations, or cherry picking which parts of the holy word you choose to believe is holy and will obey. Those who believe this are those who would say that the sin of Sodom was inhospitality or that women covering their heads has no application at all today or that adultery isn't really that big of a deal. They are reading their own ideas and own views in to the religious text to create a religion they agree with. This is like those who believe the Constitution is a 'living document.' They believe that the Founders were mere men who wrote a document that does not meet current needs and so they look to the Constitution to see how it 'could' be read to protect or create something they wish to protect or create.
These two extremes in religious thought (and in constitutional debate) have existed since the beginning of both religious text and our constitution. Look into it. And yet, there is a third option. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes in holy writ. They have a LOT of it. These scriptures were written by prophets, holy men of God who declared and wrote His word, not their own. And yet, we have many things today that were never known then (internet, t.v., radio, etc.). The third option feels that you can look to holy writ to see a general rule and apply it to today's world. And then they go one step further. There are, today living, prophets and apostles who can receive further law directly from God for the entire world. And there are local leaders who receive revelation for their spheres of responsibility. And there are individuals (all individuals) who can pray and go to their Father in Heaven for revelation in their own lives (personal revelation, if you will).
This third option is also, in my belief, the way the Founders viewed what they wrote and the only option our country can take if it wishes to uphold its foundational document, stay as free as possible, and also continue to be relevant to the world around it. The Founders created the Constitution and created a way to amend it. But they also set up federal and state levels (and of course, local levels) so that problems could be addressed at the level in which they affected people (think prophets for the world, local leaders for state and city, and personal revelation for households) They said, in essence, that the Constitution was our foundation stone and in the future some things would be so important to the American people that it would need to be protected at the highest level. But that list would be quite small. And they created a process for it, an amendment process, which the American people have done before. Other things will be important to everyone (or to a region), but not an inherent human right; those can be created through federal law. Other things will matter to only the people within one state (state law) or city (local ordinance). In this way, the Founders showed great wisdom in understanding people and the changes that occur within the society. They provided a way for the Constitution to preserve and protect us and help us grow. Because within the Constitution they gave us the way to change when necessary; just as scripture gives us the way to maintain the truth and holy law and continue to grow.
"In the beginning was the Word. And the Word was with God. And the Word was God." Words are important. They create. Worlds. Nations. Hopes. Beliefs. This Easter, take some time to think about the Words you believe in and how the words that founded a nation should be considered and treated today.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Dreaming
I have a friend that, lately, has been feeling discouraged about what he does and whether or not it makes a difference. He's wondering if it's time to quit the particular fight he's in; leave those things for someone else. And it's got me thinking about the state of the world right now, particularly America. Why do things if they don't seem to make a difference anymore or won't?
This morning, at about 3:00 a.m., I woke up from a dream where I was singing (in my best Peter O'Toole impersonation) 'The Impossible Dream' while riding a horse out in the woods, momentarily looking for a place to use the "Powder Room". I said something to one of the other women riding a horse and going in the opposite direction (an archnemesis of mine from the 4th grade, though in the dream she was also an adult). I asked her "isn't this is why we do it, to hold back the dark?" Then she rode away and I started singing.
For those of you who have never seen the musical, Man of La Mancha, I recommend it. It's not a kids' movie; it deals with a lot of concepts that are not for kids and maybe that's why I hated it as a kid, I couldn't understand. But as an adult, I can't get through it without crying. It's not a happy movie. It's a play that needed to be written and a movie that needed to be made. In case you've never read the book Don Quixote (which I haven't, but I own--so yes, these are the movie cliffnotes) it's a story about an actor in Spain who is arrested and sentenced to be executed. He is thrown in prison with murderers and thieves and prostitutes and they decide he should entertain them, etc. He puts on a play Don Quixote de la Mancha and all the prisoners play roles. He is, of course, Don Quixote, the knight errant, setting out to right all wrongs, to launch a crusade. He has a faithful squire, Sancho, and he finds a beautiful lady, Dulcinella. Together they face the world.
But of course, Sancho is not really a squire, just a friend who set off with an old man to make sure he didn't hurt himself and Dulcinella is really a named Eldonsa, the whore, who thinks the old man is crazy. During the course of this movie a lot of things, some beautiful, some sad, and some quite ugly, happen. People's true natures are revealed. In the end, Don Quixote has forgotten who he is and lies dying. Sancho and Eldonsa (who now reminds him that he called her Dulcinella--an important message about her gained belief in her true worth) arrive and sing to him lyrics they heard him sing once himself, lyrics to the impossible dream. He remembers who he is and what he is doing. He sings with them. Then he dies. The play is complete. We return to the prison. The actor has been summoned to his execution. As he marches up the stairs to that door, the thieves and murderers and prostitutes begin singing The Impossible Dream. His dream, his beliefs, have touched them all, even if only for a moment. And they are changed. He walks out that door to his execution. End of movie.
What my friend does matters. What you do, every day, the way you live your life, it matters. Yes, sometimes you won't see the change. But it does matter. It changes you and when you change yourself, even a little, you cannot help but change another person. Your life being spent in the service of God, in fulfilling your daily work with the best that is in you, that changes the world. No matter what it is. Even a little light can cast away the darkness. It doesn't matter if the world does end tomorrow, today we fight. It doesn't matter if the economy collapses, today we strive. And it doesn't matter if tomorrow the darkness unleashes all its might against us, today we spread the light.
Abinadi was, and it is only my opinion, the greatest missionary in the entire Book of Mormon. And he died, tortured by fire. In the last few moments of his life, he did not know if Alma escaped or not. He did not know that testifying of the Savior before King Noah made any difference. He did it anyway. His story and the eventual conversion of hundreds of thousands of people make my point. And what if no one had changed? What if, like Nephi, he did what was right always towards his brothers and ultimately still had to flee from them b/c of their murderous intents and they and their children continually tried to kill Nephi and his children? Did what Nephi do matter? To all those who later were brought to a realization of the truth and repented of their bloodthirstiness, yes, it did. Could they have found the truth if the truth had lost its way as well?
Don't give up. You matter. Each day. Whether you pump gas, flip burgers, raise children, have a Ph.D., are a student, waive a sign, study DNA, use a law degree, sew clothes, love a pet, WHATEVER. Do whatever you do at this moment with the best that is in you. Change the world around you by living the impossible dream.
"The Impossible Dream"
from MAN OF LA MANCHA (1972)
music by Mitch Leigh and lyrics by Joe Darion
To dream the impossible dream
To fight the unbeatable foe
To bear with unbearable sorrow
To run where the brave dare not go
To right the unrightable wrong
To love pure and chaste from afar
To try when your arms are too weary
To reach the unreachable star
This is my quest
To follow that star
No matter how hopeless
No matter how far
To fight for the right
Without question or pause
To be willing to march into Hell
For a heavenly cause
And I know if I'll only be true
To this glorious quest
That my heart will lie peaceful and calm
When I'm laid to my rest
And the world will be better for this
That one man, scorned and covered with scars
Still strove with his last ounce of courage
To reach the unreachable star
This morning, at about 3:00 a.m., I woke up from a dream where I was singing (in my best Peter O'Toole impersonation) 'The Impossible Dream' while riding a horse out in the woods, momentarily looking for a place to use the "Powder Room". I said something to one of the other women riding a horse and going in the opposite direction (an archnemesis of mine from the 4th grade, though in the dream she was also an adult). I asked her "isn't this is why we do it, to hold back the dark?" Then she rode away and I started singing.
For those of you who have never seen the musical, Man of La Mancha, I recommend it. It's not a kids' movie; it deals with a lot of concepts that are not for kids and maybe that's why I hated it as a kid, I couldn't understand. But as an adult, I can't get through it without crying. It's not a happy movie. It's a play that needed to be written and a movie that needed to be made. In case you've never read the book Don Quixote (which I haven't, but I own--so yes, these are the movie cliffnotes) it's a story about an actor in Spain who is arrested and sentenced to be executed. He is thrown in prison with murderers and thieves and prostitutes and they decide he should entertain them, etc. He puts on a play Don Quixote de la Mancha and all the prisoners play roles. He is, of course, Don Quixote, the knight errant, setting out to right all wrongs, to launch a crusade. He has a faithful squire, Sancho, and he finds a beautiful lady, Dulcinella. Together they face the world.
But of course, Sancho is not really a squire, just a friend who set off with an old man to make sure he didn't hurt himself and Dulcinella is really a named Eldonsa, the whore, who thinks the old man is crazy. During the course of this movie a lot of things, some beautiful, some sad, and some quite ugly, happen. People's true natures are revealed. In the end, Don Quixote has forgotten who he is and lies dying. Sancho and Eldonsa (who now reminds him that he called her Dulcinella--an important message about her gained belief in her true worth) arrive and sing to him lyrics they heard him sing once himself, lyrics to the impossible dream. He remembers who he is and what he is doing. He sings with them. Then he dies. The play is complete. We return to the prison. The actor has been summoned to his execution. As he marches up the stairs to that door, the thieves and murderers and prostitutes begin singing The Impossible Dream. His dream, his beliefs, have touched them all, even if only for a moment. And they are changed. He walks out that door to his execution. End of movie.
What my friend does matters. What you do, every day, the way you live your life, it matters. Yes, sometimes you won't see the change. But it does matter. It changes you and when you change yourself, even a little, you cannot help but change another person. Your life being spent in the service of God, in fulfilling your daily work with the best that is in you, that changes the world. No matter what it is. Even a little light can cast away the darkness. It doesn't matter if the world does end tomorrow, today we fight. It doesn't matter if the economy collapses, today we strive. And it doesn't matter if tomorrow the darkness unleashes all its might against us, today we spread the light.
Abinadi was, and it is only my opinion, the greatest missionary in the entire Book of Mormon. And he died, tortured by fire. In the last few moments of his life, he did not know if Alma escaped or not. He did not know that testifying of the Savior before King Noah made any difference. He did it anyway. His story and the eventual conversion of hundreds of thousands of people make my point. And what if no one had changed? What if, like Nephi, he did what was right always towards his brothers and ultimately still had to flee from them b/c of their murderous intents and they and their children continually tried to kill Nephi and his children? Did what Nephi do matter? To all those who later were brought to a realization of the truth and repented of their bloodthirstiness, yes, it did. Could they have found the truth if the truth had lost its way as well?
Don't give up. You matter. Each day. Whether you pump gas, flip burgers, raise children, have a Ph.D., are a student, waive a sign, study DNA, use a law degree, sew clothes, love a pet, WHATEVER. Do whatever you do at this moment with the best that is in you. Change the world around you by living the impossible dream.
"The Impossible Dream"
from MAN OF LA MANCHA (1972)
music by Mitch Leigh and lyrics by Joe Darion
To dream the impossible dream
To fight the unbeatable foe
To bear with unbearable sorrow
To run where the brave dare not go
To right the unrightable wrong
To love pure and chaste from afar
To try when your arms are too weary
To reach the unreachable star
This is my quest
To follow that star
No matter how hopeless
No matter how far
To fight for the right
Without question or pause
To be willing to march into Hell
For a heavenly cause
And I know if I'll only be true
To this glorious quest
That my heart will lie peaceful and calm
When I'm laid to my rest
And the world will be better for this
That one man, scorned and covered with scars
Still strove with his last ounce of courage
To reach the unreachable star
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